Abstract: The present invention improves the conventional information reproduction practice by providing a high-performance optical information processing apparatus having various hardwares for arriving at multitasking capability as well as means for achieving disc-loading and -unloading flexibility, thereby allowing a user to launch a software program or simultaneously several software programs directly from an optical disc and/or several optical discs stored therein, eliminating tedious and time-consuming software installation, affording a kind of copy-right protection to softwares, and alleviating the burden of a hard-disk drive during the process of information reproducing. 1 References Cited U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 5,375,113 December 1994 Pollard et al. 369/30 5,335,218 August 1994 Osada 369/178 5,253,235 October 1993 Isobe et al. 369/37 5,251,192 October 1993 Liu 369/36 5,193,079 March 1993 Ko et al.

Abstract: An optical data-storage medium comprises a base structure adapted to supply a peripheral surface with a medium adhered thereon, forming a data surface responsive to a light beam for providing optical signals corresponding to a plurality of data, wherein the plurality of data are arranged in a three dimensional pattern, most preferably, a plurality of helixes suitable for application of parallel processing of information. For this purpose, an optical data-storage apparatus is designed from a single platform to accommodate the optical data-storage medium rotatable therein about an axial line at a steady and constant speed, and to allow a plurality of optical heads each capable of providing a light beam jointly movable in a direction generally parallel to the axial line so as to simultaneously process a plurality of data bits at a time, i.e., in parallel.

Abstract: A computer power supply, motherboard, and computer system each is adapted for providing multiple operating functions. Of particular importance is an energy-conserving operating function that eliminates any unnecessary energy waste and annoying noise, while allowing information processing to continue, as opposed to (1) a conventional operating state that inevitably incurs substantial energy waste and annoying noise, and to (2) a conventional suspend state that idles and deactivates information processing essentially. Of anther importance is an operating system for selectively executing a power-down process to an energy-conserving operating function and a power-up process to a full operating function.

Abstract: An optical data-storage medium comprises a base structure adapted to supply a peripheral surface with a medium adhered thereon, forming a data surface responsive to a light beam for providing optical signals corresponding to a plurality of data, wherein the plurality of data are arranged in a three dimensional pattern, most preferably, a plurality of helixes suitable for application of parallel processing of information. For this purpose, an optical data-storage apparatus is designed from a single platform to accommodate the optical data-storage medium rotatable therein about an axial line at a steady and constant speed, and to allow a plurality of optical heads each capable of providing a light beam jointly movable in a direction generally parallel to the axial line so as to simultaneously process a plurality of data bits at a time, i.e., in parallel.

Abstract: An optical data-storage medium comprises a base structure adapted to supply a peripheral surface with a medium adhered thereon, forming a data surface responsive to a light beam for providing optical signals corresponding to a plurality of data, wherein the plurality of data are arranged in a three dimensional pattern, most preferably, a plurality of helixes suitable for application of parallel processing of information. For this purpose, an optical data-storage apparatus is designed from a single platform to accommodate the optical data-storage medium rotatable therein about an axial line at a steady and constant speed, and to allow a plurality of optical heads each capable of providing a light beam jointly movable in a direction generally parallel to the axial line so as to simultaneously process a plurality of data bits at a time, i.e., in parallel.

Abstract: An energy-conserving computer system comprises keep-alive and switchable power-distributing circuitry for separately energizing keep-alive and main circuitry such as microprocessor, primary memory storage, and expansion cards. Secondary memory-storage drives are in power connection only with switchable power-distributing circuitry. Not only is energy consumption conserved to the greatest extent for a line-operated computer, but operating hours can be correspondingly extended for a battery-operated notebook computer. Through use of the very least amount of power technologically possible, the energy-conserving computer system becomes accessible remotely and instantaneously, thus for the first time totally eliminating the time-consuming, manual shutdown and booting processes inevitably required in conventional practice.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is preferably made to contain hardware components of plural turntables, plural head units, plural decoding units, at least one encoding unit, and a system control unit. These components are adapted in such a manner as to afford (1) true multitasking in information reading and writing, (2) direct communication for information to be exchanged directly within the information processing apparatus, (3) disc removability for information to be stored as off-line archives and to become transportable between computer systems, (4) separation of user-created data from program files for eliminating time-consuming file-defragmentation processing and for conveniently safekeeping the user-created data, and (5) capability of launching favored software programs directly from original software discs.

