Abstract: A computer system that includes a computer chassis containing an IEEE 1394 bus and peripheral devices. The computer system includes a CPU, a memory, and a bridge logic unit coupling the CPU to the memory. Peripheral devices in the computer system chassis couple to the bridge logic unit through the IEEE 1394 bus. The bridge logic unit couples directly to the peripheral devices in the computer chassis. The bridge logic unit includes a memory controller, CPU interface, IEEE 1394 interface and AGP interface. The IEEE 1394 interface couples to the IEEE 1394 bus. The bridge logic unit includes a number of queue storage elements that couple the IEEE 1394 interface to the memory controller, CPU interface, and AGP interface.

Abstract: A laptop computer system executes automatic battery calibration to improve the accuracy of the battery's internal charge monitor. The calibration procedure drains the battery to approximately 0% of charge capacity during normal computer operation, permitting a user to operate the computer without risking power failure when the battery discharges. The computer returns to normal operation if either the AC power or the battery is removed. During the calibration procedure, the computer system prevents power management software from forcing shut down before the battery completely drains.

Abstract: A personal computer system includes a touchpad having an infrared source and an infrared detector such that said touchpad may implement an infrared fingerprint security system and/or an infrared touchpad for cursor control. The infrared fingerprint security system may provide information necessary to gain access to peripheral storage media. For example, a peripheral storage medium may have a database which contains information about the fingerprints of authorized users such that the storage medium may only be accessed by authorized users in ways permitted for each particular user as indicated in the storage medium itself. A user may input information through a touch sensitive light pen which generates an infrared beam. The implementation of both a fingerprint security system and a touchpad cursor control with common elements is advantageous since both enhanced capabilities may thereby be provided at a reasonable cost.

Abstract: A computer system includes one or more scroll bar sensors for scrolling up and down and left and right in a document or data displayed on the computer's display. The scroll bar sensors include capacitive touchpad sensors and are coupled to an electrical circuit. Localized capacitance charges are caused by the placement of an operator's finger on or near the sensor. These capacitance variations are processed by the electrical circuit to determine the location of the operator's finger on the scroll bar sensor. An operator can cause the computer system to display any section of a document or data by touching different portions of a scroll bar sensor. The computer system 100 also can determine relative motion of the operator's finger as the finger moves from one end of a scroll bar sensor to another end, thereby causing the computer to scroll through the document at a rate proportional to the operator's finger motion.

Abstract: A computer system includes a touchpad with one or more overlays providing the computer system with various input control functions. The overlay preferably includes tactile response elements to provide tactile feedback to the operator as an indication that a portion of the overlay has been pressed. The touchpad includes a capacitive sensor. Electronics coupled to the touchpad determine which portion of the touchpad sensor surface area has been touched or pressed. The amount of tactile feedback to the computer operator can be varied through the design and construction of the overlay and the overlay may be provided with no tactile feedback, if desired. As such, numerous overlays can be placed on the touchpad of the computer system, thereby providing the computer system with multiple different input control functions. The computer operator may manually input the type of overlay being used into the computer.

Abstract: A personal computer includes a flat panel or LCD display for displaying computer status information. The display includes an overlying transparent touchpad. When the touchpad is touched, appropriate signals are processed so that movements of the user's finger on the touchpad can be indicated by displaying altered images on the display that correspond to the movement of the user's finger. In this way, the user gets an immediate visual feedback through the LCD display of what changes can be or have been made by touchpad control.

Abstract: A computer system includes a touchpad with one or more overlays providing the computer system with various input control functions. The overlay preferably includes tactile response elements to provide tactile feedback to the operator as an indication that a portion of the overlay has been pressed. The touchpad includes a capacitive sensor. Electronics coupled to the touchpad determine which portion of the touchpad sensor surface area has been touched or pressed. The amount of tactile feedback to the computer operator can be varied through the design and construction of the overlay and the overlay may be provided with no tactile feedback, if desired. As such, numerous overlays can be placed on the touchpad of the computer system, thereby providing the computer system with multiple different input control functions. The computer operator may manually input the type of overlay being used into the computer.