Wearable computer case and wearable computer

An externally rigid to semi-rigid wearable computer case for housing various computer components may include two different types of external sides: ventilated-sides and a non-ventilated side. In some embodiments, the wearable computer case may have four to five ventilated-sides. The ventilated-sides and the non-ventilated side together may form an enclosure for housing the various computer components. The ventilated-sides may include ventilation-holes. The ventilation-holes in a given ventilated-side may provide for a ratio of void space to non-void space (in terms of external surface area) that may be substantially from and including 0.6 to 0.4. Some embodiments may also provide for hot swap battery pack(s) that may be external to the wearable computer case and that may provide at least some electrical power to the various computer components housed within the wearable computer case. The wearable computer case and/or the hot swap battery pack(s) may be for VR/AR/MR use.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to wearable computer cases and more specifically to wearable computer cases that may be worn as a backpack; wherein the wearable computer case may comprise one or more electrical components and one or more cooling means.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Presently (circa 2016) enjoying immersed VR (virtual reality) environments is gaining in popularity; whether for gaming or other purposes, such as training. Immersion into a given VR environment often entails a wearer wearing some sort of VR headset and VR computer hardware to process VR software. When the VR computer hardware is physically separated from the wearer of the VR headset, then VR headset and any other wearer controls may need to wireless communicate with the physically separated VR computer hardware and such a need for wireless communication may create some less than desirable limitations, such as distance limitations between the wearer and the physically separated VR computer hardware and potentially bandwidth communication limitations. The art has responded to these problems by instead not separating the VR computer hardware from the wearer. That is, the art has responded with several variations of wearable backpacks that house various VR computer hardware.

For example, there may be a Zotac VR PC (personal computer) backpack; which may be a largely fabric based traditional backpack that may house various computer components. The backpack may have a flexible mesh fabric panel for ventilation purposes. However, because of the flexible nature of the largely fabric based traditional backpack such housed computer components may be largely unprotected from bumping contact with the external environment and so any such housed computer components may need additional protective coverings to protect the housed computer components from undesirable bumping contact with the external environment. Additionally, the fabric nature of such a backpack may be prone to undesirable wear, ripping, and/or tearing over time. The housed computer components appear to secured to the backpack via VELCRO straps. Such securing of the housed computer components within such a flexible backpack with VELCRO straps, may be insufficient to minimize jostling and shifting of the computer components while the wearer moves around the environment.

Alienware appears to be providing a wearable VR PC product; whereas, in the Alienware product there is not so much a backpack but a PC with attached shoulder straps. This Alienware wearable VR PC product has very little ventilation holes. There appears to be some ventilation screens on the two opposing longitudinal sides; however, overall exterior surfaces of the product are generally solid surfaces with no ventilation holes. Overall the product may not have sufficient ventilation. This minimal ventilation may present a problem of hardware overheating which may in turn then limit this wearable VR PC to computer components with less than desirable computing power. When minimal ventilation is used, this may require a greater dependence upon power consuming cooling fans; which may be less desirable as use of such cooling fans may deplete charged batteries faster. Size wise, this Alienware wearable VR PC may be similar to mounting a large laptop computer with shoulder straps and wearing on ones back. Because of this size limitation, there may not be room for a sufficient large battery back within the wearable VR PC and so this wearable VR PC may be powered with external battery packs worn on the hips of the wearer.

Omen also appears to be providing a wearable VR PC product, somewhat similar functionally to the above noted Alienware wearable VR PC. This Omen VR PC product may have less ventilation than the Alienware wearable VR PC product and thus have a similar problem of being limited in using less than desirable computing power computer components.

MSI also appears to be providing wearable VR PC products, somewhat similar functionally to the above noted Alienware wearable VR PC and the Omen wearable VR PC product. MSI appears to have provided at least two different models. One model with more ventilation holes than seen in the Alienware and Omen products, with some ventilation holes on the two opposing longitudinal sides and with some ventilation holes on a front panel (i.e., opposing the panel closest to the wearer's back). However, even in this model, there may be insufficient ventilation. MSI's second model is more akin to the Alienware wearable VR PC, i.e., appears to only have some ventilation on the two opposing longitudinal sides in certain areas towards the top. Those two opposing longitudinal sides also appear to each house a removable battery, towards the bottom. In any event, this MSI second model appears to have less than desirable ventilation.

There is a need in the art for a wearable computer case; wherein the wearable computer case has rigid to semi-rigid exterior panels to help protect internal computer components from external bumping contacts with the environment and possibly to provide fixed mounting locations for such internal computer components; and wherein these exterior panels have sufficient ventilation to minimize dependence on case cooling fans.

