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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. 5563947
DATE 20.12.1995
Encrypted data on a CD-PROM disk is managed by selectively encoding binary digital decryption keys onto the same disk in a separate data area. A decryption key or keys may be programmed onto the disk after manufacture, such as at the point of sale, by selectively obliterating the readability of bits in addressable sectors.
A binary digital key is then later recognized as the result of a string of addressable sectors, with one or the other of readable or unreadable sectors being recognized as a logical 1 and the other as a logical 0.
In an embodiment, a manufacturer may place several or all versions and features of a large program on a single CD-ROM, encrypted, and later provide keys to enable only selected ones of the features and versions for retrieval.
Encrypted data on a CD-PROM disk is managed by selectively encoding binary digital decryption keys onto the same disk in a separate data area. A decryption key or keys may be programmed onto the disk after manufacture, such as at the point of sale, by selectively obliterating the readability of bits in addressable sectors.
A binary digital key is then later recognized as the result of a string of addressable sectors, with one or the other of readable or unreadable sectors being recognized as a logical 1 and the other as a logical 0.
In an embodiment, a manufacturer may place several or all versions and features of a large program on a single CD-ROM, encrypted, and later provide keys to enable only selected ones of the features and versions for retrieval.
PATENT: NO. 5586498
DATE 26.10.1995
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. Some forms are made to be fed through traction feeders from continuous webs.
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. Some forms are made to be fed through traction feeders from continuous webs.
PATENT: NO. 5706336
DATE 26.10.1995
A selective call-waiting system for telephony use samples transmission on a busy line if the line subscribes to the selective call-waiting service, and avoids interrupting the transmission with a call-waiting signal if the transmission is data-type.
If the transmission on the busy line subscribing to the selective call-waiting service is voice-type, the system sends a call-waiting signal. Signal analyzers are disclosed, as well as methods for practicing the invention.
A selective call-waiting system for telephony use samples transmission on a busy line if the line subscribes to the selective call-waiting service, and avoids interrupting the transmission with a call-waiting signal if the transmission is data-type.
If the transmission on the busy line subscribing to the selective call-waiting service is voice-type, the system sends a call-waiting signal. Signal analyzers are disclosed, as well as methods for practicing the invention.
PATENT: NO. 5717570
DATE 06.10.1995
A computer enclosure has a drive bay for multiple hard disk drives implemented in the rear panel rather than in the front as is conventional, providing sufficient storage capacity for use as a file server in a mini-tower architecture.
In an alternative embodiment side panels are designed for quick removal by moving a panel against a spring element for release. In one embodiment access to the drive bay in the rear panel is controlled by a security door with a lock, and security screws for the removable side panels are located behind the security door.
In another embodiment, a fan bracket is provided allowing a single fan to be located in different positions, or for multiple fans to be used. Fans may be easily added or replaced without powering down the computer, and provision is made in the fan bracket for mounting a speaker for the system.
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A computer enclosure has a drive bay for multiple hard disk drives implemented in the rear panel rather than in the front as is conventional, providing sufficient storage capacity for use as a file server in a mini-tower architecture.
In an alternative embodiment side panels are designed for quick removal by moving a panel against a spring element for release. In one embodiment access to the drive bay in the rear panel is controlled by a security door with a lock, and security screws for the removable side panels are located behind the security door.
In another embodiment, a fan bracket is provided allowing a single fan to be located in different positions, or for multiple fans to be used. Fans may be easily added or replaced without powering down the computer, and provision is made in the fan bracket for mounting a speaker for the system.
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PATENT: NO. 5532719
DATE 14.08.1995
A system for making display adjustments in a monitor connected to a general-purpose computer converts user inputs at the host computer to digital commands and data words, and places the commands a data as serial packets on the VSYNC line to the monitor.
A controller in the monitor receives the serial packets and controls adjustment circuitry in the monitor to adjust display characteristics according to the commands a data received.
Adjustments include adjustments to brightness, contrast, display position on a monitor screen, display size and aspect ratio, and commands may include commands to switch display modes, and in some cases to signal the monitor to assume alternative power-using modes, such as a standby mode.
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A system for making display adjustments in a monitor connected to a general-purpose computer converts user inputs at the host computer to digital commands and data words, and places the commands a data as serial packets on the VSYNC line to the monitor.
A controller in the monitor receives the serial packets and controls adjustment circuitry in the monitor to adjust display characteristics according to the commands a data received.
Adjustments include adjustments to brightness, contrast, display position on a monitor screen, display size and aspect ratio, and commands may include commands to switch display modes, and in some cases to signal the monitor to assume alternative power-using modes, such as a standby mode.
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PATENT: NO. 5752075
DATE 07.08.1995
An integrated computer, scanner, and printer has elements of all three in a single enclosure with a single CPU performing all of the control tasks for the three, usually separate, devices.
