COMPUTER FOR WIRELESS EXECUTION OF INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL APPLICATION PROGRAM

Abstract: A computer (10), comprising an input unit (11) and an output unit (12), at least one processor unit (13) and a first storing means (14) for the storing of the operating system of the computer. A storing unit (18) for storing a first set of application software, and being connected to the processor unit (13), is made electronic or optic. A communication unit (19) for wireless communication is connected to the processor unit (13). The computer is adjustable between a first working mode, in which the processor unit (13) executes a first set of application software loaded from the storing unit (18) in a working memory (15), and a second working mode, in which a second set of application software is executed inan external computer (20), connected via the communication unit. The input unit (11) is connected to the communication unit (19), for control of the second set of application software in the second working mode.

Description: Computer for wireless execution of internal or external application program FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a computer, comprising input means and output means, at least one processor unit and a first storing means for storing the operating system of the computer. PRIOR ART The development within the area of small computers have been very fast. At present, portable computers with low weight but with the same capacity and display as the larger table computers, can be found. One factor, however, which limitates the possibilities to reduce size and consumption of power is the storage memory, commonly used to store data and software. For this reason there have been developed computers devoid of mechanical storage memories, equipped instead with read only memories (ROM), keeping the content of memory over time without consumption of power. At first hand it is the operating system of the computer that is stored in the read only memory. Additional electronic memory means are arranged for storing of application software. Such electronic memory means can comprise or consist of so called "Flash memories". The computer also comprises read-and-write-memories (RAM), used in connection with execution of application software and other programs. A large advantage with this kind of computers is that they are quickly set into active mode with both operating system and application software stored in electronic memories. Electronic memories also include magnetic memories that are devoid of mechanical movable parts and different types of optical memories, e.g. such using holographic storing. Accordingly, no communication with a comparatively slow mechanical memory is required, but only with considerably faster types of memories. A disadvantage with above described computers is that the operating system is more restricted than one based on a storage memory, reducing the applicability. One additional disadvantage is that also the application software for use in the computer is less extensive and more simple in design and capacity. THE INVENTION IN SUMMARY An object of the invention is therefore to eliminate the above mentioned disadvantages and to produce a computer that will allow a use of more complex application software and utilization of a powerful operating system. This object is obtained by the invention having the features mentioned in claim 1. Additional features and advantages of the invention is made clear by the following description, dependent claims and drawing. THE INVENTION The figure shows a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a computer 10 according to the invention. The computer comprises an input unit 11 , which may be a conventional key board with small dimensions, and an output unit 12, which may be a conventional display. The input unit 11 may also comprise some form of a pointing device and a microphone, allowing control of operating systems and application software in an effective manner. The output unit 12 may also comprise loudspeakers. The computer 10 is also furnished with a processor unit 13, e.g. a conventional CPU. The operative system, used by the computer in a first working mode is stored in a read only memory 14, a so called ROM-memory, or in a so called FLASH-memory. During execution of different programs in the processor unit 13 there is used also a read-and-write-memory 15, also known as RAM-memory, which is connected to the processor unit. The computer comprises also, in a conventional fashion, a logic controller 16. The processor unit 13, the read memory 14, the read-and-write-memory and the logic controller 16 are all included in a central unit 17. For the storing of data, in the form of document files and similar, and application software is a storing unit 18 connected to the central unit 17. The storing unit 18 is formed as a quick memory, e.g. a so called flash-memory. Other electronic or optical memories may also be used for this purpose. The storing unit 18 is, however, made to keep its memory content at a very low consumption of power, or, in an idle mode, no consumption of power at all. In a first working mode, the above described units and means for execution of less extensive application software, are utilized. Current application software is normally developed specially for this kind of computer, and all of the execution may be executed with the computer entirely detached. The operating system stored in the read memory 14 operates the loading of the application software, and the execution thereof is attended by the processor unit 13. The user controls the application software via the input unit 11 and receives output data via the output unit 12, in a conventional fashion. In a second working mode a communication unit 19, designed for wireless communication, is connected to the central unit 17. Preferably the communication unit 19 is made for package intermediary communication, e.g. according to any of the systems GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution) or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System). The computer 10 is connected to an external computer 20 via the communication unit 19. The external computer 20 is more powerful than the computer 10 and is configurated to execute the application software for other computers, so called clients, like a server. In the second working mode, the central unit 17 by the computer 10, is at first hand used to operate any required communication between the computer 10 and the external computer 20, via the communication unit 19. The communication includes a transfer of user input, applied by the user via the input means 11 , to the external computer 20 and a reception of image and sound information, which is to be made available to users via the output means 12. The execution in this working mode, is made in the external computer 20, which may be a very powerful computer. The interface for communication used for the communication between the computer 10 and the external computer 20 does not have to be especially powerful, since no amount of data or program is transferred. In principle, only the users control data and such output data that would interest the user is transferred. Output data comprise, in principal, data for updating of a display.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A computer (10), comprising an input unit (11 ) and an output unit (12), at least one processor unit (13) and a first storing means (14), for storing the operating system of the computer, c h a ra c t e ri s e d in that a storing unit (18) for storing a first set of application software, and being connected to the processor unit (13), is made electronic or optic, that a communication unit (19) for wireless communication is connected to the processor unit (13), that the computer is adjustable between a first working mode, in which the processor unit (13) executes a first set of application software loaded from the storing unit (18) in a working memory (15), and a second working mode, in which a second set of application software is executed in an external computer (20), connected via the communication unit, and that the input unit (11) is connected to the communication unit (19), for control of the second set of application software in the second working mode. 2. A computer according to claim 1 , wherein the communication unit (19) comprise an interface for package intermediary communication. 3. A computer according to claim 2, wherein the communication unit (19) comprise an interface for communication via GPRS, EDGE or UMTS.

Inventors: RULAND ANDERS, TIAINEN HELGE, RULAND, ANDERS, TIAINEN, HELGE
Applicants: MOBILISYS AB, RULAND ANDERS, TIAINEN HELGE, RULAND, ANDERS, TIAINEN, HELGE
Application year: 2000
Main classification: G06F15
IPC codes: G06F9, H04L12