It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention describes an externally rigid to semi-rigid wearable computer case for housing various computer components. In some embodiments, the wearable computer case may comprise two different types of external sides: ventilated-sides and a non-ventilated side. In some embodiments, the wearable computer case may have four to five ventilated-sides. The ventilated-sides and the non-ventilated side together may form an enclosure for housing the various computer components. The ventilated-sides may comprise a plurality of ventilation-holes. In some embodiments, the plurality of ventilation-holes in a given ventilated-side may provide for a ratio of void space to non-void space (in terms of external surface area) that may be substantially from and including 0.6 to 0.4. In other embodiments, other ranges of such ratios may substantially from 0.8 to 0.4. Some embodiments may also provide for hot swap battery pack(s) that may be external to the wearable computer case and that may provide at least some electrical power to the various computer components housed within the wearable computer case. The wearable computer case and/or the hot swap battery pack(s) may be for virtual reality/augmented reality/mixed reality (VR/AR/MR, respectively) use.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a wearable computer case with external panels that are rigid to semi-rigid.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a wearable computer case with external panels that are rigid to semi-rigid in order to better protect computer components housed within the wearable computer case.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a wearable computer case with external panels that are rigid to semi-rigid in order to provide fixed and strong points of attachment for computer components housed within the wearable computer case.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a wearable computer case with external panels, wherein the external panels are comprised of ventilated-sides and a non-ventilated side.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a wearable computer case with external panels, wherein the external panels are comprised of ventilated-sides and a non-ventilated side; wherein the ventilated-sides comprise four to five ventilated-sides.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a wearable computer case with external panels, wherein the external panels are comprised of ventilated-sides and a non-ventilated side; wherein the ventilated-sides comprise a plurality of ventilation-holes.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a wearable computer case with external panels, wherein the external panels are comprised of ventilated-sides and a non-ventilated side; wherein the ventilated-sides comprise a plurality of ventilation-holes; wherein there are sufficient ventilation-holes to minimize use of case cooling fans.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a wearable computer case with external panels, wherein the external panels are comprised of ventilated-sides and a non-ventilated side; wherein the ventilated-sides comprise a plurality of ventilation-holes; wherein the ventilation-holes in a given ventilated-side may provide for a ratio of void space to non-void space (in terms of external surface area) that may be substantially from and including 0.6 to 0.4.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a hot swap battery pack that may be used to electrically power at least some of computer components housed within a wearable computer case.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a hot swap battery pack that may be used to electrically power at least some of computer components housed within a wearable computer case; wherein the hot swap battery pack may be swapped out for a fully charged hot swap battery pack with use of only one hand of a wearer of the wearable computer case.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a hot swap battery pack that may be used to electrically power at least some of computer components housed within a wearable computer case; wherein the hot swap battery pack may be rendered in a VR/AR/MR environment to facilitate swapping and battery charge monitoring.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a hot swap battery pack that may be used to electrically power at least some of computer components housed within a wearable computer case; wherein the hot swap battery pack may be comprise a chargingstatus-indicator to indicate a battery charge status of the hot swap battery pack.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention and how to make the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMERAL SCHEDULE

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, where depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, VR may refer to “virtual reality”; AR may refer to “augmented reality”; and MR may refer to “mixed reality.” And an embodiment or application for VR use may also be for AR or MR use, on other embodiments. That is, the embodiments contemplated herein may be for VR, AR, and/or MR uses.

FIG. 1may depict an embodiment of a wearable computer case100, shown from a perspective view. In some embodiments, external panels of wearable computer case100may be a substantially rigid to semi-rigid enclosure for housing computer components, such that when wearable computer case100may comprise the computer components, wearable computer case100may be a wearable computer. In some embodiments, such a wearable computer may be a wearable VR/AR/MR (virtual reality/augmented reality/mixed reality) PC (personal computer). (See e.g.,FIG. 2, an exploded view, which may depict such various computer components that may be housed within wearable computer case100.)

Continuing discussingFIG. 1, in some embodiments, the rigid to semi-rigid property of the external panels of wearable computer case100may be substantially formed from thermoformed plastics (e.g., via 3D printing, extrusion, stamping, and/or injection molding). In some embodiments, when the rigid to semi-rigid property of the external panels of wearable computer case100may be substantially formed from non-electrically conductive materials, substantially all of an interior of wearable computer case100may be lined with a fine metallic mesh to minimize uncontrolled RF (radio frequency) radiation entering or leaving wearable computer case100. In some embodiments, such thermoformed plastics may comprise various fillers for additional properties, such as glass fibers for added structural strength; and/or metal fillers to minimize control of RF (radio frequency) radiation into and/or out of wearable computer case100. In some embodiments, the rigid to semi-rigid property of the external panels of wearable computer case100may be substantially formed from one or more metals.