The three functions also share memory space, and control circuitry for the scanning and printing operations are interfaced directly to the system bus of the computer. Control routines in a preferred embodiment are integrated into a single system BIOS.
In embodiments of the invention, a light source, such as a laser source, used for electrostatically writing images on a drum for printing, is diverted and also used for scanning operations.
In another alternative embodiment, a device-driver-software transparent extended enhanced parallel port is provided for expansion of the bus into an external copy of the internal bus, such that expansion ports may be transparently provided in an external docking box.
An integrated computer, scanner, and printer has elements of all three in a single enclosure with a single CPU performing all of the control tasks for the three, usually separate, devices.
The three functions also share memory space, and control circuitry for the scanning and printing operations are interfaced directly to the system bus of the computer. Control routines in a preferred embodiment are integrated into a single system BIOS.
In embodiments of the invention, a light source, such as a laser source, used for electrostatically writing images on a drum for printing, is diverted and also used for scanning operations.
In another alternative embodiment, a device-driver-software transparent extended enhanced parallel port is provided for expansion of the bus into an external copy of the internal bus, such that expansion ports may be transparently provided in an external docking box.
PATENT: NO. 5613906
DATE 20.07.1995
A hot-air chimney for a computer in an enclosure, for the purpose of removing hot air generated by ICs within the enclosure, is fabricated in the shape and form of an expansion card for the computer.
The chimney has a base panel in the shape of the expansion card, and an enclosed passage formed on the base panel. The chimney also has an end flange fashioned to simulate an end panel of the expansion card, and the enclosed passage is open to an opening in the end flange.
In computers wherein expansion cards are installed parallel to and overlying a motherboard, the hot-air chimney is installed in place of an expansion card adjacent to the motherboard.
An opening positioned in the base panel into the enclosed passage, and positioned to overlie a heat-producing IC on the motherboard, conducts heated air from the IC into the enclosed package and then outside the enclosure via the opening in the end flange. The chimney is particularly effective for computers with fan-mounted ICs, such as a CPU with a cooling fan.
In some embodiments an EMI-grounding grid is provided over the opening in the end flange of the hot-air chimney..
A hot-air chimney for a computer in an enclosure, for the purpose of removing hot air generated by ICs within the enclosure, is fabricated in the shape and form of an expansion card for the computer.
The chimney has a base panel in the shape of the expansion card, and an enclosed passage formed on the base panel. The chimney also has an end flange fashioned to simulate an end panel of the expansion card, and the enclosed passage is open to an opening in the end flange.
In computers wherein expansion cards are installed parallel to and overlying a motherboard, the hot-air chimney is installed in place of an expansion card adjacent to the motherboard.
An opening positioned in the base panel into the enclosed passage, and positioned to overlie a heat-producing IC on the motherboard, conducts heated air from the IC into the enclosed package and then outside the enclosure via the opening in the end flange. The chimney is particularly effective for computers with fan-mounted ICs, such as a CPU with a cooling fan.
In some embodiments an EMI-grounding grid is provided over the opening in the end flange of the hot-air chimney..
PATENT: NO. 5619659
DATE 30.06.1995
A bus interface system for expanding the I/O capability of a portable computer utilizes a parallel port connector with master interface circuitry connected to the internal ISA I/O bus of the portable computer and driving a 25-conductor Centronics-type cable as an intermediate bus.
The master interlace circuitry is device-driver-transparent, and multiplexes address data, and control information over a byte-wide avenue of the intermediate bus according to premapped state translation tables.
In a preferred embodiment a single peripheral I/O device comprising a slave circuitry may be connected to the 25-pin port, and the slave circuitry demultiplexes the intermediate bus states, providing a synthesized sub-set of ISA states to drive the peripheral device.
In another embodiment a docking box comprises a bus with multiple I/O ports, such as a network port, a COM serial port, and additional floppy and hard disk drives. Power circuitry is provided for driving a single connected peripheral device, and for recharging a docked portable computer.
A bus interface system for expanding the I/O capability of a portable computer utilizes a parallel port connector with master interface circuitry connected to the internal ISA I/O bus of the portable computer and driving a 25-conductor Centronics-type cable as an intermediate bus.
The master interlace circuitry is device-driver-transparent, and multiplexes address data, and control information over a byte-wide avenue of the intermediate bus according to premapped state translation tables.
In a preferred embodiment a single peripheral I/O device comprising a slave circuitry may be connected to the 25-pin port, and the slave circuitry demultiplexes the intermediate bus states, providing a synthesized sub-set of ISA states to drive the peripheral device.
In another embodiment a docking box comprises a bus with multiple I/O ports, such as a network port, a COM serial port, and additional floppy and hard disk drives. Power circuitry is provided for driving a single connected peripheral device, and for recharging a docked portable computer.
