Abstract: A system management module (SMM) for a host server system includes a system management processor (SMP) connected to a system management local bus. The system management local bus connects to the system PCI bus through a system management central (SMC). The SMC includes the main arbitration unit for the PCI bus and also includes the arbiter for the system management local bus. The SMM includes a video controller and/or keyboard and mouse controller connected to the system management local bus to support remote consoling of the SMM. The SMC includes logic to monitor PCI cycles and to issue error signals in the event of a system error. The SMC also isolates failed components by masking request, grant and interrupt lines for the failed device. Further, if a spare component is provided, the SMC permits dynamic switching to the spare.

Abstract: A laptop computer contains a built-in modem and has a phone jack for connection to a telephone line while the computer is being operated in a stand-alone mode. A docking station into which the laptop computer may be docked allows the combined unit to be operated in a desk-top mode. The docking station may have a full-sized keyboard and display so that the laptop functions as the main computer a user may employ in the office or home. A telephone connection is already in place at the docking station so that the user need not make a phone line connection to invoke the docked mode, but instead merely nests the laptop in the docking station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the types of expansion cards connected to the expansion slot connectors of a computer system. Detect signals are provided to decode logic for determining the types of expansion cards connected to the computer system. If the expansion cards are compatible the decode logic produces an output power supply signal that indicates what the voltage level should be for the power supply to the cards. If the cards are incompatible, the decode logic may not provide power to any of the cards or only provide power to some of the cards that are compatible. For computers that allow expansion cards to connect to the computer while the computer is powered on, hot-plug logic cooperates with the decode logic to establish power and communication with newly connected interface cards. The connectors in the computer do not include keys and thus interface cards without keys, as well as cards with different types of key arrangements can be connected to and communicate with the computer.

Abstract: A universal battery pack which contains an integral DC-DC switching power converter, with an asymmetric ripple-suppression topology which suppresses ripple at the power output terminals during discharging.

Abstract: A handheld computer which contains an LCD display having a digitizing surface to allow pen input. Internal storage takes several forms, such as a large flash ROM area, battery-backed up RAM and an optional hard disk drive. Several alternative communication paths are available, such as the previously mentioned modem, a parallel printer port, a conventional serial port, a cradle assembly connected to the host computer, and various wireless short distance techniques such as radio frequency or infrared transmission. The computer can readily communicate with other sources, particularly to a host desktop computer, to allow automated synchronization of information between the host and the handheld system. Preferably the remote synchronization is performed at several user selectable levels. When the handheld computer is in a cradle and actively connected to the host computer, automatic capture of updated data in the host computer is performed.

Abstract: A laptop computer is disclosed that includes an improved audio speaker system. The laptop computer typically is designed to have a first shell and a second shell that are attached together. Typically located within the first shell are a central processing unit, a keyboard, and other circuits such as a battery, a hard disk storage, and other connectors such as a PCMCIA slot. A video monitor is typically located in the second shell of the laptop computer and is coupled to the central processing unit via a system bust, or a video driver is provided that may be subsequently coupled to the CPU, such that the video driver drives the video monitor. Then, an audio speaker system is provided that in one embodiment is mounted in a back portion of the second shell that is located opposite the video monitor. This audio speaker system includes a transmission line comprising a first piezo speaker and a second piezo speaker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer network having a host computer and a plurality of user computers connected to the host computer by a computer network wherein the host computer can send a signal to inhibit any or all the user computers from completely powering down. More particularly, the present invention relates to a computer that can be inhibited from powering down when a user presses a power button. The computer may enter a standby state instead of powering down. Furthermore, the computer may inform the user that it is going to go into a standby state at a predetermined event after a power down inhibit signal is received from a host computer.

Abstract: The present invention supports computers or electronic devices that have a sleep, hibernation or low power mode. Because a device may appear to be off in low power mode, the present invention acts as an interlock to prevent or deter access to the device's electronics unless the power to the device has been disconnected or turned off.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a computer user to switch between a higher resolution display and a lower resolution display, or to display simultaneously with both displays, while the operating system is active, the higher resolution display displaying with a higher resolution than the lower resolution display. More particularly, video device drivers are provided with the resolution characteristics of the two displays. The system management BIOS generates an event in response to a user pressing a predetermined keyboard "hot key". The operating system detects the event and broadcasts the event to video device drivers. The video device drivers then adjust the resolution, resize and move an application or applications under execution to properly fit on the display.