Continuing discussingFIG. 1, in some embodiments, wearable computer case100may be externally shaped as a substantially hollow three dimensional (3D) object, configured to house computer components. In some embodiments, this substantially hollow 3D object of wearable computer case100may be comprised of two different types of external sides: a ventilated-side101and a non-ventilated side215. (See e.g.,FIG. 2for non-ventilated side215). Continuing discussingFIG. 1, in some embodiments of wearable computer case100, there may be more than one ventilated-side101. In some embodiments, ventilated-side101may be comprised of a plurality of ventilation-holes103. In some embodiments, plurality of ventilation-holes103may be a through hole, going entirely through a given ventilated-side101, in order to provide ventilation (i.e., cooling) to the various computer components housed within wearable computer case100.

Continuing discussingFIG. 1, in some embodiments, ventilated-side101may comprise five external sides: top-panel105, bottom-panel207, front-panel109, right-side-panel111, and left-side-panel213. (Note, bottom-panel207and left-side-panel213may not be visible inFIG. 1, but may be visible inFIG. 2.) Continuing discussingFIG. 1, in some embodiments, top-panel105may be attached to front-panel109, right-side-panel111, left-side-panel213, and to non-ventilated side215. In some embodiments, front-panel109may be attached to top-panel105, right-side-panel111, left-side-panel213, and bottom-panel207. In some embodiments, right-side-panel111may be attached to front-panel109, top-panel105, bottom-panel207, and to non-ventilated side215. In some embodiments, a nature of attachment to such panels may be removable. In some embodiments, a nature of attachment to such panels may be permanent.

Continuing discussingFIG. 1, in some embodiments, top-panel105, bottom-panel207, front-panel109, right-side-panel111, and left-side-panel213may each comprise their own plurality of ventilation-holes103. In some embodiments, where two different ventilated-sides101may attach to each other, at least some ventilation-holes103may be shared between the two different bottom cover811. In some embodiments, along edges of where one given ventilated-sides101(e.g., front-panel109) is in physical communication with another different ventilated-sides101(e.g., top-panel105), there may be ventilation-holes103along such an edge.

Continuing discussingFIG. 1, in some embodiments, plurality of ventilation-holes103in a given ventilated-side101may provide for a ratio of void space to non-void space (in terms of external surface area). In some embodiments, this ratio of void space to non-void space may be from and including 0.6 to 0.4. In some embodiments, a given ventilated-side101may comprise a ratio of void space to non-void space of 0.6 to 0.4, including the range endpoints of 0.6 and 0.4 in various embodiments. In other embodiments, such ranges may be substantially from 0.8 to 0.4, including the endpoints of 0.8 and 0.4. In some embodiments, such ratios may minimize dependence upon case cooling fans. In some embodiments, such ratios may be optimal in providing both sufficient structural rigidity for wearable computer case100to function as a housing for the various computer components, while also allowing for ventilation of those various computer components. In some embodiments, ventilated-side101, plurality of ventilation-holes103, and/or these ratios, may facilitate ventilation via convection; i.e., as a given computer component housed within wearable computer case100generates heat, heated air proximate to such operating computer component may be less dense and rise, which may in turn allow for movement of cooler and more dense air to occupy volume left by the rising less dense hotter hair. Without proper ventilation, such convection is not possible. In some embodiments, ventilated-side101, plurality of ventilation-holes103, and/or these ratios, may facilitate ventilation via movements of the wearer; i.e., as the wearer of wearable computer case100moves around in an environment, air is forced into and through at least some of the plurality of ventilation-holes103; which in turn may result in desired cooling of the various computer components housed within wearable computer case100.

Continuing discussingFIG. 1, in some embodiments, wearable computer case100may comprise a means for removable attachment to the wearer. In some embodiments, this may be a harness system121. In some embodiments, harness system121may comprise at least one shoulder strap123. In some embodiments, harness system121may comprise a pair of shoulder straps123. In some embodiments, any such shoulder strap(s)123may be adjustable. In some embodiments, harness system121may comprise at least one waist strap. In some embodiments, any such waist strap may be adjustable. In some embodiments, harness system121may comprise at least one handle127. In some embodiments, shoulder strap123may be attached to non-ventilated side215. In some embodiments, the waist strap may be attached to non-ventilated side215. In some embodiments, handle127may be attached to non-ventilated side215. In some embodiments, handle127may be attached to top-panel105. In some embodiments, handle127may be attached to top-panel105and to non-ventilated side215. In some embodiments, handle127may be attached to shoulder strap(s)123. In some embodiments, shoulder strap123may be adjustable. In some embodiments, the waist strap may be adjustable. In some embodiments, shoulder strap123may be padded for wearer comfort. In some embodiments, the waist strap may be padded for wearer comfort. In some embodiments, handle127may be padded for wearer comfort. In some embodiments, harness system121, shoulder strap123, the waist strap, and/or handle127may be substantially constructed from flexible, thin, and elongate strapping and/or from flexible, thin, and elongate webbing, wherein such strapping and/or webbing may be synthetic (e.g., nylon) and/or natural (e.g., cotton, hemp, silk, leather, and the like).