Abstract: An energy-conserving computer system allowing for instantaneous and remote access using keep-alive power-distributing circuitry for continuously distributing keep-alive DC power to a first group of circuitry including keep-alive memory means (such as ROM, RAM, or preferably SRAM) for storing task information (reflecting the operating activity of the energy-conserving computer system) to be kept alive, and switchable power-distributing circuitry for selectively distributing main DC power to a second group of circuitry, the switchable power-distributing circuitry including a plurality of slots for detachably establishing circuit communication with circuit cards to be selectively powered.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus having hardware components that include plural turntables, plural head units, plural decoding units, at least one encoding unit, and a system control unit. These components are adapted in such a manner as to afford (1) true multitasking in information reading and writing, (2) direct communication for information to be exchanged directly within the information processing apparatus, (3) disc removability for information to be stored as off-line archives and to become transportable between computer systems, (4) separation of user-created data from program files for eliminating time-consuming file-defragmentation processing and for conveniently safekeeping the user-created data, and (5) capability of launching favored software programs directly from original software discs.

Abstract: An energy-conserving power-supply system utilizes a keep-alive DC power to consistently power a control circuit so as to render a main power supply readily actuatable for either distributing AC power or supplying regulated DC power. The energy-conserving power-supply system allows any one of modern information-processing or entertainment electronic products to be readily operable manually, remotely, or automatically from a standby state; while, it totally eliminates any unnecessary energy waste because AC power is neither transmitted nor wasted not only within but outside the power-supply system. The latter allows an external line-operated device to be concurrently operable from a no-power state, i.e., without consuming any standby energy at all. Not only can the energy-conserving power-supply system conserve energy usage to the greatest extent, it will also correspondingly extend the life spans of electronic circuitry and electromechanical components.

Abstract: A light system of a vehicle is made to comprise light cover means having at least one light-illuminable area for luminously displaying a symbol corresponding to a vehicle's trademark or a manufacturer's mark when the vehicle is initiated by a driver to perform an action such as braking, parking-signalling, hazard-signalling, turn-signalling, driving, reverse-driving, or door-opening. When implemented, the present invention economically and effectively vivifies the illumination appearance of a vehicle not only in the daylight but in the dark.

Abstract: A high-performance optical information processing apparatus having various hardware for arriving at multitasking function. The optical information processing apparatus provides disc-loading and -unloading flexibility, allows a user to launch a software program or simultaneously several software programs directly from an optical disc and/or several optical discs stored therein, eliminates tedious and time-consuming software installation, affords a kind of copyright protection to software, and alleviates the burden of accessing a hard-disk drive during the process of information reproduction.

Abstract: A mass of ferromagnetic particles encapsulated in a polymeric shell having a plurality of denuded organic lubricant particles adhering to the surface of the shell so as to stand in relief from said surface unimpaired by the polymer or any other binder.

Abstract: An audio system comprising programmable means and power-distributing means is capable of recording preselected audio broadcasts in accordance with the program data manually set by a user based on the best projection of his/her routine or particular schedule. In addition to making latest traffic/weather information available in advance, an audio system in accordance with this invention is capable of automatically outputting the sound data of the recorded information either at a preselected time when a use is being waken up or when his/her vehicle is started. Said audio system is optionally afforded with an additional radio receiving means so that a user has a choice of continuously listening in to a musical broadcast during a preselected traffic/weather broadcast from a different radio station is being automatically recorded.