Friday December 05 2008
ContactPatents Archive
browse through the 1997-96 archive, download the patent specification
PATENTS ARCHIVE BY YEAR
Use the tabbed panel (right) to browse through Elonex's patents year by year. Click on each patent reference number to view a brief description. If available, you can also download the full PDF specification. To view PDF documents, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.
PATENT: NO. 5753064
DATE 24.03.1997
A print-through form comprises a top and a base layer with the top layer having a pattern of openings in at least one region, the pattern of openings having center-to-center distances substantially less than the size of characters or other elements to be printed.
Ink applied to the region or regions with openings forms characters on the top layer by marking the area between the openings, and on the base layer in the same operation through the openings, marking the area on the base layer exposed by the openings through the first layer.
More than two copies in a single printing pass may be accomplished with forms of more than two layers, wherein the patterns of openings expose area on all the intermediate layers and the base layer.
In various embodiments forms may comprise sheets affixed by peelable adhesive, by folding larger sheets, and by edge gluing with removable strips made by perforation lines.
A print-through form comprises a top and a base layer with the top layer having a pattern of openings in at least one region, the pattern of openings having center-to-center distances substantially less than the size of characters or other elements to be printed.
Ink applied to the region or regions with openings forms characters on the top layer by marking the area between the openings, and on the base layer in the same operation through the openings, marking the area on the base layer exposed by the openings through the first layer.
More than two copies in a single printing pass may be accomplished with forms of more than two layers, wherein the patterns of openings expose area on all the intermediate layers and the base layer.
In various embodiments forms may comprise sheets affixed by peelable adhesive, by folding larger sheets, and by edge gluing with removable strips made by perforation lines.
PATENT: NO. 5721958
DATE 04.12.1996
An apparatus and methods are provided for pre-compressing data to be sent to a peripheral device in a computer system, sending the data to the peripheral device as a compressed data stream, and decompressing the data for use in the peripheral device in a real-time format.
In a preferred embodiment, a unique peripheral device controller is provided having a data handling and decompression pipeline for receiving and decompressing an incoming compressed data stream in concert with a state machine for sensing the states of elements of the peripheral device, and for providing the decompressed data stream to data-using elements of the peripheral device.
The peripheral device can be any device for which large amounts of data are typically needed, including, but not limited to printers, video displays, robotic driving devices, and data recording and media writing devices. Alternative methods are disclosed for compressing and decompressing data in systems according to the invention.
An apparatus and methods are provided for pre-compressing data to be sent to a peripheral device in a computer system, sending the data to the peripheral device as a compressed data stream, and decompressing the data for use in the peripheral device in a real-time format.
In a preferred embodiment, a unique peripheral device controller is provided having a data handling and decompression pipeline for receiving and decompressing an incoming compressed data stream in concert with a state machine for sensing the states of elements of the peripheral device, and for providing the decompressed data stream to data-using elements of the peripheral device.
The peripheral device can be any device for which large amounts of data are typically needed, including, but not limited to printers, video displays, robotic driving devices, and data recording and media writing devices. Alternative methods are disclosed for compressing and decompressing data in systems according to the invention.
PATENT: NO. 5715477
DATE 04.12.1996
An apparatus and methods are provided for pre-compressing data to be sent to a peripheral device in a computer system, sending the data to the peripheral device as a compressed data stream, and decompressing the data for use in the peripheral device in a real-time format.
In a preferred embodiment, a unique peripheral device controller is provided having a data handling and decompression pipeline for receiving and decompressing an incoming compressed data stream in concert with a state machine for sensing the states of elements of the peripheral device, and for providing the decompressed data stream to data-using elements of the peripheral device.
The peripheral device can be any device for which large amounts of data are typically needed, including, but not limited to printers, video displays, robotic driving devices, and data recording and media writing devices. Alternative methods are disclosed for compressing and decompressing data in systems according to the invention.
An apparatus and methods are provided for pre-compressing data to be sent to a peripheral device in a computer system, sending the data to the peripheral device as a compressed data stream, and decompressing the data for use in the peripheral device in a real-time format.
In a preferred embodiment, a unique peripheral device controller is provided having a data handling and decompression pipeline for receiving and decompressing an incoming compressed data stream in concert with a state machine for sensing the states of elements of the peripheral device, and for providing the decompressed data stream to data-using elements of the peripheral device.
The peripheral device can be any device for which large amounts of data are typically needed, including, but not limited to printers, video displays, robotic driving devices, and data recording and media writing devices. Alternative methods are disclosed for compressing and decompressing data in systems according to the invention.
PATENT: NO. 5721936
DATE 24.07.1996
A system for managing power levels for a general purpose computer having a standby and a full-power mode of operation provides apparatus and a method for monitoring times of user input and control routines for using the times of user input to calculate optimum times for initiating full power operation and standby mode.
The control routines are configured to provide the optimum times to a real time clock that remains powered in the standby mode, which triggers switching elements to initiate full power and standby mode. In one embodiment of the system, startup and standby may be initiated either by user input or automatically by the power management system.