In some embodiments, the wearer may be a human. In some embodiments, the wearer may be an animal. In some embodiments, the wearer may be a vehicle.

FIG. 2may depict an exploded view of an embodiment of wearable computer case100, showing internal components, including computer components, shown from an exploded perspective view.

Continuing discussingFIG. 2, in some embodiments, bottom-panel207may be attached to front-panel109, right-side-panel111, left-side-panel213, and to non-ventilated side215. In some embodiments, left-side-panel213may be attached to top-panel105, front-panel109, bottom-panel207, and to non-ventilated side215. In some embodiments, non-ventilated side215may be attached to top-panel105, bottom-panel207, right-side-panel111, and to left-side-panel213. In some embodiments, a nature of attachment to such panels may be removable. In some embodiments, a nature of attachment to such panels may be permanent.

In some embodiments, non-ventilated side215may have some holes, slots, and/or some ventilation holes; however, ventilated-sides101may have substantially more ventilation holes as compared against non-ventilated side215.

Continuing discussingFIG. 2, in some embodiments, wearable computer case100internally may comprise various structures. In some embodiments, such structures may be for air guides (e.g., for guiding air movement); air shields (e.g., for blocking air and/or heat movement); mounting plateaus (e.g., for providing a mounting substrate); and/or a baseplate. In some embodiments, wearable computer case100may comprise one or more internal structures. In some embodiments, the one or more internal structures may comprise: graphics-card-air-guide231, graphics-card-mounting-plateau233, PSU-air-shield243, motherboard-air-shield251, and baseplate220. (Note, PSU may stand for “power supply unit.”)

Continuing discussingFIG. 2, in some embodiments, one or more of graphics-card-air-guide231, graphics-card-mounting-plateau233, PSU-air-shield243, motherboard-air-shield251, and/or baseplate220may be a substantially rigid structural member. In some embodiments, one or more of graphics-card-air-guide231, graphics-card-mounting-plateau233, PSU-air-shield243, motherboard-air-shield251, and/or baseplate220may be a substantially planar member. In some embodiments, one or more of graphics-card-air-guide231, graphics-card-mounting-plateau233, PSU-air-shield243, motherboard-air-shield251, and/or baseplate220may be a substantially flat member. In some embodiments, one or more of graphics-card-air-guide231, graphics-card-mounting-plateau233, PSU-air-shield243, motherboard-air-shield251, and/or baseplate220may be a substantially solid member. In some embodiments, one or more of graphics-card-air-guide231, graphics-card-mounting-plateau233, PSU-air-shield243, motherboard-air-shield251, and/or baseplate220may be a substantially constructed from a sheet of metal and/or from a sheet of plastic. In some embodiments, one or more of graphics-card-air-guide231, graphics-card-mounting-plateau233, PSU-air-shield243, motherboard-air-shield251, and/or baseplate220may comprise one or more hole for cabling passage (note, such structures may not be shown inFIG. 2, but are well understood in the art). In some embodiments, one or more of graphics-card-air-guide231, graphics-card-mounting-plateau233, PSU-air-shield243, motherboard-air-shield251, and/or baseplate220may comprise attachment and/or mounting structure for mounting to one or more of: a given ventilated-side101, non-ventilated side215, structural-member(s)409, and/or to the various computer components (note, such structures may not be shown inFIG. 2, but are well understood in the art).

Continuing discussingFIG. 2, in some embodiments, the various computer components housed within wearable computer case100may comprise one or more of: graphics card230; PSU (power supply unit)240; PSU-fan241(for cooling the PSU240); at least one battery pack242; motherboard250; linkbox260; and/or a hard drive. In some embodiments, motherboard250may comprise one or more processors and memory for non-transitory storage of software and/or data; wherein such software may direct (control) the one or more processors. In some embodiments, linkbox260may comprise a network interface card, one or more radios for wireless communications, and/or one or more physical ports for connecting various cables. In some embodiments, each such a radio may comprise at least one antenna. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, such physical ports may comprise one or more: USB ports, HDMI ports, AN (audio visual) ports, microphone port, speaker port, coaxial cable port, external power supply port, and/or the like. In some embodiments, portions of radio antennas may extend beyond external surfaces of ventilated-side101and/or of non-ventilated side215. In some embodiments, the one or more physical ports may be accessible via openings in ventilated-side101(e.g., in top-panel105) and/or in non-ventilated side215.

