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`PATENT DATE
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`6713.415
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`‘ISSUECLASSIFICATION
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`PAUL R. MYEHS
`PRIMARY EXAMINER
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`this patent have been died-aimed.
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`ISSUE BATCH NUMBER
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`WARNING:
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`Samsung
`EX.1009-Page1
`ACQIS_Samsung0003555
`
`Samsung
`Ex. 1009 - Page 1
`
`

`

`Page I of 1
`
`
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`UNITED STATES PATENT ANDTRADEMARK CFFIC£
`Wiuom. 0.0. 5202:"
`www Lepiogov
`
`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIllllllIlJllllllllI
`Bib Data Sheet
`
`
`
`CLASS
`709
`
`GROUP ART UN"
`2755
`
`N
`:33; I33.
`19152-001110U3
`
`FILING DATE
`05/1 212000
`RULE
`-
`
`SERIAL NUMBER
`09/569,758
`. PPLICANTS
`William W.Y_ Chu, Mountain Vi-
`
`CA;
`
`ittfiifi
`I CONTINUING DATA flilflliiiiitiliifllf
`THIS APPLN CLAIMS BENEFIT OF 60/134,122 05/14/1999 "
`
`/' M
`I
`
`- FOREIGN APPLICATIONS
`
`Tim-WI
`
`IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING LICENSE
`GRANTED *' 07/25/2000
`
`..
`
`.
`SMALL ENT'TY
`
`..
`
`Foreign Priority claimed
`
`Dyes a no
`
`5 USC 119 (3cl) condilions E] yes a no D Mei after
`SHEETS
`STATEOR
`COUNTRY DRAWING
`CA
`4
`
`
`9‘
`erified and
`chnnwleded
`
`Allowance
`_______(_[/_I:}___
`Examiner's Si-naiure
`lniiials
`
`CLAIMS
`
`INDEPENDENT
`
`2
`
`TOTAL
`CLAIMS
`20
`
`‘ DD RESS
`
`Richard T. Ogawa
`ownsend and Townsend and Crew LLP
`wo Embarcadero Center
`3th Floor
`San Francisco ,CA 941 11-3834
`
`E
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`f/C''L I 'i'lr-i, /(N. ///’!i
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`Multiple Moduieeempuiersystem--and method 1!, [1 ”1,“
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`
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`
`
`El161.Fees((Filing)
`time) S
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`D 1. 17 Fees ( Processing Ext of
`
`
`
`
`
`D1818 Fees'1365Le)—_—'I
`In Other
`"' n___
`
`
`
`
`FILING FEE FEES: Authority has been given in Paper
`RECEIVED No. _ Io charge/credit DEPOSIT ACCOUNT
`410
`No.
`'
`for following:
`
`(4 t: fur //r_-, '3
`
`
`
`
`.
`
`i
`
`file://C:\APPS\PreExam\correspondence\1__A.me -
`
`9/1 2/00
`
`Samsung
`
`Ex. 1009 - Page 2
`ACQIS_SamsungOOO3566
`
`Samsung
`Ex. 1009 - Page 2
`
`