Abstract: A computer includes a packaged integrated circuit having an information storage area containing information determined only after the integrated circuit is packaged and tested, and a control circuit that uses the information to configure the computer. A computer also may include a bus line connecting two GTL electronic components at a single termination point and a pull-up resistor connecting the termination point to a termination voltage supply.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for dynamically defining individual channel behavior from a variety of tuner sources within an integrated PC/TV apparatus. The system includes a channel server database including a master channel list of all channels provided by various tuner sources within a PC/TV apparatus. Each channel within the database list includes various parameters and data associated therewith defining the behavior of the channel independently of other channels within a listing. A number of channels server functionalities enable a user to dynamically access and alter the channel parameters and data to tailor channel behavior to a user's personal preferences.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for storing and rapidly yet recognizably displaying graphic data. Digital ink is sampled at a predetermined sampling frequency to derive a set of points representing the graphic data. This set of points is reduced in number in order to define an approximate yet recognizable form of the graphic data. The rapid rendering of the graphic data in its approximate form allows the user to glance through several or more fields of graphic data similar to the way in which one would flip through pages in a paper notebook. Reduction in the number of points also facilitates efficient storage of the graphic data.

Abstract: An electronic convergence device system, such as a PC/TV adapted to operate in a computer mode and a TV mode. When switching and/or operating in TV mode the top-most windows from the computer mode applications are inhibited from interfering with the TV mode experience.

Abstract: Arbitration circuitry in a computer system having a plurality of arbiters for arbitrating requests from bus masters on a PCI bus and an EISA bus. Each of the PCI and EISA buses have a plurality of masters. The PCI bus utilizes a modified LRU arbitration scheme, while the EISA bus utilizes a rotating priority scheme. The arbiter on the EISA bus includes a first level of arbitration and a second level of arbitration. The first level is assigned a plurality of requester types to determine the priority between the requestor types. Certain of the first level requestor types include a plurality of devices. If one of those certain requestor types wins priority on the first level arbitration cycle, a second level arbitration is performed to determine the priority between the plurality of devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securely transferring an encrypted-data key and a medium key, from a media storage such as a DVD disk to an output device in a computer system, using a randomly generated first secure transfer key generated by a disk drive of the computer system, the first key having a uniqueness factor derived from a phase locked loop circuitry. The first secure transfer key is combined with an output key stored in the output device forming a second secure transfer key. The second secure transfer key is used to encrypt the data key and the medium key to form a third secure transfer key. The third secure transfer key is passed to the output device where the data key and the medium key are decrypted. The data key and the medium key are then used by the output device to decrypt encrypted program data from the disk.

Abstract: A method for controlling flow, through a computer hardware resource, of information to and from computer applications. When a flow of information is initiated from one of the applications, a determination is made whether the resource is being accessed by another one of the applications and, if so, the flow of information from the first application is delayed. If not, then the flow of information is enabled. When a flow of information is initiated toward the applications, a determination is made to which one of the applications the information is flowing, and the flow is directed to that one application. A graphical interface associates, in the mind of a user, a computer hardware resource with a corresponding real office device, the computer resource enabling the computer to function like the consumer device.

Abstract: A media detection system that detects an external device coupled to a port of a network device and that establishes a working communication link. The media detection system includes a port connector including first and second contact sets and a physical layer device which includes a transmit output and a receive input. The physical layer device monitors its receive input for communication signals and provides a link detect signal indicative thereof. The media detection system further includes a select circuit that selectively couples the transmit output and the receive input of the physical layer device to the first and second contact sets, respectively, of the port connector in a first state and crosses the connection in a second state.

Abstract: The invention features a circuit card for use with a computer system having a card slot electrically connected to a bus. The card slot has electrical contacts corresponding to lines of the bus. The circuit card has a first pin positioned to extend into the card slot when the card is inserted into the slot and contact a first electrical contact of the slot corresponding to a communication line of the bus. The circuit card also has a second pin positioned to extend into the card slot when the card is inserted into the slot and contact a second electrical contact of the slot corresponding to a clock line of the bus before the first pin contacts the first electrical contact.

Abstract: A memory system for performing error detection and correction including a memory device that stores a plurality of data words, where each data word has a plurality of data bits and at least one associated check bit. The memory system further includes memory control circuitry that reads a plurality of data words in multiple cycles to form a block word that includes a sufficient number of check bits to perform detection of double bit errors and correction of single bit errors. A 72-bit block word is formed by grouping smaller data words retrieved from the memory device. For a 9-bit device with eight data bits and one check bit, eight burst cycles may be used to retrieve a 72-bit data block. Similarly, for 18-bit devices, four burst cycles may be used to retrieve the data block and for 36-bit devices, two burst cycles may be used to retrieve the data block. The memory system further includes error logic that receives and performs error detection and correction upon the block word.

Abstract: A system for overriding access security in a computing device including a local security device and an input device. Access security is overridden when a medium containing override passcode information is inserted into an input device and the local security device reads and verifies the override passcode information. Alternatively, a second, remotely located security device reads and verifies the override passcode information, and if valid, authorizes the local security device to override access security.