Continuing discussingFIG. 2, in some embodiments, the various computer components may be in electrical and/or optical communication with each other. In some embodiments, battery pack242may provide electrical power to the various computer components. In some embodiments, PSU240may manage, control, and/or condition electrical power provided by battery pack242. In some embodiments, PSU240may be a DC (direct current) power supply unit. In some embodiments, PSU-fan241may be an electrically powered fan that may provide active air flow towards PSU240. Note, in some embodiments, PSU-fan241may be a fan to cool a specific computer component, such as PSU240; but PSU-fan241may not be intended operate as a general fan to cool the computer components housed within wearable computer case100. In some embodiments, graphics card230may be a graphics card that may be in electrical and/or optical communication with motherboard250. In some embodiments, graphics card230may process and/or calculate at least some functions associated with graphics and/or video processing. In some embodiments, graphics card230may comprise its own graphics processor. In some embodiments, graphics card230may comprise its own memory. And in that graphics memory may be non-transitorily stored firmware for operating (controlling) that graphics processor(s) of graphics card230.

Continuing discussingFIG. 2, in some embodiments, baseplate220may provide RF (radio frequency) radiation shielding between the wearer and the various computer components housed within wearable computer case100. In some embodiments, baseplate220may be attached to non-ventilated side215. In some embodiments, baseplate220and non-ventilated side215may be integral. In some embodiments, baseplate220and non-ventilated side215may be a same article of manufacture. In some embodiments, baseplate220may be a structural substrate for other structures (e.g., ventilated-side(s)101, PSU-air-shield243, and/or motherboard-air-shield251) and/or for at least some of the various computer components to attach to.

FIG. 3may depict the wearable computer case100, shown from a cross-sectional view wherein about a front half of the wearable computer case100may have been removed (including that of front-panel109). Shown inFIG. 3, computer components of: motherboard250, PSU240, battery pack242, and linkbox260. Also shown inFIG. 3, may be at least portions of some internal structures, such as: baseplate220, PSU-air-shield243, and motherboard-air-shield251. In some embodiments, at least a portion of PSU-air-shield243may be disposed between battery pack242and PSU240. In some embodiments, at least a different portion of PSU-air-shield243may be disposed between motherboard250and PSU240. In some embodiments, PSU-air-shield243may provide heat shielding between battery pack242and PSU240. In some embodiments, at least a portion of motherboard-air-shield251may be disposed between motherboard250and battery pack242. In some embodiments, motherboard-air-shield251may provide heat shielding between battery pack242and motherboard250.

In some embodiments, linkbox260(or a substantial portion thereof) may be located proximate to top-panel105and/or proximate to non-ventilated side215and/or proximate to where top-panel105and non-ventilated side215meet. In some embodiments, such proximate distances may be three inches or less. In some embodiments, portions of linkbox260(e.g., antennas and/or ports) may protrude (extend) beyond external surfaces of top-panel105and/or of non-ventilated side215and/or of where top-panel105and non-ventilated side215meet. In some embodiments, where top-panel105and non-ventilated side215meet provide a recessed opening for ports and/or for antennas of linkbox260. In some embodiments, linkbox260may comprise a on/off power button/switch for the computer components housed within wearable computer case100. In some embodiments, linkbox260and/or an area immediately surrounding at least some portion of linkbox260may be configured to permit entry and exit of RF signals; wherein this area maybe RF insulated (shielded) from inside wearable computer case100, but may be RF open to the environment outside of wearable computer case100.

FIG. 4may depict the wearable computer case100, shown from a cross-sectional view wherein substantially all of front-panel109of wearable computer case100may have been removed. In some embodiments, structural-members409of front-panel109may still be shown inFIG. 4. In some embodiments, front-panel109may comprise at least one structural-member409. In some embodiments, front-panel109may comprise at least two structural-members409. In some embodiments, each structural-member409may be an elongate structural member, acting as a girder or truss in front-panel109, providing additional structural strength to front-panel109.

FIG. 4may show graphics card230, motherboard250, PSU240, and PSU-fan241. Also shown inFIG. 4, may be portions of graphics-card-mounting-plateau233disposed beneath graphics card230. In some embodiments, graphics card230may be attached to graphics-card-mounting-plateau233. In some embodiments, graphics-card-mounting-plateau233may be attached to ventilated-side(s)101. In some embodiments, graphics-card-mounting-plateau233may be disposed between graphics card230and battery pack242.FIG. 4may also depict graphics-card-air-guide231. In some embodiments, graphics-card-air-guide231may run along an internal length of graphics card230. In some embodiments, a portion of graphics-card-air-guide231may be disposed between graphics card230and PSU-fan241. In some embodiments, a different portion of graphics-card-air-guide231may be disposed between graphics card230and motherboard250.

