Abstract: A two-way wireless local transmission system integrates computer and television user interfaces. A television set-top device includes a separate transmitter and receiver. The transmitter converts an audio and video signal into a modulated signal within the 902-928 MHz frequency band and transmits the modulated signal to a receiver associated with a computer peripheral device. The receiver downconverts the modulated signal and processes the signal within the computer. The computer processed signal is then sent by a transmitter in the computer peripheral device to the receiver in the set-top device, which provides the signal to a television receiver which displays images in response to the received signals.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention for detecting screen hotspots provides a graphical user interface environment that enables a user to select screen hotspots that are graphically represented by complex shapes and multiple colors. The use of complex-shaped multi-colored hotspots enables the creation of more realistic graphical representations implementing screen hotspots. Monochrome bitmaps, or masks, are created for each and every hotspot of each and every window view that may be displayed on a screen. Each mask defines valid coordinates for the corresponding hotspots such that, so long as a cursor is located on a valid coordinate, the user can select that hotspot, regardless of the complex shape or multiple colors used to graphically represent the hotspot.

Abstract: A method of reducing the time needed for installing a combination of software programs onto a hard disk drive by creating modules for each software program and associating a file with each software program that records all changes made to files and directories by the installation process of that software program. When downloading combinations of these modules onto a hard disk drive, a software installation program is run which implements the changes to files and directories necessitated by each of the modules thereby resulting in a disk operating system that is properly configured for the operation of the combination of software programs.

Abstract: A computer processing unit (CPU) module is described. The present CPU module accommodates a CPU and includes a power supply, a power good detection circuit and a clock speed selector, all of which are integral to the CPU module. The power supply provides the CPU module the ability to convert power supplied to the CPU module to power as needed by the CPU. The power good detection circuit provides the CPU module the ability to notify the mother board of a power supply to the CPU which is below the operating voltage of the CPU (e.g. a power failure or insufficient voltage). The clock speed selector provides the CPU module the ability to automatically set the clock speed to that required by the CPU without modification to the BIOS stored on the mother board or changing components.

Abstract: A user interface with embedded or linked objects is enclosed. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a computer program, operating with a GUI and capable of linking or embedding an object from an application program into the GUI. The program includes instructions for determining a size of the object, instructions for determining whether the object is in an active mode, instructions for providing a first frame size of a container if the object is not in the active mode, and instructions for providing a second frame size if the object is in the active mode. The frame can simply represent the size of the container or an actual border around the container. The computer program also provides a first client window that is responsive to whether or not the object is active. Furthermore, the computer program adjusts the location of the object on the display when the object is in the active mode, provides space for controls of the objects server application, and provides appropriate pop-up menus for the object.

Abstract: A docking station for connection with a notebook computer includes a non-volatile memory chip which stores a serial number, an identification number, and configuration information pertaining to the docking station. When a notebook computer engages with the docking station, an electrical connection is provided between a microprocessor within the notebook computer and the non-volatile memory within the docking station so that the microprocessor within the computer 110 can interrogate the memory within the docking station. Based upon the information contained within the non-volatile memory, the software operating system of the notebook computer determines whether or not the notebook computer is compatible with the docking station. Furthermore, if selected configuration information is stored within the non-volatile memory within the docking station, this configuration information can be utilized by the software system of the notebook computer to allocate system resources.

Abstract: A power management system for a computer system having an audio circuit which generates an audio output signal. An activity detection circuit senses audio signal activity on the analog audio signal. The power management system maintains power to at least the audio circuit when activity is detected on the analog audio circuit by the activity detection circuit. The power management system causes the audio circuit to enter a power conservation mode when no activity is detected by the audio detection circuit on the audio analog signal for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: An application management system for achieving a common user access (CUA) interface throughout multiple applications of a computer system is described. The system includes an operating environment having an application control module (ACM) that is run-time bound and executable by the applications. The ACM furnishes generalized procedural codes for each application. The application uses data structures to define the appearance and operation of the application to the ACM. The system also integrates the application program interfaces (API's) of an operating environment graphic user interface (GUI) system and a database management system (DBMS) within the ACM. The invention reduces the programming required for applications and improves consistency in programming across multiple applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using a virtual addressing buffer circuit afford address mapping and control flexibility to provide a unique opportunity for device emulation and software debugging. The method permits the emulation of a device which is physically not present in a CPU controlled system utilizing a virtual addressing buffer circuit. The method includes the step of storing a match address which corresponds to an address location of the device. The virtual addressing buffer intercepts an address request from a CPU for the address location of the device. Bits of the requested address which are not relevant to a determination of whether the requested address matches the match address are filtered out to produce a filtered request address. The filtered request address is compared with the match address, and a match indicator is activated when the filtered requested address matches the match address.

Abstract: A method for reducing the time needed for setting up a computer system in a user selected language version of a disk operating system by pre-installing a plurality of modules for different language versions of disk operating systems. Upon initial power on by an end user, a minimal disk operating system runs a software setup program which installs the end user selected language version of the disk operating system and merges certain factory loaded files into the user selected language operating system. A software installation program is then run which implements the changes necessitated by each of the modules for proper operation thereby resulting in a disk operating system that is properly configured for the operation of the combination of software programs. The computer system is then re-booted to implement the changes to the configuration of the disk operating system.

Abstract: In an integrated circuit socket an integrating capacitor filter carried on a mylar film or integral with said socket incorporated into the top of an integrated circuit socket electrically connected to the voltage and ground connecting pins or electrodes of the integrated circuit in as close as proximity to the entry point into the integrated circuit as is possible. This reduces the lead distance between the entry point in the integrated circuit including CPU integrated circuits at both the voltage and ground connection and the capacitive element to a minimum and minimizes interference in the power source by minimizing inductance in capacitor leads experienced in high speed electrical circuits. It is particular useful in minimizing electrical interference in the voltage applied to CPU by incorporating the capacitive element directly into the CPU socket so that it is electrically coupled between the voltage pin and the ground pin of the CPU in close proximity to the entry point in the CPU.

