International Business Machines Corporation

William Craig Troop

Brian Mitchell Bass

Kenneth Harvey Potter, Jr

Akram Bou-Ghannam

Andrew B McNeill

Robert J Christopher

Layton Balliet

Gerald U Merckel

Thomas K Pate

Richard N Ames

Joseph A Boscove

Robert William Bartoldus

Robert V Miller

Peter Langer

Richard V Ballou

Stanley M Belyeu

Nicholas J Schwartz

Frederick T Slater

Stanford A Strickland

A first aspect of the present invention is a method controlling an orientation-dependent component in a computer system. The method comprises the steps of interpreting a signal, the signal being based on an orientation of the computer system and automatically reconfiguring the orientation-dependent component based on the interpretation of the signal. A second aspect of the present invention is a system for controlling an orientation-dependent component in a computer system. The system comprises means for interpreting a signal, the signal being based on an orientation of the computer system and means for automatically reconfiguring the orientation-dependent component based on the interpretation of the signal. Through the use of the method and system in accordance with the present invention, orientation-dependent components are automatically reconfigured when a computer is changed from a rack orientation to a tower orientation (or vice versa) without having to manually adjust the settings of the components.

Method and system for controlling orientation-dependent components in a computer system

A LAN switching system includes an Address Match Control line which can be set (activated) and is monitored by each port adapter card. If a port adapter card recognizes an address on the switch fabric, the adapter card copies the frame with the address and activates the Address match Control line. The set Address Match Control line causes the remaining port adapter cards to stop searching for a match. If the Address Match Control line is not set, the frame can be copied by all port adapters which are configured to do so.

LAN switch with distributed copy function

An advanced display system controller is described for use in automotive vehicles. The controller has electronic circuitry to allow it to be programmed to display monochrome or color graphics and text on an all-points-addressable display device such as a CRT or an Electro-Luminescent (EL) Flat panel. The display resolution and scan rates may be programmed differently depending on the display type and size. The vehicle operator controls the display system via a reconfigurable switch system (RSS), such as an Infrared Touch Panel or Mylar Touch Switch Matrix mounted over the face of the display. In addition, external discrete switches may also be attached to the controller. The controller includes a master microprocessor and a slave microprocessor with preferred partitioning of functions and communicates with other parts of the vehicle via two serial data communication links, a Random Access bus and a Poll/Response bus. The design of this controller allows the display characteristics and supported functions to be changed through reconfigurable hardware and software, allowing a broad range of applications in different model automobiles.

Display system for automotive vehicle

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Raleigh, NC, United States of America

William Craig Troop