Abstract: A system and method for connecting a computer terminal (e.g., a personal computer) to a data transmission network with the appropriate settings for connection obtained from the network if the terminal has been moved and the settings are not appropriate for the new location. The system and method involve detecting that the terminal has been removed from the data transmission network, and, if the terminal has been moved, checking to determine whether the previous settings are appropriate for use in the new location. If the settings are appropriate, then the previous settings are used; if not, new settings for the terminal are obtained from the network, using a program such as the IBM's Dynamic Host Connection Program (DHCP), with the details on the settings (or connection) maintained at both the network and the computer terminal and updated when a new or changed connection to the data transmission network is made.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying a mouse pointer for use with a three-button mouse, whereby a user is notified that a button has been erroneously depressed. Detectors detect an external force applied to a third button. A mouse function determiner uses the detection results to determine a pertinent function allocated to the third button. A mouse pointer shape determiner, in turn, uses the determination results to determine a shape of a mouse pointer corresponding to the pertinent function. In response to the external force, the shape of the mouse pointer currently being displayed is changed. Thus, through visual feedback a user can be apprized of the fact that an external force has been applied to the third button. This will, in turn, notify the user when the wrong button has been depressed.

Abstract: A computer processor socket has a base with grounding and signal holes. Each hole contains a pin for electrical interconnection with a circuit board. The socket also contains a grounding device around its perimeter. The grounding device has a continuous ring of wiping members on its upper end. When a processor is mounted to the top of the socket, the wiping members extend slightly above the processor. The heatsink mounted on top of the processor engages the wiping members which are spring-biased against its lower surface. Since the wiping members extend completely around the perimeter of the socket, a continuous electrical ground interface is formed between the heatsink and the socket. The lower ends of the grounding device are electrically interconnected with the socket grounding pins which are grounded to the board.

Abstract: A method for performing configuration tasks prior to and including memory configuration within a processor based system is disclosed. A memory location is first reserved by a basic input/output system (BIOS) firmware for each individual BIOS task. A target routine is then performed using the reserved memory location by the BIOS firmware. The target routine is designed to perform a specific BIOS task. Finally, the reserved memory location is released by the BIOS firmware, after the target routine has been successfully completed.

Abstract: A blank for closing an input/output slot in the rear panel of a personal computer has an elongated body with a tab on one end and a flange on an opposite end. The body also has a large elliptical dome that protrudes rearward. A set of spring fingers extend along each side of the dome. The blank is installed in one of the input/output slots by first inserting the tab into a pocket below the slot. The dome is then pivoted into the slot until the fingers snap onto a pair of upright edges that define the slot. The blank is removed from the slot by pushing the dome in the opposite direction out of slot to overcome the flexible retention force provided by the fingers.

Abstract: A method and system are described for deactivating a password requirement in a computer system included within a data processing system. The computer system requires the entry of a password in order to operate the computer system. A wireless signal is transmitted to the computer system such that computer system receives the signal. In response to a receipt of the wireless signal, the requirement that a password be entered is temporarily deactivated. The computer system is thus operable without the entry of the password.

Abstract: A bracket for installing a drive device within a computer housing includes first and second end panels extending along opposite sides of a lower panel. A pair of pins extending inward from the first side panel engages a pair of mounting holes in the drive device. The drive device is held with the mounting holes in engagement with the pins by means of a spring extending inward from the second end panel. The end of the drive device adjacent the second end panel is also held against an upper locating surface by a second biasing spring extending upward from the lower panel.

Abstract: A shield for resisting the passage of electromagnetic emissions in a computer is formed from a rectangular plate having apertures for receiving various electrical connectors that insert into the computer. Each aperture in the plate has grounding members for engaging the connectors. The plate also has a row of spring-like wiping members along each of the four side edges. Two edges of the plate each have a single row of wiping members, and two edges of the plate have two opposed rows of wiping members. The opposed rows are interposed with each other in an alternating sequence. One of the two opposed rows forms a series of folds, and the other row forms a series of tabs. The shield is mounted to the side edge flanges of a rectangular opening in the wall of the computer. Two of the flanges slidingly engage the single row of wiping members. The other two flanges insert into the folds and contact with both the folds and the tabs.

Abstract: A system for monitoring tamper events in a computer system is disclosed. The computer system is on a network. The system comprises a tamper real time clock (RTC) means which receives at least one tamper event signal from the computer system. The tamper RTC means includes a timer for indicating the time of a tamper event and a management device for receiving the at least one tamper event signal. The management device issues a command to the tamper RTC means to obtain the time of the at least one tamper event. The management device also generates a network packet which includes the time of the tamper event to a system administrator of the network. The present invention in a preferred embodiment is directed to a computer system which has the ability to functionally detect and store the time of a tamper event. A tamper real time clock (RTC) circuit is operatively connected with logic to store the date and time of an event as it occurs.

Abstract: An improved printed circuit board capable of being received by two different types of connector panels is disclosed. The printed circuit board includes a main board portion, and a breakaway board portion. The main board portion includes a first connector. The breakaway board portion is coupled to the main board portion utilizing perforations. The breakaway board portion includes a second connector. The breakaway board portion is capable of being completely detached from the main board portion. The main board portion is electrically coupled to the breakaway board portion utilizing a flexible ribbon cable. The printed circuit board is capable of being received by either a first or a second type of connector panel. The first type of connector panel includes a first connector receptacle and a second connector receptacle disposed in a first configuration.

Abstract: A system and method of mounting components to a frame, such as a disk drive in the mounting frame of a personal computer shaped to receive the disk drive in a releasable fashion within the frame. A tubular spring member with a z-shaped base and outwardly-extending legs is made of a spring steel and formed with flattened leg ends fits within holes in the component to secure the component to a guide member, with the guide member mounted within the mounting frame. The disk drive component with the guide member secured by the Z-spring slides into a slot on the frame of the personal computer and is secured in place to provide a releasable assembly for replacement of the disk drive as desired.

Abstract: A system and method for the electrical interconnection of the devices included in a wearable computer, so that a light cable network can be deployed that does not limit the body movements of a human being. A network is formed by attaching to clothing, as stitches, extremely fine conductive wire that is used to connect devices included in a wearable computer, wherein an I/O device and a computer system main body are separately located. As a result, conventional, complicated cabling is eliminated, which permits the free and natural movement of a human body, and reliable communications, for which a light cable network is used, are possible.

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 data processing system and method are described for permitting a server computer system coupled to a client computer system utilizing a network to remotely modify operation of the client computer system's network hardware. A counter is established within the client computer system for counting a plurality of network events. A counter threshold is established. Upon the counter reaching the counter threshold, the client computer system's network hardware transmits a message to the server computer system including network statistics information. The network statistics information includes an indication of the counter reaching the counter threshold. In response to a receipt of the message, the server computer system determines whether to modify the operation of the client's network hardware. In response to a determination to modify operation of the network hardware, the server remotely modifies operation of the client's network hardware.

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: A client on a network is provided with auxiliary low power logic, at the network adaptor, that is always active and simulates network traffic (e.g. Ethernet format) normally sent under control of the main client system processor(s). This logic collects client status information and reports to the network manager, even when the system CPU is powered down; information which allows the network manager to exercise broader control and perform maintenance and upgrades which would otherwise require a dialog with the user and limit off-hours maintenance and reconfiguration of the client system. The auxiliary logic also can receive and interpret commands from the network that conform to a predefined format.