PATENT: NO. 5491744
DATE 30.06.1995
A selective call-waiting system for telephony use samples transmission on a busy line if the line subscribes to the selective call-waiting service, and avoids interrupting the transmission with a call-waiting signal if the transmission is data-type.
If the transmission on the busy line subscribing to the selective call-waiting service is voice-type, the system sends a call-waiting signal. Signal analyzers are disclosed, as well as methods for practicing the invention.
A selective call-waiting system for telephony use samples transmission on a busy line if the line subscribes to the selective call-waiting service, and avoids interrupting the transmission with a call-waiting signal if the transmission is data-type.
If the transmission on the busy line subscribing to the selective call-waiting service is voice-type, the system sends a call-waiting signal. Signal analyzers are disclosed, as well as methods for practicing the invention.
PATENT: NO. 5539621
DATE 23.06.1995
An interconnection topography for microprocessor-based communication nodes consists of opposite arrays of client nodes and resource nodes, with each client node connected to one resource node by a data transfer link, each resource node connected to a resource trunk by a data transfer link, and each node connected to just four neighboring nodes by data transfer links.
Communication nodes in the topography are microprocessor controlled, and comprise random access memory and data routing circuitry interfaced to the data transfer links.
In one aspect resource nodes are provided with a map of the interconnection topography for use in routing data. In another aspect, individual ones of the communication nodes are programmed as servers for receiving client requests and scheduling routing of resource data.
An interconnection topography for microprocessor-based communication nodes consists of opposite arrays of client nodes and resource nodes, with each client node connected to one resource node by a data transfer link, each resource node connected to a resource trunk by a data transfer link, and each node connected to just four neighboring nodes by data transfer links.
Communication nodes in the topography are microprocessor controlled, and comprise random access memory and data routing circuitry interfaced to the data transfer links.
In one aspect resource nodes are provided with a map of the interconnection topography for use in routing data. In another aspect, individual ones of the communication nodes are programmed as servers for receiving client requests and scheduling routing of resource data.
PATENT: NO. 5539878
DATE 16.06.1995
A method for testing CPU microprocessors having internal cache involves testing one IU and a portion of the internal cache, then loading a cache test routine to the tested portion of internal cache and causing that routine to be executed by the tested IU to test the previously untested portion of the internal cache while simultaneously testing any other IUs and circuitry on the CPU microprocessor.
A system is disclosed for performing the method.
A method for testing CPU microprocessors having internal cache involves testing one IU and a portion of the internal cache, then loading a cache test routine to the tested portion of internal cache and causing that routine to be executed by the tested IU to test the previously untested portion of the internal cache while simultaneously testing any other IUs and circuitry on the CPU microprocessor.
A system is disclosed for performing the method.
PATENT: NO. 5579524
DATE 01.05.1995
A power supply system for a general purpose computer has plural power supplies for powering selected groups of components.
One of the power supplies serves the keyboard and its controller, and the keyboard controller is configured to turn the other power supply or supplies on and off in response to user input at the keyboard.
The use of separate power supplies increases the efficiency of the computer when operating in reduced power modes.
A power supply system for a general purpose computer has plural power supplies for powering selected groups of components.
One of the power supplies serves the keyboard and its controller, and the keyboard controller is configured to turn the other power supply or supplies on and off in response to user input at the keyboard.
The use of separate power supplies increases the efficiency of the computer when operating in reduced power modes.
PATENT: NO. 5631847
DATE 27.04.1995
An error notification system operated independently of a connected computer receives signals indicating an error condition in operation of the computer, matches the signal with a prerecorded message, and dials phone numbers from a priority list of responsible parties.
When a call is answered, the notification system announces the message, informing the answering agent of the error condition, and requests a response requiring a person. If the requested response is not given, the system dials the phone number next in priority, and so on, until a person answers and provides the human response.
The system is applied to networked computers, such as file servers, and in one embodiment, the answering party can initiate corrective action.
An error notification system operated independently of a connected computer receives signals indicating an error condition in operation of the computer, matches the signal with a prerecorded message, and dials phone numbers from a priority list of responsible parties.
When a call is answered, the notification system announces the message, informing the answering agent of the error condition, and requests a response requiring a person. If the requested response is not given, the system dials the phone number next in priority, and so on, until a person answers and provides the human response.
The system is applied to networked computers, such as file servers, and in one embodiment, the answering party can initiate corrective action.
PATENT: NO. 5655138
DATE 11.04.1995
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. 5644714
DATE 10.04.1995
A video jukebox service has a world-wide array of file servers interconnected by data links and having video input apparatus. Each file server has a plurality of connected clients.
Video clippings input at the video input apparatus are shared with the other file servers and stored in a database at each file server. Clients are notified of availability of video clippings, and clippings are downloaded to client stations on demand.
