Modular architecture sensing and computing platform

A modular computer architecture comprising a plurality of scalable weather resistant computer platforms according to claim 99 interconnected to operate as a digital grid connecting multiple processors and peripheral nodes within a neighborhood of user residences and office buildings.

A modular computer platform according to claim 99 wherein the internal circuit boards comprise a stack of circular circuit boards, each circular circuit board comprising a center circular void wherein said stack provides a center passage in said stack.

A modular comprised of superconducting material and liquid nitrogen is circulated through said hollow support post for cooling said tracks to superconducting temperatures.

71-75. (Canceled)

A sensor platform operating under water comprising.

• a a modular computer platform according to claim 99;
• and
• a radio frequency transmission line extending from said platform out of said water onto dry land and terminating at an antenna, wherein said platform sends radio frequency messages to receivers over said transmission line.

78-89. (Canceled)

A modular computer platform according to claim 99, wherein the internal circuit boards comprise a stack of hex-shaped circuit boards comprising hex-shaped circuit boards wherein contacts protrude from the perimeter of said boards and said stack is wrapped with a combination of flexible joints and rigid circuit boards whereby a wrapper is provided for the hex shaped circuit board wherein said hex circuit boards flat rigid parts of said wrapper rest on a flat part of said hex boards and said flex joints are comprised to allow the rigid portion of the wrapper to fold around a corner of said hex board, and aligned contacts protruding from said hex boards penetrate openings in said wrapper and join circuitry from said rigid boards on the wrapper with said hex shaped wrapper.

A modular computer platform according to claim 99, wherein the bus comprises a flat ribbon of transparent material terminated on both ends with a light absorbent material to reduce reflections, and a surface coating of reflective material on said flat ribbon's non-connector side to enhance reflections, said ribbon comprising v-shaped notches along the ribbon length, said v-shaped notches being in place to mate with v-shaped probes made of transparent material fitted into said notches to absorb light signals traveling on said bus and also to project light signals onto said bus.

94-97. (Canceled)

A modular computer platform according to claim 99, further comprising a video camera which is remotely controlled over a network by a user, and said video camera is enclosed in a transparent enclosure module.

A modular computer platform, comprising:

• a plurality of separate modules, each module comprising an internal circuit board,
• wherein the internal circuit boards of the plurality of separate modules are connected via the same bus,
• wherein the modular computer platform is weather-resistant.

A scalable architecture computing platform deployable in a harsh environment comprising a modular computer platform comprising a plurality of modules,

• wherein said scalable architecture is retained in a scaled-up platform to provide multi-user communications and provide services to multiple users in a community.

A method of delivering digital services to a community wherein weather-proof electronic modules comprising computers capable of executing software that can process digital and analog signals are connected with local networks and wide area networks and are located in proximity to users in said community,

• wherein said users are connected via signaling means to said electronic modules and derive services delivered by communications media connected to said electronic modules.

In combination:

• (A) a utility pole providing support for utility lines and services, and
• (B) a weather-resistant computer that provides utility computer services to a plurality of users.