Startup and standby initiation times may be different for different days and time periods based on both preprogrammed and calculated values.
A system for managing power levels for a general purpose computer having a standby and a full-power mode of operation provides apparatus and a method for monitoring times of user input and control routines for using the times of user input to calculate optimum times for initiating full power operation and standby mode.
The control routines are configured to provide the optimum times to a real time clock that remains powered in the standby mode, which triggers switching elements to initiate full power and standby mode. In one embodiment of the system, startup and standby may be initiated either by user input or automatically by the power management system.
Startup and standby initiation times may be different for different days and time periods based on both preprogrammed and calculated values.
PATENT: NO. 5615393
DATE 15.07.1996
A computer system has a cordless keyboard having an on-board power supply and a magnetic field generator with the keyboard adapted for coding keystrokes made on the keyboard in a dynamic magnetic field broadcast by the magnetic field generator.
There is also an electronic card module having an induction coil for receiving the coded keystrokes in the dynamic magnetic field and having decoding circuitry connected to the induction coil for converting the coded keystrokes in the dynamic magnetic field into standard serial bus data.
A computer as part of the system has a docking bay adapted for receiving and engaging the electronic card module and connecting the decoding circuitry in the electronic card module by means of multi-pin connectors to an internal bus of the computer.
A computer system has a cordless keyboard having an on-board power supply and a magnetic field generator with the keyboard adapted for coding keystrokes made on the keyboard in a dynamic magnetic field broadcast by the magnetic field generator.
There is also an electronic card module having an induction coil for receiving the coded keystrokes in the dynamic magnetic field and having decoding circuitry connected to the induction coil for converting the coded keystrokes in the dynamic magnetic field into standard serial bus data.
A computer as part of the system has a docking bay adapted for receiving and engaging the electronic card module and connecting the decoding circuitry in the electronic card module by means of multi-pin connectors to an internal bus of the computer.
PATENT: NO. 5663916
DATE 21.05.1996
A dynamic random access memory has multiple registers dedicated to each column, and is controlled to refresh by r eading multiple bit values from distinct capacitance storage cells consecutively, followed by consecutive refresh steps for the same capacitance storage cells equal in number to the number of consecutive read steps.
As each bit value is read. it is stored in a distinct bit register reserved for that cell. The interleaved refresh provided minimizes DRAM access time, and provides a memory architecture wherein distinct, separate register arrays may be dedicated to and support distinctly different functions, such as servicing a CPU and a video system.
Download PDF specification (395kb)
A dynamic random access memory has multiple registers dedicated to each column, and is controlled to refresh by r eading multiple bit values from distinct capacitance storage cells consecutively, followed by consecutive refresh steps for the same capacitance storage cells equal in number to the number of consecutive read steps.
As each bit value is read. it is stored in a distinct bit register reserved for that cell. The interleaved refresh provided minimizes DRAM access time, and provides a memory architecture wherein distinct, separate register arrays may be dedicated to and support distinctly different functions, such as servicing a CPU and a video system.
Download PDF specification (395kb)
PATENT: NO. 5708776
DATE 09.05.1996
An automatic recovery system for a network appliance features a watchdog processor that monitors operation of the appliance and initiates reboot as necessary. A primary and a secondary boot partition are provided in the system, in some embodiments on the same mass storage device, and in other embodiments on a different mass storage device.
In the event reboot is unsuccessful from the primary boot partition, reboot is initiated from the secondary boot partition. The watchdog processor executes automatic recovery software stored in a non-volatile storage device, which may be a part the same IC as the watchdog processor.
An automatic recovery system for a network appliance features a watchdog processor that monitors operation of the appliance and initiates reboot as necessary. A primary and a secondary boot partition are provided in the system, in some embodiments on the same mass storage device, and in other embodiments on a different mass storage device.
In the event reboot is unsuccessful from the primary boot partition, reboot is initiated from the secondary boot partition. The watchdog processor executes automatic recovery software stored in a non-volatile storage device, which may be a part the same IC as the watchdog processor.
PATENT: NO. 5640302
DATE 11.03.1996
A system for managing power states for a video display monitor for a computer during periods of operator inactivity senses the presence or absence of signals provided to the video display monitor for forming an image on the monitor, such as red (R), green (G), blue (B) and horizontal synchronization (HSYNC) and vertical synchronization (VSYNC) signals.
Time sensing apparatus at the host senses input inactivity, and in one embodiment suspends a signal provided to the monitor. Sensing and control circuits in the monitor sense the absence of the signal normally supplied to the monitor, and control power-using circuitry in the monitor in response.
In an embodiment applicable to monitors having a microprocessor, the system may be incorporated entirely in software at the host and the monitor. In dumb monitors, the system requires add-in and/or add-on devices cooperating with software.
A system for managing power states for a video display monitor for a computer during periods of operator inactivity senses the presence or absence of signals provided to the video display monitor for forming an image on the monitor, such as red (R), green (G), blue (B) and horizontal synchronization (HSYNC) and vertical synchronization (VSYNC) signals.