FIG. 5may depict the wearable computer case100, shown from a cross-sectional view wherein about a left half or more of the wearable computer case100may have been removed.FIG. 5may show graphics card230, PSU240, battery pack242, and linkbox260.FIG. 5may show PSU-air-shield243disposed between PSU240and battery pack242.FIG. 5may show graphics-card-mounting-plateau233disposed between PSU240and graphics card230.FIG. 5may also show baseplate220in communication with non-ventilated side215. In some embodiments, linkbox260may be mounted to baseplate220and/or to top-panel105.

Continuing discussingFIG. 5, in some embodiments, an exterior portion of non-ventilated side215may comprise back-padding525. In some embodiments, exterior portions of back-padding525may removably contact portions of a back of the wearer, when wearable computer case100may be removably worn by the wear; e.g., worn as a backpack. In some embodiments, back-padding525may comprise padding; such as padding used in backpacks and/or as used in upholstery. In some embodiments, back-padding525may comprise foam. In some embodiments, back-padding525may comprise an elastomeric material.

FIG. 6may depict the wearable computer case100, shown from a cross-sectional view wherein right-side-panel111of wearable computer case100may have been removed. In terms of computer components,FIG. 6may show portions of: PSU240, PSU-fan241, and motherboard250.FIG. 6may show a longitudinal (length) edge of graphics-card-mounting-plateau233.FIG. 6may show portions of graphics-card-air-guide231; wherein graphics card230may be disposed behind graphics-card-air-guide231and not shown inFIG. 6.FIG. 6may show portions of motherboard-air-shield251disposed behind motherboard250; wherein behind motherboard-air-shield251(and not shown inFIG. 6) may be portions of battery pack242.FIG. 6may show portions of PSU-air-shield243disposed between motherboard250and PSU240.

FIG. 7Amay depict a front view of different shaped exterior ventilation holes disposed in a section of ventilated-side101.FIG. 7Amay depict ventilation-hole103, ventilation-hole703a, ventilation-hole703b, ventilation-hole703c, ventilation-hole703d, ventilation-hole703e, ventilation-hole703f, ventilation-hole703g, ventilation-hole703h, and ventilation-hole703i. In some embodiments, such ventilation holes in a given ventilated-side101may comprise a two dimensional (2D) closed shaped projection when viewed from above (as in the front view ofFIG. 7A) (or as viewed orthogonally from the given ventilated-side101with the given ventilation-holes103being viewed) selected from one or more of: a polygon, with or without rounded corners; a regular polygon, with or without rounded corners; an irregular polygon, with or without rounded corners; a hexagon, with or without rounded corners; a pentagon, with or without rounded corners; a heptagon, with or without rounded corners; an octagon, with or without rounded corners; a square, with or without rounded corners; a diamond, with or without rounded corners; a triangle, with or without rounded corners; a circle; an oval; a closed corner-less freeform shape, an ellipse; a trapezoid, with or without rounded corners; a star, with or without rounded corners; a rectangle, with or without rounded corners; a semi-circle; a half oval; a half ellipse; a silhouette of an animal; a silhouette of a logo; a silhouette of a flower; a silhouette of a plant; a silhouette of a tree; and/or the like.

Continuing discussingFIG. 7A, in some embodiments, ventilation-holes103may be a hexagon shaped ventilation hole. In some embodiments, ventilation-hole703amay be a pentagon shaped ventilation hole. In some embodiments, ventilation-hole703bmay be a heptagon shaped ventilation hole. In some embodiments, ventilation-hole703cmay be an octagon shaped ventilation hole. In some embodiments, ventilation-hole703dmay be a square shaped ventilation hole. In some embodiments, ventilation-hole703emay be a diamond shaped ventilation hole. In some embodiments, ventilation-hole703fmay be a triangle shaped ventilation hole. In some embodiments, ventilation-hole703gmay be a circle shaped ventilation hole. In some embodiments, ventilation-hole703hmay be an oval shaped ventilation hole. In some embodiments, ventilation-hole703imay be a closed corner-less freeform shaped ventilation hole.

In some embodiments, a shape of ventilation holes (e.g., ventilation-hole103, ventilation-hole703a, ventilation-hole703b, ventilation-hole703c, ventilation-hole703d, ventilation-hole703e, ventilation-hole703f, ventilation-hole703g, ventilation-hole703h, or ventilation-hole703i) in a given ventilated-side101may be all be a same shape. In some embodiments, a shape of ventilation holes (e.g., ventilation-hole103, ventilation-hole703a, ventilation-hole703b, ventilation-hole703c, ventilation-hole703d, ventilation-hole703e, ventilation-hole703f, ventilation-hole703g, ventilation-hole703h, or ventilation-hole703i) in a given ventilated-side101may be mostly (majority) be the same shape. In some embodiments, a shape of ventilation holes (e.g., ventilation-hole103, ventilation-hole703a, ventilation-hole703b, ventilation-hole703c, ventilation-hole703d, ventilation-hole703e, ventilation-hole703f, ventilation-hole703g, ventilation-hole703h, and/or ventilation-hole703i) in a given ventilated-side101may be a combination of different shapes.