`

`0
`
`’S- is-00
`AttorneyDocketNo
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`- 0]
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`0 S
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`A»,
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`W /
`no!" fés
`Elt§24931§69ll5
`“Express Mail” Label No.
`f.
`n g,
`May 12, 29952
`Date of Deposit:
`I hereby certify that this is being deposited with the United States
`Postal Service “Express Mail Post Office to Addressee” service
`under 37 CFR 1.10 on the date indicated above, addressed to:
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`Washington, DC. 20231
`
`,
`
`By: 2mg limb
`
`,
`
`LLP
`
`Customer No. 20350
`TOWNSEND and TOWNSEND and C1
`Two Embarcadero Center, 8”I Floor
`San Francisco, California 94111-3834
`(650) 326-2400
`ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`BOX PATENT APPLICATION
`Washington, DC. 20231
`
`c320 U.S. PTO
`
`illllllllllllillllillllilllllllilll
`05/12/00
`
`Sir:
`
`Transmitted herewith for filing is the
`[ X ] patent application of
`[ ] continuation patent application of
`[
`] divisional patent application of
`[
`] continuation-impart patent application of
`
`Inventor(s)/App1icant Identifier: William W.Y. Chu
`
`flier: MULTIPLE MODULE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND METHOD
`14 1999l 2/This application claims priority from each of the following Application Nos/filing dates:
`
`
`the disclosure(s) of which is (are) incorporated by reference.
`Please amend this application by adding the following before the first sentence: “This application is a [
`continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of US. Provisional Application No.
`-
`, filed
`
`
` of which is incorporated by reference."
`
`] continuation [ ]
`, the disclosure
`
`] was filed in the
`
`E:Enclosed are:
`E=E=)(]
`Patent Application (incl. ./i pp. Spec, 5 pp. claims, 1 p. abstract)
`:fix]
`3 sheet(s) of [ li'onnal [X] inforrnaldrawing(s)t
`
`If ]
`An assignment of the invention to
`]
`A [ ] signed N unsigned Declaration & Power of Attorney
`A[ ]signed [ ]unsigned Deciaration.
`.51
`A Power of Attorney by Assignee with Certificate Under 37 CFR Section 3.730;).
`LE} ]
`E]
`A verified statement to establish small entity status under 37 CFR 1.9 and 37 CFR 1.27 [ ] is enclosed [
`prior application and smali entity status is still proper and desired.
`
`application.
`A certified copy of a _
`Information Disclosure Statement under 37 CFR 1.97.
`Postcard
`
`]
`
`]] x
`
`Pursuant to 37 CFR §1.53(D,Appiicant requests deferral of the filing fee
`until submission of the Missing Parts of Application.
`
`D0 IiQI CHARGE THE FILING FEE AT THIS TIME.
`
`_ is enclosed.
`A check for $__
`[ ]
`__L extra copies of this sheet are enclosed.
`
`Telephone:
`(650) 326—2400
`
`Facsimiie:
`(650) 326-2422
`
`PAM!!!”
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`
`
`Samsung
`
`Ex. 1009 - Page 3
`ACQIS_SamsungOOO3567
`
`Samsung
`Ex. 1009 - Page 3
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No.2019152-0011 lOUS
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`MULTIPLE MODULE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND METHOD
`
`Inventor:
`
`Assignee:
`
`William W.Y. Chu
`1320 Miravalle Avenue
`Los Altos, CA 94024
`a citizen ofUS.
`
`ACQIS Technology, Inc.
`1621 W. El Camino Real
`Mountain View, CA 94040
`
`Entity:
`
`Small
`
`
`
`
`
`TOWNSEND and TOWNSEND and CREW LLP'
`Two mearcadero Center, 8'“ Floor
`San Francisco, California 94111-3834
`(415) 5750200
`
`Samsung
`
`Ex. 1009 - Page 4
`ACQIS_SamsungOOO3568
`
`Samsung
`Ex. 1009 - Page 4
`
`