Time sensing apparatus at the host senses input inactivity, and in one embodiment suspends a signal provided to the monitor. Sensing and control circuits in the monitor sense the absence of the signal normally supplied to the monitor, and control power-using circuitry in the monitor in response.
In an embodiment applicable to monitors having a microprocessor, the system may be incorporated entirely in software at the host and the monitor. In dumb monitors, the system requires add-in and/or add-on devices cooperating with software.
PATENT: NO. 5708840
DATE 04.03.1996
A personal digital assistant module with a local CPU, memory, and I/O interface has a host interface comprising a bus connected to the local CPU and a connector at a surface of the personal digital assistant for interfacing to a bus connector of a host general-purpose computer, providing direct bus communication between the personal digital assistant and the host general-purpose computer. In an embodiment, the personal digital assistant also has a means for storing a security code.
The personal digital assistant according to the invention forms a host/satellite combination with a host computer having a docking bay, wherein upon docking a docking protocol controls access by the host to memory of the personal digital assistant based on one or more passwords provided by a user to the host.
In another embodiment the personal digital assistant also has an expansion port connected to the local CPU, and expansion peripheral devices may be connected and operated through the expansion port.
Also disclosed are various embodiments for host systems compatible with personal digital assistants according to the invention, and a scanner system useful with displays of both personal digital assistants and hosts.
A personal digital assistant module with a local CPU, memory, and I/O interface has a host interface comprising a bus connected to the local CPU and a connector at a surface of the personal digital assistant for interfacing to a bus connector of a host general-purpose computer, providing direct bus communication between the personal digital assistant and the host general-purpose computer. In an embodiment, the personal digital assistant also has a means for storing a security code.
The personal digital assistant according to the invention forms a host/satellite combination with a host computer having a docking bay, wherein upon docking a docking protocol controls access by the host to memory of the personal digital assistant based on one or more passwords provided by a user to the host.
In another embodiment the personal digital assistant also has an expansion port connected to the local CPU, and expansion peripheral devices may be connected and operated through the expansion port.
Also disclosed are various embodiments for host systems compatible with personal digital assistants according to the invention, and a scanner system useful with displays of both personal digital assistants and hosts.
PATENT: NO. 5648799
DATE 07.02.1996
A system for managing power states for a video display monitor for a computer during periods of operator inactivity senses the presence or absence of signals provided to the video display monitor for forming an image on the monitor, such as red (R), green (G), blue (B) and horizontal synchronization (HSYNC) and vertical synchronization (VSYNC) signals.
Time sensing apparatus at the host senses input inactivity, and in one embodiment suspends a signal provided to the monitor. Sensing and control circuits in the monitor sense the absence of the signal normally supplied to the monitor, and control power-using circuitry in the monitor in response.
In an embodiment applicable to monitors having a microprocessor, the system may be incorporated entirely in software at the host and the monitor. In dumb monitors, the system requires add-in and/or add-on devices cooperating with software.
A system for managing power states for a video display monitor for a computer during periods of operator inactivity senses the presence or absence of signals provided to the video display monitor for forming an image on the monitor, such as red (R), green (G), blue (B) and horizontal synchronization (HSYNC) and vertical synchronization (VSYNC) signals.
Time sensing apparatus at the host senses input inactivity, and in one embodiment suspends a signal provided to the monitor. Sensing and control circuits in the monitor sense the absence of the signal normally supplied to the monitor, and control power-using circuitry in the monitor in response.
In an embodiment applicable to monitors having a microprocessor, the system may be incorporated entirely in software at the host and the monitor. In dumb monitors, the system requires add-in and/or add-on devices cooperating with software.
PATENT: NO. 5633920
DATE 30.01.1996
A business telephone system employs digital signal processing in a digital telephone having a serial link for connection to a general-purpose computer. The Smart Phone is thus the central intelligence for the system, which may utilize a PBX connected in a LAN network to multiple computers, including file servers, and each computer may have one or more Smart Phones connected.
In one embodiment, docking bays in the phone provide an ability to interchange functional modules, including DSP modules. The docking bays and functional modules may be configured to PCMCIA standards.
In another embodiment, a docking bay, which may also be PCMCIA, has a physical window allowing access to an input area on a docked module, wherein the docked module is an intelligent module with a CPU, memory, and a bus structure, affording control of the smart phone and the entire system through the input interface of the docked module.
A business telephone system employs digital signal processing in a digital telephone having a serial link for connection to a general-purpose computer. The Smart Phone is thus the central intelligence for the system, which may utilize a PBX connected in a LAN network to multiple computers, including file servers, and each computer may have one or more Smart Phones connected.
In one embodiment, docking bays in the phone provide an ability to interchange functional modules, including DSP modules. The docking bays and functional modules may be configured to PCMCIA standards.
In another embodiment, a docking bay, which may also be PCMCIA, has a physical window allowing access to an input area on a docked module, wherein the docked module is an intelligent module with a CPU, memory, and a bus structure, affording control of the smart phone and the entire system through the input interface of the docked module.