Abstract: A security system using a security detector associated with a personal computer attached to an existing data transmission network, where the personal computer is effective to detect security breaches and transmit an alarm even if the personal computer is not in its operating mode. When a security breach is detected by the security detector, the data transmission network is used to report the incident to a monitoring station for appropriate logging and action. Because the security system is coupled to a data transmission network and computer resources, the security system can be remotely activated and can respond to historical sensing of a security detector to adjust its threshold.

Abstract: A method and system are described for booting a remote client computer system included within a data processing system. The data processing system includes a server computer system and at least one client computer system. A physical region is specified within which the client computer system resides. A wireless signal is transmitted to the physical region and is received by the client computer system. A determination is made whether the wireless signal includes a specification of the client computer system. If the wireless signal includes a specification of the client computer system, the client computer system boots and establishes an association with the server computer system as a client of the server computer system.

Abstract: A method and system in a computer having a primary video controller for dynamically selecting an alternative video controller present within the computer. Initially, a diagnostic is performed to determine if alternative video controllers are connected to the computer system. A user is thereafter prompted to select an alternative video controller, if at least one alternative video controller is detected. The primary video controller is then temporarily disabled, in response to a selection of an alternative video controller. The alternative video controller is then automatically designated as the primary video controller, in response to the disabling of the primary video controller, such that the alternative video controller may be temporarily utilized as a primary video controller without altering internal computer system hardware settings or power cycling the computer system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling battery charging current selectively receive electrical power from either a first external power source or a second external power source and outputs part of the power source to a charger for charging a battery. A reference value supplying apparatus gives a first reference value equivalent to the output current capability of the first external power source when a charging-current controller is connected to the first external power source and gives a second reference value equivalent to the current capability of the second external power source when the charging-current controller is connected to the second external power source.

Abstract: A security system for computers defines a control zone using radiation, preferably at radio frequency, having a distinctive characteristic, such as a particular frequency. The zone may be established, for example, at a door exit or other limited passage to a secured area. The radiation triggers a device in the computer that in turn sends out a serial number signal. To further prevent unauthorized removal a personal identification number is required of the person in the zone with the computer, either by key input or an encoded radio signal. A receiver located near the control zone applies the serial number to a table look up computer that triggers an emergency signal if a match to an authorized list of serial numbers for the computer and corresponding person does not occur. The emergency signal activates a transmitter that sends out an emergency radiation signal with a different distinctive characteristic.

Abstract: An auto-stereoscopic display device comprises a plane viewing screen, a plane cathode, and a plane permanent magnet. A two dimensional array of rows and columns of channels extends between opposite poles of the magnet for receiving electrons from the cathode. A phosphor layer is disposed between the screen and the magnet and having a plurality of pixels each corresponding to a different channel. Grid electrode means is disposed between the cathode and the magnet for selectively controlling flow of electrons from the cathode through each channel to the corresponding pixel in response to input video data. Deflection anode means is disposed on the side of the magnet remote from the cathode for sequentially deflecting, orthogonally to the columns, each electron beam to different parts of the corresponding pixel in response to an input video clock signal.

Abstract: A method and system are described for determining a physical location of a computer system included within a data processing system. A wireless signal is transmitted to a physical location within which a plurality of computer systems are located. In response to a receipt of the wireless signal, each computer system transmits an indication of its physical location.

Abstract: It is to provide a sub-card board connector capable of secure grounding and also easy placement and removal of a card, a sub-card board, a modem sub-card, and a computer having this connector. In sub-card board connector 1 of the present invention, (1) first GND connections 11-1, 11-2 are placed on a surface facing the sub-card board 2 of the latches 7-1, 7-2 and when connecting the sub-card board to the connector, the sub-card board is grounded by having the first GND connections contact the first electrodes provided on the sub-card board; and/or (2) second GND connections 12-1, 12-2 are placed facing the sub-card board on a surface opposite to the latches of the latch supporting parts 6-1, 6-2 and when connecting the sub-card board to the connector, the sub-card board is grounded by having the second GND connections contact the second electrodes provided on the sub-card board. And this connector is incorporated in a computer.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a networked computer system by detecting a change to a configuration of the computer system, using detection logic of the computer, and generating an alert associated with any change in the configuration in real time. The alert is transmitted to a remote server on the network. In an illustrative implementation, the detection logic can detect (i) a change in the number of storage devices present in the computer system, (ii) a change in the number of memory modules present in the computer system, and (iii) a change in the number of processors present in the computer system. The configuration information may be saved between boot operations of the computer using a battery-powered latch.