Abstract: A termination circuit for RGB signal lines provides a high frequency termination impedance that matches the impedance of a monitor cable and monitor termination, without adversely affecting the monitor-sense circuitry of an ASIC that generates the RGB video signals. The termination circuit includes a first resistor connected in parallel with a diode. The diode is reversed biased when a DC voltage is present on a VGA line. The parallel circuit is connected in series with a second resistor such that at DC the termination circuit has a resistance equal to the sum of the resistances of the two resistors. At high frequencies the termination circuit has a resistance equal to the second resistor. When used with a VGA ASIC designed to work with 150.OMEGA. pull-down sense resistors on the RGB lines, the circuit provides the proper 75.OMEGA. AC termination impedance required for VGA lines while producing the 150.OMEGA. DC termination required for proper monitor sense operation.

Abstract: A rule-based DRAM controller asserts memory access and control signals (including the CAS, RAS, WE, and address data signals) based upon pre-specified control rules. Certain pre-specified rules, or conditions, are used by the DRAM controller to determine the timing and sequence of the memory accessing and control signals output by the DRAM controller. The control rules for asserting the various memory accessing signals are advantageously implemented as logic within the DRAM controller, while the conditions and qualification for the control rules are provided from various monitoring signals and independently operating timing modules which keep track of the DRAM and controller states. Based upon these rules and conditions, the request inputs to the DRAM controller are interpreted to provide optimum access speed to the DRAM.

Abstract: A printed circuit board has a first plurality of pin receptors configured to receive a first type of keyboard controller and a second plurality of pin receptors configured to receive a second type of keyboard controller. The first plurality of pin receptors are in the form of a square which defines an outer boundary of an area wherein the second plurality of pin receptors are formed. The second plurality of pin receptors are also in the form of a square. Equal numbers of pin receptors are provided on each side of each square, and the corresponding sides of the two squares are mutually parallel. Conductive traces are formed between corresponding pin receptors of the first and second plurality of pin receptors. The pin receptor configuration allows two different types of keyboard controllers to be used with the printed circuit board without requiring additional space on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A computer system chassis, including a base and a cover, implements an improved grounding system by integrally forming a plurality of flexible protruding contacts into predetermined contact regions throughout the base during the metal punching manufacturing phase of the chassis base blank. In this way, when the base and cover are attached to each other, the size of any gaps which may form in these contact regions, as a result of warpage or design tolerances, are reduced. This is due to the number of mechanical contacts being made by the plurality of flexible contacts which protrude and extend across these gaps and connect the base to the cover. In addition to reducing the size of these gaps, the flexible contacts provide an improved electrical grounding to the cover by increasing metal-to-metal contact between the cover and the base, both of which reduce EMI emissions from the computer system chassis.

Abstract: Method and a system for a user-customizable interactive voice mail/voice response system are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, an interactive voice mail/voice response ("IVR") system of the present invention enables a user to build and operate custom IVR functions using voice templates. An interactive voice mail/voice response ("IVR") system of the present invention enables a user to build and operate custom IVR menus. The system comprises a voice menu system that includes a plurality of menus, each comprising a plurality of script records implemented using voice templates made up of voice template elements of various types, the characteristics and behavior of which will be determined by their user-designated type and the characteristic of the voice response record with which they are associated. As a result, the voice elements, and in turn, the voice templates they comprise, dynamically exhibit a behavior that is appropriate to the current environment.

Abstract: A printed circuit board having a footprint that is capable of receiving one of two electronic components having differing pin configurations. The footprint includes a first and a second common pin receptor arranged about a first axis. The first and second common pin receptors are configured to receive a first and a second pin on either of the electronic components. The footprint also includes a third pin receptor that is positioned along the first axis so as to be interposed between the first and the second common pin receptors and is configured to receive a third pin receptor of the first electronic component. The footprint also includes a fourth pin receptor that is positioned along a second axis, that is orthogonal to and intersects the first axis at the location of the third pin receptor. The fourth pin receptor is configured to receive a third pin of the second electronic component.

Abstract: A system for implementing a pop-up help system for a computer graphical user interface is disclosed. In a departure from the art, the pop-up help system provides help information on graphical display elements (GDEs), such as icons and text instructions, in the form of a help window that is not character or format limited and that is displayed when the associated GDE is selected. The pop-up help system also allows direct access to additional help information and provides for the display of graphics and the execution of multimedia objects. The pop-up help system comprises a GDE (a "help window"), which is displayed when the mouse pointer is moved over a GDE associated therewith. The help window comprises information regarding the associated GDE and may comprise multimedia objects or user activated buttons for accessing additional help information or for performing other actions. The help window is displayed until the neither the help window or GDE are selected and a user-specified time period has elapsed.

Abstract: A printed circuit board has a first plurality of pin receptors configured to receive a first type of SRAM memory device, a second plurality of pin receptors configured to receive a second type of SRAM memory device and a third plurality of pin receptors configured to receive a third type of SRAM memory device. The first plurality of pin receptors are formed in two parallel lines that extend in a first direction and define a portion of the boundary of a first area of the printed circuit board. The second and third pluralities of pin receptors are formed in the first area of the printed circuit board, with said second and third pluralities of pin receptors each comprising two parallel lines of pin receptors extending in a second direction, substantially orthogonal to the first direction.