`

`
`
`li
`it
`
`1 s
`Ega=-
`=.
`5‘
`
`
`PATENT
`
`Attorney Docket N0.: 019152-001110US
`
`MULTIPLE MODULE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND METHOD
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.
`
`60/134,122 filed May 14, 1999, commonly assigned, and hereby incorporated by
`reference.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to computing devices. More particularly, the
`
`present invention provides a system including a plurality of computer modules that can
`
`independently operate to provide backup capability, dual processing, and the like. Merely
`by way of example, the present invention is applied to a modular computing environment
`for desk top computers, but it will be recognized that the invention has a much wider
`
`range of applicability. It can be applied to a server as well as other portable or modular
`
`computing applications.
`
`Many desktop or personal computers, which are commonly termed PCs,
`
`have been around and used for over ten years. The PCs often come with state—of—art
`
`20 microprocessors such as the Intel PentiumTM microprocessor chips. They also include a
`
`hard or fixed disk drive such as memory in the giga—bit range. Additionally, the PCs
`
`often include a random access memory integrated circuit device such as a dynamic
`
`random access memory device, which is commonly termed DRAM. The DRAM devices
`
`now provide up to millions of memory cells (i.e., mega-bit) on a single slice of silicon.
`
`25
`
`PCs also include a high resolution display such as cathode ray tubes or CRTs. In most
`
`cases, the CRTs are at least 15 inches or 17 inches or 20 inches in diameter. High
`
`resolution flat panel displays are also used with PCs.
`
`Many external or peripheral devices can be used with the PCs. Among
`
`others, these peripheral devices include mass storage devices such as a ZipTM Drive
`
`30
`
`product sold by Iomega Corporation of Utah. Other storage devices include external hard
`
`drives, tape drives, and others. Additional devices include communication devices such
`
`”1/
`
`Samsung
`
`Ex. 1009 - Page 5
`ACQIS_SamsungOOO3569
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`Ex. 1009 - Page 5
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`

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`..
`33';
`353
`i3
`;
`fifiu--r-.r
`
`
`
`’3
`
`L=
`
`2
`
`as a modern, which can be used to link the PC to a wide area network ot'compulers such
`
`as the Internet. Furthermore, the PC can include output devices such as a printer and
`
`other output means. Moreover, the PC can include Special audio output devices such as
`
`speakers the like.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`PCs also have easy to use keyboards, mouse input devices, and the like.
`
`The keyboard is generally configured similar to a typewriter format. The keyboard also
`
`has the length and width for easily inputting information by way of keys to the computer.
`
`The mouse also has a sufficth size and shape to easily move a curser on the display
`
`from one location to another location.
`
`Other types of computing devices include portable computing devices such
`
`as "laptop" computers and the like. Although somewhat successful, laptop computers
`have many limitations. These computing devices have poor display technology.
`In fact,
`these devices often have a smaller flat panel display that has poor viewing characteristics.
`Additionally, these devices also have poor input devices such as smaller keyboards and
`the like. Furthermore, these devices have limited common platforms to transfer
`information to and from these devices and other devices such as PCs.
`
`Up to now, there has been little common ground between these platforms
`
`including the PCs and laptops in terms of upgrading, ease-of—use, cost. performance. and
`
`the like. Many differences between these platforms, probably somewhat intentional, has
`
`20
`
`benefited computer manufacturers at the cost of consumers. A drawback to having two
`
`separate computers is that the user must often purchase both the desktop and laptop to
`
`have "total" computing power, where the desktop serves as a "regular" computer and the
`
`laptop serves as a "portable" computer. Purchasing both computers is often costly and
`
`runs "thousands" of dollars. The user also wastes a significant amount of time
`
`25
`
`transferring software and data between the two types of computers. For example, the user
`
`must often couple the portable computer to a local area network (i.e., LAN), to a serial
`
`port with a modern and then manually transfer over files and data between the desktop
`
`and the portable computer. Alternatively, the user often must use floppy disks to "zip" up
`
`files and programs that exceed the storage capacity of conventional floppy disks, and
`
`30
`
`transfer the floppy disk data manually.
`
`Another drawback with the current model of separate portable and desktop
`
`computer is that the user has to spend money to buy components and peripherals the are
`
`duplicated in at least one ofthcsc computers. For example, both the desktop and portable
`..-—-:a
`
`'7
`
`Samsung
`
`Ex. 1009 - Page 6
`ACQIS_Samsung0003570
`
`Samsung
`Ex. 1009 - Page 6
`
`

