International Business Machines Corporation

Michael J Garrett

John A Wiseman

Andrew Key

Michael I Davis

Kenneth Morse

A system and method are provided for processing data representing stored images so that a set of such stored images can be represented simultaneously on an output medium having a specified output area in such a way that more effective use of the output area is made than previously possible with prior art techniques. Typically the set of stored images to be represented will result from an image database search and the output area will be a display screen of a monitor.

Automated image retrieval and scaling into windowed displays

A mounting bracket is provided for attaching an accessory onto a display device or the like that allows the accessory to be readily attached to or removed from said display device, comprising:

Mounting bracket

A joystick for moving a cursor on a display screen uses an infrared transmitter (34) radiating into a transparent handle (14). As the handle is moved by an operator, infra-red light is directed to one of four optical detectors (31) covering up, down, left and right directions respectively. The device can also detect movement at 45 degrees to any of these directions since light is then directed to two detectors (31). A further four optical detectors (31a) are provided, each arranged adjacent one of the first four detectors (31), so that further movement of the handle in the same direction can be detected. An additional optical detector (37) is arranged to detect downward movement of the handle (14) against a spring (24). The handle is translatably mounted, rather than pivotally mounted as in a stand joystick.

Manually-operated control device

An electronic assembly with forced convection cooling comprises an elongate support plate having a plurality of electronic equipment cabinets mounted side by side on a common surface of the plate in the longitudinal direction thereof. At least one air distribution channel extends longitudinally of the plate in the said common surface, and a cooling fan is mounted on the same surface of the plate as the cabinets for forcing air along the air distribution channel and into the cabinets for cooling electrical components therein. The assembly preferably includes means for directing air from the channel selectively in different quantities to different components according to their cooling requirements, such means including a plurality of secondary air distribution channels which branch laterally from the first mentioned channel, and means for confining air from the first mentioned channel to flow into the secondary channels.

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Otterbourne, United Kingdom

Michael J Garrett