The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 25, 1996
Filed:
Jun. 18, 1993
Vic Sangveraphunsiri, San Clemente, CA (US);
Advanced Logic Research, Inc., Irvine, CA (US);
Abstract
A system and method for upgrading a computer is disclosed. Certain essential chips present in the original computer system are functionally, but not necessarily physically, removed from the computer system. Functions which would otherwise be performed by the original chips are instead performed by higher-performance chips on a plug-in module which is plugged into the computer system. The functional removal of the certain chips from the original computer system is achieved through simple insertion of the plug-in module. No replacement or substitution of original chips or boards is necessary. Furthermore, upgraded computer systems may be further upgraded by replacement of a first plug-in module with a second plug-in module with different performance characteristics. The upgrade capability is accessible from outside the cabinet, to avoid opening the cabinet to upgrade the system. Advantageously, means are provided for ensuring that the module cannot be inserted or removed when system power is turned on.