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:
Sep. 05, 2006
Filed:
Nov. 26, 2002
Scott Stephens, Bothell, WA (US);
James Stephens, Ii, Redmond, WA (US);
Brandon Allsop, Monroe, WA (US);
Adrian Oney, Woodinville, WA (US);
Lonny Dean Mcmichael, Duvall, WA (US);
Scott Stephens, Bothell, WA (US);
James Stephens, II, Redmond, WA (US);
Brandon Allsop, Monroe, WA (US);
Adrian Oney, Woodinville, WA (US);
Lonny Dean McMichael, Duvall, WA (US);
Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA (US);
Abstract
An automated system for improving the testing of computer devices designed for coupling with docking devices. A plurality of networked computing devices that are individually connected to a compatible docking device through a slave switch. Each slave switch independently connects or disconnects individual computing devices from an attached docking device based on commands obtained from a server. By controlling the electrical connection between the individual computing devices and attached docking devices, the slave switch can simulate the action of docking or undocking one or more selected computers without human intervention. As a result, the present invention provides a system and method that automates the action of docking or undocking a computer. For example, the present invention is suited for use in computer device testing systems wherein a shut down command is sent to a selected computer, after which the selected computer is disconnected from an attached docking device.