Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying video data on a computer display. Video data is digitized at a video rate and displayed at a different (higher) rate. The digitized video data is provided to the computer memory along with the computer-generated display data. Thus, the video data is part of the windowing environment and can be manipulated like any other window on the display screen. The video data can be arbitrarily sized and is not limited by the input format. The video input is provided to the computer system as a video stream. Next, the video data is resampled and converted from, e.g., the NTSC standard 640.times.480 array into an N.times.M array where N is less than or equal to 640, and M is less than or equal to 480. The video data is then selectively stored in the computer memory with the computer display data by referencing a bit map in the computer memory, producing a region of pixel data that is fully compatible with other windows in the windowing environment.

Abstract: A bus termination scheme that minimizes signal reflection and that minimizes the effect of the number of devices coupled to the bus. In this invention, a resistor is provided between a signal driver and the transmission bus. In addition, a resistance is provided between the bus and each receiving means. The driver resistor reduces the effective capacitance of the transmission line as well as effectively source terminating the line. The receiver resistor reduces effective capacitance and damps signal reflections. Thus, the performance of the bus is increased by minimizing the effects of the number of drivers and receivers on the bus. In addition, the drivers can be lower powered than prior art drivers because no static and a reduced dynamic load is presented to the driver. Finally, the resistors do not dissipate power continuously but only when a transmitter changes the bus state or potential, further enhancing low power operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing inter-program communication, and in particular, the sharing of algorithms among programs. A "services server" scans programs stored in the mass storage of a computer system and generates a data structure containing attribute information of each service provided by the programs stored in mass storage. This data structure includes an attribute name, the "sendType" of the attribute and the "returnTypes" of the attribute. A sendType is the required format of data provided to the service provider as an input to the service algorithm. The returnType is the format of data that is the result of applying the service algorithm to the input data. SendTypes and returnTypes are ASCII, RTF, TIFF, PICT, etc. When a service requestor is activated, the service requestor scans the services server data structure and generates its own local database of available services with which it can provide the appropriate data format.

Abstract: A housing for a desk top personal computer incorporating a novel integrated cooling system. The housing features a cast magnesium chassis that acts as a heat sink that conductively absorbs heat from internal components. A recessed, rectangular, open-sided cooling channel is integrally formed in the bottom of the chassis. A fan is mounted to one end of the cooling channel. A series of fins running lengthwise extends down from the top of the channel. A power supply module, which dissipates heat from a conduction plate along its bottom, is mounted on the top side of the chassis directly above the channel. In operation, the fan draws air into the housing through a series of openings along the top back edge of the chassis. The air passes over the inside surfaces of the chassis, dissipating the relatively small amount of heat generated by the components mounted thereon and flows into the cooling channel.

Abstract: A bus termination scheme that minimizes signal reflection and that minimizes the effect of the number of devices coupled to the bus. In this invention, a resistor is provided between a signal driver and the transmission bus. In addition, a resistance is provided between the bus and each receiving means. The driver resistor reduces the effective capacitance of the transmission line as well as effectively source terminating the line. The receiver resistor reduces effective capacitance and damps signal reflections. Thus, the performance of the bus is increased by minimizing the effects of the number of drivers and receivers on the bus. In addition, the drivers can be lower powered than prior art drivers because no static and a reduced dynamic load is presented to the driver. Finally, the resistors do not dissipate power continuously but only when a transmitter changes the bus state or potential, further enhancing low power operation.

Abstract: This invention provides a defect management scheme for mass storage devices such as disk drives. The data tracks formed on the surface of the storage media are divided into a plurality of zones. Each zone is divided into a number of logical partitions, with each partition containing a fixed number of sectors. Each partition also includes at least one local spare sector at the end of the partition. Each zone, which may consist of one or more partitions, includes a number of overflow spare sectors at the end of the zone. If there is a defective sector in a partition, the local spare sector is used to replace the defective sector. If there are more defective sectors in a partition than there are local spare sectors, an overflow spare sector is used to replace the additional defective sectors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing graphic compositing operations in a computer system, with improved system performance, is provided. The apparatus and method performs the plurality of compositing operations by implementing a series of write functions, selected from a group of write functions, in a predetermined combination or order.

Abstract: An adjustable monitor stand for pivoting a monitor about a horizontal axis which is relatively simple to operate and which does not require great effort to adjust is provided. The stand includes a base, a platform for holding the monitor, and a hinge interconnecting the base and the platform. The hinge includes a torsion spring selected with regard to the mass of the monitor and the distance of its center of gravity from the axis so that the gravitational torque produced as the monitor is pivoted with the platform about the horizontal axis is always substantially balanced by the restoring torque generated by the spring. The stand therefore requires very little effort to adjust.

Abstract: In a computer system equipped with a magneto-optical disk drive having high data density, and therefore lengthy format times, and also requiring an erase step before each write operation, a system and method for decreasing user waiting time is provided. The system and method format the disk on a continuous basis during "disk-idle" periods rather than all at once. The system and method also erase disk portions belonging to deleted data in advance during disk-idle periods, so they are ready for the next write operation.

Abstract: In a computer system equipped with a magneto-optical disk drive having high data density, and therefore lengthy format times, and also requiring an erase step before each write operation, a system and method for decreasing user waiting time is provided. The system and method format the disk on a continuous basis during "disk-idle" periods rather than all at once. The system and method also erase disk portion belonging to deleted data in advance during disk-idle periods, so they are ready for the next write operation.