Abstract: The present invention provides a method for program installation that is eliminates the need to download the required program to a host computer as an intermediate step to sending the program to the client processor. In the method disclosed, the client processor has the capability of emulating the configuration of a host computer disk interface and so be in a position to receive the requested program directly. After the program is downloaded and installed on the client processor, the emulation is deactivated and normal operating resumes. The invention provides substantially mirror image functionality so that peripheral devices of the host server can be configured to emulate components of the client processor.

Abstract: A computer system includes one or more single board computers (“SBCs”), that are arranged connectively with a personal computer that acts as a host computer for the entire system. The host computer contains standard I/O and storage devices, including a hard disk drive, video monitor, mouse and keyboard. The SBCs do not contain such devices. Rather, the SBCs are managed using a single GUI utility generated by through the host computer; and the SBCs use one or more partitioned portions of the host computer's hard disk drive as storage. Images may be swapped on and off the SBCs rapidly to reconfigure their respective “personalities”.

Abstract: An illumination structure includes an operation button having a front face on which is formed an identifying indication of ‘AUTO’ made by exposing an opalescent synthetic resin to easily penetrate light and the other parts are painted in black. It also includes an illuminating part provided on a back of the operation button, which illuminates a back of the identifying indication, and plural protrusions in a shape of ribs that regulate an intensity of light penetrating through the identifying indication. In this structure, the plural protrusions obstruct and diffuse the light beams that advance from the illuminating part toward the back of the identifying indication, thereby achieving uniform emission of the light beams from the whole identifying indication. Further in the manufacturing process of the operation button, contraction of a front face of the operation button accompanied with coagulation of the synthetic resin is dispersed by the plural protrusions.

Abstract: A computer system comprises plural single board computers that utilized shared physical storage. The computers boot from and run applications located remotely. In a preferred embodiment, a hierarchy of such computers is utilized, and the order in which they boot is set such that an optimum sequence is achieved. The computer bus serves as both a network for intercomputer communications, and a bus for intra computer communications.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting the surface of a sample includes a wide scanning interferometer, which is used to locate defects, or anomalies in the surface, and a narrow scanning interferometer, which is used to develop profiles of individual defects found by the narrow scanning interferometer. The sample may be driven in rotation about an axis, while the interferometers are independently moved radially to the axis.