Abstract: A computing system includes a pivoting mounting structure for mounting one or more electronic devices. The mounting structure is itself mounted to pivot between an operating position, within the computing system, and a service position, with the pivoting mounting structure extending outside the computing system for the installation or removal of electronic devices. A releasable latch prevents movement of the mounting structure from its service position.

Abstract: An antenna unit and a computing system utilizing the antenna unit are disclosed. The antenna is compact and can be fabricated at low cost and with high accuracy. The antenna unit comprises an antenna and a connection cable. The antenna unit is constructed by forming the antenna and the connection cable integrally on a preferably flexible insulating film using preferably the FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) technique. The computing system comprises a body having its main operational circuits and a hinged cover having a display. The flexible printed antenna is formed integrally with its module of electric components using the FPC technique and is made to span the body and the cover. The antenna itself and the connection cable can be freely bent or folded, resulting in higher freedom in their positioning within the computer system body and cover.

Abstract: A docking station system for use with a computer system which includes an externally accessible PC Card interface for transferring signals conforming to the PC Card standard to a docking station enclosure. The docking station enclosure includes a PC Card connector that connects to and passes interface signals between the PC Card interface of the computer system and the docking station enclosure. The docking station enclosure further includes an ISA bus structure conforming to the ISA bus standard. Additionally, the docking station enclosure incorporates conversion logic which is connected to receive signals from the computer system via the PC Card connector, and converts these received signals to signals for operating the ISA bus structure. The computer system includes conversion logic which is connected to receive signals from the docking station enclosure via the PC Card connector, and to convert these signals to system interrupt requests.

Abstract: A keyboard data input device includes a one-hand module having a finger section with groups of keys each of which fixedly assigned to a finger of the operator. The keyboard has a cover part which includes a palm rest section and grooves. A group of keys is sequentially arranged at the ground of said grooves to be reached by the outstretched or bent fingers when the operator's hand is in contact with the palm rest section. A thumb section located adjacent to the forefinger groove comprises a flat area which includes groups of command keys, and comprises further keys at an upright wall adjacent to the forefinger groove. The keyboard may be used for two-hand operation by providing two separate one-hand modules. The keyboard comprises a graphical multipurpose display visualize control information and characters typed in. The keyboard may further include a bar code scanner.

Abstract: The display of a notebook computer includes a privacy filter extending over the display screen to limit the viewing angle within which the image on the screen can be discerned. To allow for normal viewing when the privacy feature is not required, the privacy filter is movable from the screen by sliding into a cavity extending from one side of the screen to be rolled onto a roller or to be stored partly behind the screen. Alternately, a privacy filter is provided that is electrically switchable between a mode in which the viewing angle is limited and a mode in which normal viewing is permitted. The movable privacy filter includes closely spaced louvers surrounded by clear plastic or, alternately, a polarizer. The switchable privacy filter includes a liquid crystal device and a polarizer.

Abstract: A cluster of processing systems wherein each system is set to operate at a unique operating frequency. Each unique frequency is set to differ from each other by at least a predetermined frequency differential or bandwidth. When clustered, the radiated emissions will not add. Rather, the RF energy is distributed over the predetermined frequency bandwidth and in so doing achieve a reduction of measured RF energy at any singular frequency. By using RF energy dispersal in aggregate systems, the need for special or additional RF shielding is precluded. Current design and manufacturing techniques can continue to be used. Thus, reducing the overall cost of implementing aggregated systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an input method using the pointing device in which the pointing device's ON operation causes an application to recognize that the state of the pointing device has transitioned to an ON state and the pointing device's OFF operation causes the application to recognize that the state of the pointing device has transitioned to an OFF state. The input method includes responding to the ON operation of the pointing device maintained in a certain period and bringing about a latch state in which the pointing device remains in the ON state for the application even if the OFF operation of the pointing device has taken place; and executing a program for informing a user that the latch state has been brought about.

Abstract: A computer system comprising a central processing unit (CPU), a memory circuit, an I/O coprocessor, and an input device comprising a touchpad and two joysticks positioned one to each side of the touchpad. The input device interfaces to the CPU via a serial data link to the I/O coprocessor. The touchpad has a default template graphic image inscribed on or in the touchpad surface and has a retainer for removably securing template overlays to be used with the touchpad instead of the default template.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for dynamically assigning, on a Local Area Network, through a mediator, a plurality of active routers to a plurality of hosts so as to handle hosts data packets destined to remote users not connected on the LAN. Because hosts know only the address of the mediator they must first go through it for being assigned a particular router. When receiving the first request, mediator selects one router among those of the routers that are active and informs the host which may then forward the first packet and all subsequent ones to the selected router. The same is done for each host connected on the LAN. After which mediator is free to reassess the router to host assignment any time if significant changes are observed such as the failure of a router, the removing or the addition of a router to the pool of routers or a drastic modification of the host generated traffic.

Abstract: An isochronous output data stream format which is time multiplexed and has a fixed time period where input isochronous data streams are multiplexed into the output isochronous data stream and the output data stream is the same data rate as the fastest input isochronous data stream. One or more of the input data streams contain a code which has been run length limited and/or has a zero running digital sum with banded disparity. In another embodiment, an isochronous output data stream format which is time multiplexed and has a fixed time period where input isochronous data streams are multiplexed into the output isochronous data stream and the output data stream is the sum of the maximum input isochronous data streams. One or more of the data streams contain a code which has been run length limited and/or has a zero running digital sum with banded disparity.

