Patents Assigned to Compaq Computer Corporation
  • Patent number: 6292193
    Abstract: A computer graphics system maps textures to displayed anti-aliased images with surfaces defined at oblique angles to the viewer. A circular pixel filter is projected onto a texture map to define an elliptical footprint in that texture map. The elliptical footprint has a major axis. Sample points are determined on a line in the footprint that closely approximates the major axis. These sample points are mapped to levels of detail and locations within a mip-map. Using a space-invariant filter, a texture value is computed for each sample point using data from one or more texture maps within the mip-map. These texture values for the sample points are post-filtered using a Gaussian filter function and summed to produce a final texture value. Blending the final texture with other characteristics of the pixel a produces the pixel data that are displayed on a display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Perry, Norman P. Jouppi, Joel J. McCormack, Keith Istvan Farkas
  • Patent number: 6292890
    Abstract: A computer system is provided with a dynamically reconfigurable boot order. In one embodiment, the computer comprises a network interface, a nonvolatile memory, and a CPU. The network interface may be coupled to a network to receive a “wake-up” data packet, that is, a data packet that includes a predetermined data pattern for which the network interface can be configured to scan. Upon detecting the wake-up data packet, the network interface can initiate a computer boot-up sequence. The CPU begins a boot-up sequence by retrieving a BIOS from the nonvolatile memory. One portion of the boot-up sequence specified by the BIOS includes determining and accessing a series of target boot devices to locate and retrieve an operating system. Preferably, the order of the series of target boot devices (i.e. the “boot order”) is different from a default boot order if the network interface initiated the current boot-up sequence. Otherwise, the default boot order is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Adrian Crisan
  • Patent number: 6292762
    Abstract: A method determines a random permutation of input lines that produced a permuted set of bits in a bitstream. In a source design, the method replaces a logic element whose input lines are permutable with a test function. The source design is processed by a design tool to generate the bitstream including the permuted set of bits. The test function is probed with test values, and the probe results are compared with the permuted set of bits to discover the permutation of the set of bits. The test values can include a message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Laurent Rene Moll, Michael David Mitzenmacher, Andrei Z. Broder, Mark Alexander Shand
  • Patent number: 6292166
    Abstract: A new system for resolving differences in pixel format is disclosed for use in a collaborative software tool. The disclosed system further determines a frequency distribution of color values within pixels forming a bit map of the display of the shared region on the server system. The disclosed system further forms a color ramp responsive to the frequency distribution of color values. The color ramp includes a number of color ramp entries, where each one of the color ramp entries includes an output color value associated with one or more input color values. The color ramp is then transmitted to a client system. The client system converts pixels received from the server system based on the contents of the color ramp. Further in the example embodiment, the client system converts pixels received from the server system using a color conversion table generated based on the color ramp if the pixels in the client system are of true color format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Ricky Samuel Palmer, Lawrence George Palmer
  • Patent number: 6292589
    Abstract: A method of assigning quantization values for use during the compression of images is disclosed. The method includes constructing a non-parametric model during a training phase based on relationships between image characteristics, quantization values, and required bit resources to encode images. The model is built by considering a wide sample of images. The consideration includes determining the temporal and spatial characteristics of the images, compressing the images over a range of quantization values, and recording the resultant required bit resource on a per characterization/quantization level basis. Once built, the model may be used during real time compression by determining the characteristics of the input image and using the allocated resource to find a corresponding match in the non-parametric model. The associated quantization value is then assigned to the input image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: King-Wai Chow, Robert C. Rose
  • Patent number: 6292713
    Abstract: A robotic telepresence system has a user station at a first geographic location and a robot at a second geographic location. The user station is responsive to a user and communicates information to and from the user. The robot is coupled to the user station and provides a three dimensional representation of the user transmitted from the user station. The robot senses and communicates predetermined types of information to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Norman P. Jouppi, Daniel J. Scales, Wayne Roy Mack
  • Patent number: 6292859
    Abstract: A computer system that automatically detects and configures an upgrade peripheral controller(s) when present in an expansion slot(s) during the computer system startup, or otherwise, enables and configures an on-board peripheral controller(s). The selection of either a peripheral controller on the computer system motherboard or an upgrade peripheral controller plugged into an expansion slot is automatically determined during startup of the computer system. The logic circuit and software used to accomplish this automatic selection do not degrade the performance of the selected peripheral controller during normal operation of the computer system since non-critical timing direct current (DC) level signals are utilized. No additional logic gates which could cause additional time delays are introduced into critical timing signal paths. No hardwired jumpers are needed nor desired for automatic selection of the desired peripheral controller during startup of the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher Santiago
