Abstract: A data processing system and method are described for providing a networked printer's physical location. The printer, a server computer system, and client computer systems are coupled together utilizing a network. The server computer system first transmits a command to the printer to disable the print function of the printer. Entry of a physical location of the printer is then permitted. The print function of the printer is reenabled by the server computer system only in response to an entry of the physical location of the printer into the printer.

Abstract: A system for mapping a location of an electronic equipment in a defined area. The system comprises of a server which is typically a data processing system. An activation signal is sent to the electronic equipment. In response to the activation signal, the electronic equipment emits a pre-defined signal containing a unique signature of the electronic equipment. The signal is captured by a device connected to the server with a known location in the defined area. The server utilizes the known location of the device along with the unique signature of the electronic equipment to identify/determine the location of the electronic equipment.

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. Computer systems are provided with receivers that detect the distinctive characteristic and responsively produce an alarm signal which triggers security logic. The security logic cooperates with the start-up logic of the computer and disables start-up so that the computer becomes inoperative. In a more complex variation, the radiation triggers a device in the computer that in turn sends out a serial number 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 does not occur. The emergency signal activates a transmitter that sends out a radiation signal with a second distinctive characteristic.

Abstract: A personal computer system has security features enabling control over access to data retained in such system. The system cooperates with a transmitter of radiation having a predefined characteristic. A radiation detector within the system detects such radiation and produces an alarm signal when detection fails or is lost. The alarm signal is retained and triggers security logic cooperating with power-on-sequence logic to prevent the system from becoming operative. It is preferred to also provide an erasable memory element that when switched to an active state stores a privileged-access password. Logic is provided to cooperate with such element and override the security logic when the correct password is input to the system.As an added security feature the transmitter may be deactivated if an intrusion is detected at the site to shut down all systems responding to the radiation in the security zone.

Abstract: A coded logical interrupt signal is sent between system or subsystem units in a data processing system. The logical interrupt is sent by a sending unit, that requests the interrupt, and is sent to a receiving unit that the sending unit wishes to interrupt. These coded logical interrupts are accumulated in the receiving unit. When the receiving unit is actually physically interrupted by control of the processor in the unit, all logical interrupts that have been accumulated are processed. The logical interrupt may be coded to indicate sending unit, that is the source of the interrupt, and the action being requested by the sending unit. If the interrupt includes only source information, the action information is sent separately by the sending unit to memory in the receiving unit. If the interrupt includes both source identification and action information, the receiving unit can interpret source and action directly from the interrupt.

Abstract: A microprocessor system includes a processor unit, one or more subsystem adapter units, optional I/O devices which may attach to the adapters, and a bus interface. Memory in the processor and memory in the adapters are used by the system as a shared memory which is configured as a distributed First In First Out (FIFO) circular queue (a pipe). Unit to unit asynchronous communication is accomplished by placing self-describing control elements on the pipe which represent requests, replies, and status information. The units send and receive self-describing control elements independent of the other units which allows free flowing asynchronous delivery of control information and data between units. The distributed, shares memory can be organized as pipe pairs between each pair of units to allow full duplex operation by using one pipe for outbound control elements and the other pipe for inbound control elements. The control elements have standard fixed header fields with variable fields following the fixed header.