Abstract: A data processing system and method are described for remotely controlling execution of a processor utilizing the processor's built-in test access port for debugging the execution of the processor. The client computer system is coupled to a server computer system utilizing a network. The server computer system transmits a signal to said client computer system to control execution of the processor utilizing the test access port. The signal identifies one of a plurality of processor actions. In response to a receipt of the signal, the processor executes the one of the plurality of processor actions such that the server computer system remotely debugs the execution of the processor utilizing the built-in test access port, wherein additional debug hardware is not utilized.

Abstract: A low profile, miniature notebook computer has a base portion, a monitor portion and a display monitor which is pivotally mounted to the monitor portion. The base portion and the monitor portion are movable relative to one another between retracted and deployed positions. The computer also has a keyboard with keys which are divided between the base and monitor portions. As the monitor portion is deployed, it shifts to the left and forward relative to the stationary base portion. The monitor portion may be manually or automatically shifted between positions. The computer also has a base plate with a stationary support foot which is flush with the rear edge of the main body of the machine when it is in the retracted position, but which extends beyond the rear edge of the main body of the machine when it is in the deployed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrically insulating polymer coating on a conductive metal substrate, especially zinc and tin-plated sheet steel. The polymer is applied to at least one side of the sheet, the amount being adequate to create a uniform layer of 0.5 to 0.8 micrometers thickness after curing. The polymer coated sheet is heat cured at 200° C. to 210° C. for 10-15 minutes. The thickness of the polymer layer is selected to be within a specified range. The range is determined based upon subsequent manufacturing operations which require an electrically conductive path between a component and the metal substrate. The curing conditions are selected for the dual purpose of heat curing the polymer to the substrate surface as well as to stress relieve the tin or zinc-plated sheet steel. This treatment helps to prevent tin whisker growth and improves the corrosion resistance of the substrate.

Abstract: A system for mounting components within a frame of a personal computer where access to only one side of the frame is needed to mount or remove the components with fasteners and fastening tools. The components are secured and restrained from movement in three orthogonal directions. The fasteners are mounted to the exposed side. Bracket guides and spring fingers extend from the frame to provide location and biasing forces to secure the components in their proper locations. This system requires fewer fasteners and reduces assembly time during manufacturing and/or repair. It is easier and quicker to remove and replace a defective component or one which is being upgraded in the system.

Abstract: A printed circuit board connector edge tab design has increased tab contact area with a large local capacitance at the connector interface. This serves to balance out the inductive effects of the connector and results in a lower overall channel impedance at the interface. The invention replaces the prior art plated pathway to the upper row of tabs with wider tabs on the lower row. The edges of the lower row tabs are spaced such that each of the connector pins destined for the upper row straddle two of the lower tabs as they travel upward. This design prevents the pins from contacting the fiberglass substrate of the board while it traverses the lower row of tabs. The absence of the prior art plated pathways allows each of the lower row tabs to be expanded into the space formerly occupied by the pathways. This design also allows the increased capacitive area of the edge tabs to be located in very close proximity to the connection area between the connector pins and the edge tabs.

Abstract: A computer processor cartridge is connected to a socket on a motherboard. The cartridge has a detachable bracket that secures it to a retention mechanism mounted to the board. The bracket is formed from flexible plastic and has a handle with downward depending arms on each end. Each arm has a tooth on its outer surface. The retention mechanism has a base with a pair of upright support posts on its ends. Each post has a hole in its side for receiving the teeth on the bracket. The cartridge and bracket assembly is installed in the retention mechanism pushing down on the handle such that the lower end of the assembly seats between the support posts. When the teeth engage the holes in the support posts, the assembly is locked in place and the cartridge is connected to the socket. The assembly is disconnected by pulling up on the handle. The plastic bracket elastically flexes so that the arms pivot the teeth out of the holes.

Abstract: A method and system for generating variable modality child windows. An application is executed utilizing a graphical user interface (GUI) which enables a parent window. One or more child windows may be available to the user during execution. The level of modality of the child window is determined during programming by the application developer. The operating system is modified to permit a variable level of modality during application execution. The developer selects variable modality for one or more of the child windows. When the child window is opened, the user is allowed to interact with the other windows based on the developers determination of level of modality. The variability may be either application or system-wide. The user is thus permitted to interface with only some of the functions on the other windows on the desktop while the child window is open.

Abstract: A printed circuit board for coupling surface mounted optoelectric semiconductor devices within a computer system is disclosed. The printed circuit board includes at least one substantially planar surface. There are multiple electrically conductive sites located on the substantially planar surface for connection to a surface mounted semiconductor electronic device. The electrically conductive sites are also connected to electrical interconnects embedded within the printed circuit board. In addition, there are multiple optical pathways terminated at the substantially planar surface for coupling a surface mounted semiconductor optoelectric device.