  • Patent number: 6288843
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system are provided for scanning documents, and creating holographic and panoramic images. The apparatus provides two sets of prisms, one set of which is made of electro-optical material. The prisms are arranged in alternating rows to form a sheet. The prism sheet can be laid fiat or rolled into a cylinder. A sequencer is used to activate individual electro-optical prisms so that the image is reflected into the sheet. A second prism is used to reflect the image into an image receptor such as a camera. By sequentially activating the electro-optical prisms, successive image portions of an object or objects can be presented to the image receptor. If the image receptor accepts digital input, the sequential images can be post-processed in a microprocessor to create a holographic or panoramic image. Similarly, images of documents can also be scanned and the images received can be digitized for processing, storage and/or transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Angelo, William (Bill) Floyd Whiteman, Ramkrishna Prakash
  • Patent number: 6288893
    Abstract: A desktop computer system is provided with a semi-mobile CPU unit having a portable computer form factor to thereby substantially reduce the desktop area required for the CPU unit. The CPU unit utilizes portable computer internal components, but is constructed without an internal battery pack or power conversion system, and without an integral display, keyboard or pointing device. A recessed support bar is exteriorly carried by an end wall of the CPU unit housing and may be pivoted outwardly therefrom to form a bracing base structure facilitating the repositioning of the CPU unit from a horizontal desktop orientation to a vertical tower orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Robert T. Faranda, Bradford G. Chapin
  • Patent number: 6289336
    Abstract: A database query compiler and compilation method has special facilities for compiling a query that includes a Rows Since sequence function, Rows Since (search condition). A query normalizer includes a Rows Since function normalizer for normalizing the Rows Since sequence function. The Rows Since function normalizer parses the search condition of the Rows Since function to identify each reference to information from a previously access row and converts each such identified reference into an Offset sequence function, Offset(argument, index). The argument of the Offset sequence function is a specified function of the identified information from a previously accessed row of the table. The previously accessed row has a position that is index rows before the current row referenced by the cursor for the table. The query compiler places the resulting normalized search condition in a search loop that traverses successively earlier rows in the table until it finds a row that satisfies the search condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Melton, Robert M. Wehrmeister, Peter N. Lohman
  • Patent number: 6289466
    Abstract: A computer system includes a monitor having a universal serial bus (USB) interface for connecting with a base system. Multiple button and LED controls are conveniently placed on a front bezel of the monitor. As the buttons are actuated, commands are passed to the base system via the USB. An on-screen display button causes an application to be launched on the base system for modifying screen attributes stored in a monitor controller in the monitor. A USB controller in the monitor updates the monitor controller via the USB. A multifunction audio dial is toggled by a bezel button between volume, bass and treble functions. The USB controller is also operable to provide a sustain a blinking LED even while the base system is in a sleep mode. LEDs on the front bezel indicate monitor and base system power status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Gokalp Bayramoglu, Henry M. D'Souza, Valiuddin Ali
  • Patent number: 6286116
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for built in self test, BIST, of content addressable memory, CAM, and associated random access memory, RAM, is described. The method and apparatus may most beneficially be used for difficult to test situations such as embedded CAM or other memory types. There are no external memory read operations to determine the contents of a memory location, so little additional circuitry or overhead, such as separate read ports, is required on the embedded memory for implementation of the BIST. Only a number generator, a shift register and an OR gate with inputs from each of the CAM word match lines are added to the circuit in which the memory is embedded. The test uses a set of unique data patterns, each one spaced from the others by two bit locations, a walking inversion test, and a complement and reverse pattern test to determine what type of error and the error location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Dilip K. Bhavsar
  • Patent number: 6286090
    Abstract: A technique selectively imposes inter-reference ordering between memory reference operations issued by a processor of a multiprocessor system to addresses within a page pertaining to a page table entry (PTE) that is affected by a translation buffer (TB) miss flow routine. The TB miss flow is used to retrieve information contained in the PTE for mapping a virtual address to a physical address and, subsequently, to allow retrieval of data at the mapped physical address. The PTE that is retrieved in response to a memory reference (read) operation is not loaded into the TB until a commit-signal associated with that read operation is returned to the processor. Once the PTE and associated commit-signal are returned, the processor loads the PTE into the TB so that it can be used for a subsequent read operation directed to the data at the physical address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Simon C. Steely, Jr., Madhumitra Sharma, Stephen R. Van Doren, Kourosh Gharachorloo