In a preferred embodiment, the file server network is a toriodal arrangement, and client communication nodes equal in n umber to the number of file servers are interconnected in a toroidal fashion as well.
Individual client stations are connected to individual ones of the client communication nodes, with the overall network in the form of nested toroids.
A video jukebox service has a world-wide array of file servers interconnected by data links and having video input apparatus. Each file server has a plurality of connected clients.
Video clippings input at the video input apparatus are shared with the other file servers and stored in a database at each file server. Clients are notified of availability of video clippings, and clippings are downloaded to client stations on demand.
In a preferred embodiment, the file server network is a toriodal arrangement, and client communication nodes equal in n umber to the number of file servers are interconnected in a toroidal fashion as well.
Individual client stations are connected to individual ones of the client communication nodes, with the overall network in the form of nested toroids.
PATENT: NO. 5561722
DATE 03.03.1995
A pattern matching multiplies distances between an input pattern and standard patterns by distance-scale correcting weight coefficients respectively prepared for the standard patterns. This yields a distance corresponding to a category shape of a standard pattern and enhance an input pattern recognition ratio.
A pattern recognition apparatus stores distance-scale correcting weight coefficients respectively prepared for all standard patterns in storage means. Distances between stored standard patterns and an input pattern generated by input pattern generating means are calculated. .
The calculated distance is multiplied by a weight coefficient stored in the storage means in accordance with the standard pattern used for calculating the distance from the input pattern. This structure reduces the number of templates when providing the standard patterns as multiple templates and, at the same time, enhances the input pattern recognition ratio.
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A pattern matching multiplies distances between an input pattern and standard patterns by distance-scale correcting weight coefficients respectively prepared for the standard patterns. This yields a distance corresponding to a category shape of a standard pattern and enhance an input pattern recognition ratio.
A pattern recognition apparatus stores distance-scale correcting weight coefficients respectively prepared for all standard patterns in storage means. Distances between stored standard patterns and an input pattern generated by input pattern generating means are calculated. .
The calculated distance is multiplied by a weight coefficient stored in the storage means in accordance with the standard pattern used for calculating the distance from the input pattern. This structure reduces the number of templates when providing the standard patterns as multiple templates and, at the same time, enhances the input pattern recognition ratio.
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PATENT: NO. 5596639
DATE 30.01.1995
Data on a CD-PROM disk is selectively accessed in a secure manner by selectively encoding binary digital passwords and decryption keys onto the same disk in a separate area.
Passwords and decryption keys may be programmed onto the disk after manufacture, such as at the point of sale, by selectively obliterating the readability of bits in addressable sectors. A binary digital key is then later recognized as t he result of a string of addressable sectors, with the readable and unreadable sectors providing the digital string.
In an embodiment, a manufacturer may place several or all versions and features of a large program on a single CD-ROM, encrypted, and later provide keys to enable only selected ones of the features and versions for retrieval.
By programming a password or decryption key over an area of a programming region having a storage capacity of at least a megabyte, and in some cases several megabytes, existing methods of intercepting and defeating such security schemes may be defeated.
Data on a CD-PROM disk is selectively accessed in a secure manner by selectively encoding binary digital passwords and decryption keys onto the same disk in a separate area.
Passwords and decryption keys may be programmed onto the disk after manufacture, such as at the point of sale, by selectively obliterating the readability of bits in addressable sectors. A binary digital key is then later recognized as t he result of a string of addressable sectors, with the readable and unreadable sectors providing the digital string.
In an embodiment, a manufacturer may place several or all versions and features of a large program on a single CD-ROM, encrypted, and later provide keys to enable only selected ones of the features and versions for retrieval.
By programming a password or decryption key over an area of a programming region having a storage capacity of at least a megabyte, and in some cases several megabytes, existing methods of intercepting and defeating such security schemes may be defeated.
PATENT: NO. 5646535
DATE 17.01.1995
A computer system has dual-color LEDs for the LEDs conventionally indicating power on and hard disk drive activity, and a control circuit drives the LEDs in on-off and color combinations to indicate diagnostic information.
In a preferred embodiment, a control circuit for controlling the LEDs is addressable as a port, and state combinations of the LEDs are set according to data sent to the port address of the control circuit.
Also in a preferred embodiment, a POST routine for the computer system is divided into specific tests and groups of tests by commands configured to write a specific data string to a port address depending upon the position of the control command in the POST routine.
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A computer system has dual-color LEDs for the LEDs conventionally indicating power on and hard disk drive activity, and a control circuit drives the LEDs in on-off and color combinations to indicate diagnostic information.
In a preferred embodiment, a control circuit for controlling the LEDs is addressable as a port, and state combinations of the LEDs are set according to data sent to the port address of the control circuit.
Also in a preferred embodiment, a POST routine for the computer system is divided into specific tests and groups of tests by commands configured to write a specific data string to a port address depending upon the position of the control command in the POST routine.
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