FIG. 7Bmay depict a perspective view of different shaped exterior ventilation holes (e.g., ventilation-hole103, ventilation-hole703a, ventilation-hole703b, ventilation-hole703c, ventilation-hole703d, ventilation-hole703e, ventilation-hole703f, ventilation-hole703g, ventilation-hole703h, and ventilation-hole703i) disposed in a section of ventilated-side101.FIG. 7Bmay show that such ventilation holes have a thickness characteristic of a thickness of the given ventilated-side101. Thus, in some embodiments, such ventilation holes (e.g., ventilation-hole103, ventilation-hole703a, ventilation-hole703b, ventilation-hole703c, ventilation-hole703d, ventilation-hole703e, ventilation-hole703f, ventilation-hole703g, ventilation-hole703h, and/or ventilation-hole703i) may be through holes, to allow air movement. In some embodiments, such ventilation holes may also be skewed to reduce air resistance and further facilitate air movement into and out of wearable computer case100.

Note the spacing of shown ventilation-holes in ventilated-side101shown inFIG. 7Aand inFIG. 7B, is not intended to limited such spacing nor to limit patterns of such shown ventilation-hole. Rather, the ventilation-holes shown in ventilated-side101shown inFIG. 7Aand inFIG. 7B, may be intended to demonstrate the ventilation-holes of various, but predetermined, shapes are expressly contemplated as aspects of various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8may depict an embodiment of hot swap battery pack800, shown from a perspective view and shown in its assembled configuration.FIG. 9may depict an exploded view of hot swap battery pack800, shown from an exploded perspective view. In some embodiments, hot swap battery pack800may provide at least some electrical power to computer components housed within wearable computer case100. In some embodiments, hot swap battery pack800may be located externally to wearable computer case100. In some embodiments, hot swap battery pack800may be removably attached to one or more of locations on the wearer, such as, but not limited to: chest, hips, upper legs, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the wearer may be wearing more than one hot swap battery pack800. Via cabling, not shown, hot swap battery pack800may be in electrical communication with one or more computer components housed within wearable computer case100. In some embodiments, a given hot swap battery pack800may comprise a battery-pack-shell801and at least one battery-cell903. In some embodiments, a given hot swap battery pack800may comprise battery-pack-shell801, at least one battery-cell903, and battery-electrodes905. In some embodiments, a given hot swap battery pack800may comprise battery-pack-shell801, two or more battery-cells903, a plurality of connector-strips907, and battery-electrodes905. In some embodiments, battery-cell903may be a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, battery-cell903may be a lithium based battery. In some embodiments, battery-cell903may be a standard sized battery. For example and without limiting the scope of the present invention, battery-cell903may be size 18650. In some embodiments, a user (e.g., the wearer) may be able to swap out and/or replace and/or re-order battery-cells903within a given battery-pack-shell801.

Continuing discussingFIG. 9, in some embodiments, for each battery-cell903there may be two connector-strips907, with one such connector-strip907located at a positive end of battery-cell903and the other such connector-strip907located at the negative end of battery-cell903. In some embodiments, a given connector-strip907may service more than one battery-cell903. In some embodiments, a given connector-strip907may provide electrical communication between two different, but adjacent battery-cells903. In some embodiments, each connector-strip907may be substantially constructed from one or more electrically conductive materials of construction (e.g., copper). In some embodiments, connector-strips907may provide for connecting battery-cells903in a parallel configuration. Paralleling battery-cells903may allow for higher currents to be drawn. In some embodiments, battery-cells903(and connector-strips907) may be arranged in “8S2P” configuration; i.e., of 8 battery-cells903in series, 2 in parallel. In some embodiments, fuse927may electrically connect such columns of battery-cells903to each other. In some embodiments, fuse927when in use may be located (housed) within battery-pack-shell801. In some embodiments, fuse927when in use may be located (housed) within battery-pack-shell801proximate to bottom cover811; wherein, in some embodiments this proximate distance may be three inches or less. In some embodiments, a given connector-strip907may physically touch two different battery-cells903at the same time, wherein where connector-strip907touches each such battery-cell903, connector-strip907may be thicker than other regions of connector-strip907. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, in some embodiments, such thickness may be about 0.5 mm (plus or minus 0.1 mm). Thus by using such connector-strips907, a wider diversity of battery-cells903from diverse manufacturers may be utilized. In some embodiments, use of connector-strips907may also provide for rebalancing of battery-cells903, which would not be possible if battery-cells903were permanently connected to each other.

Continuing discussingFIG. 9, in some embodiments, each connector-strip907there maybe one connector-strip-holder909. In some embodiments, a given connector-strip-holder909may hold a given connector-strip907.