  • Patent number: 6286110
    Abstract: A transaction processing system, including multiple processor units communicatively interconnected, manages information collection by employing a distributed transaction management facility to track and make consistent changes. When each transaction is started, a data structure is created that maintains information concerning the transaction. Included in the data structure is the identity of all processor units having resources involved in the transaction. Should a processor unit fail, and the transaction management facility is notified of that failure, the data structures of all pending transactions will be examined to see if the failed processor unit had a resource that was a participant in the corresponding transaction. If so, the transaction management facility can then make a decision as to whether or not to abort the transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Johannes Klein, Albert C. Gondi, Sitaram V. Lanka, William J. Carley
  • Patent number: 6285706
    Abstract: A modem which is separated into two circuit boards. One board contains the modem engine, while the second board contains the codec and the DAA components. The two boards are connected using only properly isolated digital signals so that the modem engine board does not require certification, only the codec/DAA board requiring certification. The codec/DAA board is contained in a housing to provide proper high voltage protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin H. Skinker, Robert F. Watts, Paul E. Nagel
  • Patent number: 6285406
    Abstract: A power management system for a converged functionality apparatus enables primary control to be effected through an actuating mechanism. In general operation, the actuating mechanism switches between “on” and “suspended” states. The power management system includes various defaults, memories, and priority setting schemes that enable fully integrated, but wholly intelligent, operation of the converged functionality apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin J. Brusky
  • Patent number: 6286083
    Abstract: A computer system includes an adaptive memory arbiter for prioritizing memory access requests, including a self-adjusting, programmable request-priority ranking system. The memory arbiter adapts during every arbitration cycle, reducing the priority of any request which wins memory arbitration. Thus, a memory request initially holding a low priority ranking may gradually advance in priority until that request wins memory arbitration. Such a scheme prevents lower-priority devices from becoming “memory-starved.” Because some types of memory requests (such as refresh requests and memory reads) inherently require faster memory access than other requests (such as memory writes), the adaptive memory arbiter additionally integrates a nonadjustable priority structure into the adaptive ranking system which guarantees faster service to the most urgent requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Chin, Jerome J. Johnson, Phillip M. Jones, Robert A. Lester, Gary J. Piccirillo, Jeffrey C. Stevens, Michael J. Collins, C. Kevin Coffee
  • Patent number: 6282629
    Abstract: A pipelined processor includes an instruction box including a register mapper, to map register operand fields of a set of instructions and an instruction scheduler, fed by said set of instructions, to reorder the issuance of said set of instructions from said instruction processor. The mapped register operand fields are associated with the corresponding instructions of said reordered set of instructions prior to issuance of the instructions. The processor further includes a branch prediction table which maps a stored pattern of past histories associated with a branch instruction to a more likely prediction direction of the branch instruction. The processor further includes a memory reference tagging store associated with the instruction scheduler so that the scheduler can reorder memory reference instructions without knowing the actual memory location addressed by the memory reference instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Sager
  • Patent number: 6282095
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for attenuating RF noise produced by electronic systems by providing low RF impedance shorting of heat dissipating structures, such as heat sinks, to PCB reference planes. The RF impedance shorting path uses existing package pins with dedicated electrical paths through the package to the bottom surface of the heat sink. Such an arrangement provides very low RF impedance because of the minimal length and resistance of the shorting path, and also provides minimal disruption of the PCB design rules and tolerances by using existing package leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Lee Houghton, Colin Edward Brench
  • Patent number: 6282660
    Abstract: A computer's representation and handling of dial-up and network applications are standardized. A LAN connection is established on a session basis only when required, enabling a user or system administrator to have the same control over the LAN connection as is typically exercised over a WAN connection. Examples of WAN connection features that are available to the LAN connection are the maintenance of billing information, access control, authentication and verification. In addition, an application can be represented by several different icons configured to utilize different procedures and communication devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Ramakrishna Anne, Robert F. Watts