Abstract: A system for checking the level of system security on a PC platform is disclosed. The system comprises of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) unit. The RFID unit scans a PC platform and extracts relevant security information from its Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). The extracted information is analyzed by a data processing system connected to the RFID unit to determine if the security access available on the PC platform is adequate. A threshold adequacy level is established by a system manager. When the security on the PC is inadequate, a signal is generated to alert the network manager and/or the user of the PC to upgrade the PC's security.

Abstract: A data processing system and method are described for permitting a server computer system to remotely disable an input device included within a client computer system coupled to the server utilizing a network. The server computer system transmits a message to the client computer system to disable the input device. In response to a receipt of the message, a network adapter included within the client computer system disables the input device by prohibiting a data stream output from the input device from being received by an input/output controller included within the client computer system.

Abstract: By appropriate arrangement of two sets of tables chosen to be complementary, cells which are conveyed through a first multiplexor, n RAM storages and the second are subject to a cell rearrange-ment enabling introduction of at least one bitmap field, thereby producing the n Logical Units. When two bytes which are processed in parallel have to be loaded at the same time in the same RAM storage, one particular byte is stored into one RAM available for a Write operation by use of the first set of tables, thereby causing an alteration to the normal association between the n RAMs and the n Logical Units which is then re-established by the second set of tables.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing power-up time and avoiding customer-induced failures of computer systems during power-up. An intrusion switch, which is connected to the inside frame of the computer system is utilized. The intrusion switch signals the BIOS of the computer system whenever the cover of the computer's system unit is opened. The BIOS controls the POST operation during power-up of the computer system. During an initial power-up of the computer system, the POST configuration code examines and configures the hardware and sets the applicable registers, etc. At the end of the POST configuration code, the register values are stored in non-volatile storage. During a subsequent power-up of the computer system, a check is made to see if the cover of the system had been opened. When the cover has not been opened, the BIOS assumes that no changed has occurred in the hardware configuration and the BIOS restores the register values from non-volatile storage without completing the POST operation.

Abstract: A system for holding a device in a computer system, the computer system including a drive cage for holding the device, is disclosed. The system comprises a first rail coupled to one side of the device and adapted to fit into the drive cage and a second rail coupled to the device at a side opposite the one side and adapted to fit into the drive cage, wherein the first and second rails are coupled to the device without requiring a tool. Computer systems utilizing the system in accordance with the present invention, will be better equipped to handle the acoustic vibrations created during the operation of different types of drives such as Direct Access and Storage Devices (DASDs). Accordingly, this will enable computer system manufacturers to incorporate faster DASDs without acoustically coupling the DASD to the chassis. Furthermore, by employing a screw-less rail, PC manufacturers and users will no longer be required to use a tool to remove the attached rails.

Abstract: To provide a computer device wherein liquid penetration into a ventilation hole from its periphery can be prevented or reduced without sacrificing design and without limitation of the size and operation. Coating films 7a and 7b in frame form are applied on a periphery of a ventilation hole 6. A wet-characteristic of the coating film 7a and 7b is different from a wet-characteristic of material composing a housing 3. For example, when an angle of contact of coating films 7a and 7b for water is larger than an angle of contact of material composing the housing 3, if water is spilled on the outside of the coating film 7b the coating film 7b prevents the water flow into the ventilation hole 6.

Abstract: A method and system of reversibly absorbing liquid penetrations into electronic devices having a body and circuitry is described. The method and system comprises providing an absorbent sponge membrane structure in sheet-like form. The structure contains a hydrogel-forming core integrated into a blown polymer foam. The method and system includes placing the absorbent structure within the electronic device such that the hydrogel-forming core and blown polymer foam at least partly covers the electronic circuitry to be protected. A method and system in accordance with the present invention has the further advantage that due to the inclusion of the crystals into the open cells of the sponge, that structure is much easier to manufacture into various templates by punching or stamping holes where the keys and other mechanical obstructions such as bosses and supports must be accommodated.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for dynamically loading selected BIOS modules and settings from a server computer system to a client computer system according to an identity of a user who is currently utilizing the client computer system. The client computer system is coupled to a server computer system via a network. Selected BIOS modules and settings are associated with a particular user. These BIOS modules and settings are those preferred by the particular user to use in order to customize the client computer system when the client computer system is used by the particular user. The associations among the particular user and the selected BIOS modules and settings are stored in the server computer system. The selected BIOS modules and settings are downloaded from the server computer system to the client computer system when the particular user causes the client computer system to start booting, i.e. when the particular user is the current user.

Abstract: An intelligent battery pack in an electronic device such as a PC, sends such information as a voltage, a current, etc. related to power consumption to a controller via a line when the PC is driven by a battery. When the AC adapter is supplying electrical power to the device, the power source is changed to the battery pack once only during the measuring time so as to display data using both measuring and communicating functions of the battery pack. Consequently, no special electric power detector is provided in the power supply system of the AC adapter.

Abstract: An isochronous output data stream format in which a single n bit word is transmitted as m multiple synchronous data streams where the length of the word transmitted in each data stream is n/m, the output data stream containing multiple isochronous different data rate data streams and one or more asynchronous data stream or streams. One bit from each of the m multiple synchronous data streams are combined and transmitted as a single signal at one of 2m analog levels. Data which is it desired to have a lower error rate than other data is transmitted in the synchronous data stream corresponding to the most significant bit associated with the 2m analog levels. Calibration data is transmitted in the synchronous data stream corresponding to the most significant bit associated with the 2m analog levels, the calibration data also being transmitted distributed over each of the m synchronous data streams.