Continuing discussingFIG. 9, in some embodiments, battery-electrodes905may comprise a pair of electrodes, i.e., a positive electrode and a negative electrode. In some embodiments, battery-electrodes905may provide for electrical communication between the at least one battery-cell903(or the two or more battery-cells903) and other computer components, such as PSU240. In some embodiments, battery-electrodes905may provide for electrical communication with terminally located connector-strip(s)907.

Continuing discussingFIG. 9, in some embodiments, battery-pack-shell801may house one or more of: battery-cell903, connector-strip907, and/or connector-strip-holder909. In some embodiments, battery-pack-shell801may removably house one or more of: battery-cell903, connector-strip907, and/or connector-strip-holder909. In some embodiments, battery-pack-shell801may be a substantially hollow elongate container. In some embodiments, battery-pack-shell801may comprise bottom cover811. In some embodiments, bottom cover811may cap or close off one terminal end of battery-pack-shell801. In some embodiments, battery-pack-shell801may comprise top cover913. In some embodiments, top cover913may cap or close off a remaining terminal end of battery-pack-shell801. In some embodiments, battery-electrodes905may be in communication with top cover913. In some embodiments, portions of battery-electrodes905may protrude (extend) externally from top cover913.

Continuing discussingFIG. 9, in some embodiments, a given hot swap battery pack800may be removably received in a battery-pack-holder821. In some embodiments, battery-pack-holder821may removably house at least a portion of hot swap battery pack800. In some embodiments,821may comprise a hook825. In some embodiments, an exterior of battery-pack-shell801may comprise hook-receiver925. In some embodiments, hook-receiver925may be removably engaged by hook825. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, in some embodiments, hook-receiver925may be an indentation in battery-pack-shell801. In some embodiments, hook825may further comprise a spring, such that hook825is spring loaded and design to removably engage hook-receiver925unless an opposing end of hook825is pressed to release hook825from hook-receiver925. In some embodiments, this opposing end of hook825may be press-button826. In some embodiments, the spring may be disposed between press-button826and an exterior side wall of battery-pack-holder821. In some embodiments, each electrode of battery-electrodes905may be fitted with a spring. Such springs of battery-electrodes905may press against a battery-pack-holder-top-cover829of battery-back-holder821, when hot swap battery pack800may be removably loaded into battery-back-holder821and when hook825may be removably engaging hook-receiver925; such that, when press-button826of hook825is pressed to release hook825from hook-receiver925these springs of battery-electrodes905then push hot swap battery pack800away from battery-back-holder821. Such mechanics may facilitate efficient, fast, and accurate swapping out of a depleted hot swap battery pack800for a freshly charged hot swap battery pack800; which may be important to the wearer when using wearable computer case100for VR/AR/MR (virtual reality/augmented reality/mixed reality) engagement. In some embodiments, such hot swapping of hot swap battery pack800may also be done with only one hand of the wearer.

Continuing discussingFIG. 8andFIG. 9, in some embodiments, a given battery-pack-shell801may comprise at least one positional-sensor815. In some embodiments, such positional-sensor815may be located on an exterior of battery-pack-shell801. Such positional-sensors815may be seen and/or read by VR/AR/MR hardware (e.g., special VR/AR/MR cameras [e.g., IR scanning cameras]) and then via VR/AR/MR software renders a VR/AR/MR model of hot swap battery pack800in VR/AR/MR, which may help to facilitate swapping out of hot swap battery pack800via the wearer. In some embodiments, such positional-sensor815may be reflective surfaces, configured to reflect certain wavelengths (e.g., IR [infrared]). In some embodiments, such positional-sensor815may emit certain wavelengths (e.g., IR). In some embodiments, such positional-sensor815may be LEDs (light emitting diodes); wherein such LEDs may emit certain wavelengths (e.g., IR). For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, in some embodiments, such positional-sensors815may be Lighthouse IR sensors, IR LEDs, QR codes, and/or the like.

Continuing discussingFIG. 8andFIG. 9, in some embodiments, a given battery-pack-shell801may comprise at least one charging-status-indicator816. In some embodiments, a given battery-pack-holder821may comprise at least one charging-status-indicator816. In some embodiments, a given battery-pack-holder-top-cover829may comprise at least one charging-status-indicator816. In some embodiments, charging-status-indicator816may be one or more LEDs and/or haptic feedback actuators (e.g., a rumble pack). In some embodiments, charging-status-indicator816may indicate a charging status of hot swap battery pack800; such as, fully charged, mostly depleted, partially charged, in-use, available, empty, and/or the like.

Note with respect to the materials of construction, it is not desired nor intended to thereby unnecessarily limit the present invention by reason of such disclosure.

A wearable computer case, a wearable computer, and hot swap battery packs have been described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the spirit of the invention.