`

`3
`
`computers typically include hard disk drives, floppy drives. CD-ROMs. computer
`
`memory, host processors, graphics accelerators, and the like. Because program software
`
`and supporting programs generally must be installed upon both hard drives in order for
`
`the user to operate programs on the road and in the office, hard disk space is often wasted.
`
`One approach to reduce some of these drawbacks has been the use of a
`
`docking station with a portable computer. Here, the user has the portable computer for
`
`"on the road" use and a docking station that houses the portable computer for office Lise.
`
`Similar to separate desktop and portable computers. there is no
`
`commonality between two desktop computers. To date, most personal computers are
`
`constructed with a single motherboard that provides connection for CPU and other
`
`components in the computer. Dual CPU systems have been available through Intel's slot
`
`1 architecture. For example. two Pentium II cartridges can be plugged into two “slot 1"
`
`card slots on a motherboard to form a Dual-processor system. The two CPU’S share a
`
`common host bus that connects to the rest of the system, c.g. main memory, hard disk
`
`drive, graphics subsystem, and others. Dual CPU systems have the advantage of
`
`increased CPU performance for the whole system. Adding a CPU cartridge requires no
`
`change in operating systems and application soitware. However, dual CPU systems may
`
`suffer limited performance improvement if memory or disk drive bandwidth becomes the
`
`limiting factor. Also, dual CPU systems have to time-share the processing unit in running
`
`multiple applications. CPU performance improvement efficiency also depends on
`
`software coding structure. Dual CPU systems provide no hardware redundancy to help
`
`fault tolerances.
`
`in running multiple applications, memory and disk drive data throughput
`
`will become the limiting factor in improving performance with mold-processor systems.
`
`Thus. what is needed are computer systems that can have multiple
`
`' computer modules. Each computer module has dedicated memory and disk drive, and
`
`can operate independently.
`
`SUNEMARY OF THE [NVENTION
`
`According to the present invention, a technique including a method and
`
`device for multi-module computing is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the
`
`present invention provides a system including a plurality of computer modules that can
`
`independently operate to provide backup capability, dual processing, and the like.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`
`
`IlsaLil
`it”
`
`ili I.
`
`isitsto
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`Samsung
`
`Ex. 1009 - Page 7
`ACQIS_Samsung0003571
`
`Samsung
`Ex. 1009 - Page 7
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`

`

`
`
`4
`
`In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a computer
`
`system For mold-processing purposes. The computer system has a console comprising a
`
`first coupling site and a second coupling site, e.g., computer module bay. Each coupling
`
`site comprises a connector. The console is an enclosure that is capable of housing each
`
`coupling site. The system also has a plurality of computer modules, where each of the
`
`computer modules is coupled to one of the connectors. Each of the computer modules
`
`has a processing unit, a main memory coupled to the processing unit, a graphics controller
`
`coupled to the processing unit, and a mass storage device coupled to the processing unit.
`
`Each of the computer modules is substantially similar in design to each other to provide
`
`independent processing of each of‘ the computer modules in the computer system.
`
`In an alternative specific embodiment, the present invention provides a
`
`multi-processing computer system. The system has a console comprising a first coupling
`
`site and a second coupling site. Each coupling site comprises a connector. The console is
`
`an enclosure that is capable of housing each coupling site. The system also has a plurality
`
`of computer modules, where each of the computer modules is coupled to one of the
`
`connectors. Each of the computer modules has a processing unit, a main memory coupled
`
`to the processmg unit, a graphics controller coupled to the processing unit, a mass storage
`
`device coupled to the processing unit, and a video output coupled to the processing unit.
`
`Each of'the- computer modules is substantially similar in design to each other to provide
`
`independent processing of each of the computer modules in the computer system. A
`
`video switch circuit is coupled to each of the computer modules through the video output.
`
`The video switch is configured to switch a video signal from any one of the computer
`
`modules to a display.
`
`Numerous benefits are achieved using the present invention over
`
`previously existing techniques. In one embodiment, the invention provides improved
`
`processing and maintenance features. The invention can also provide increased CPU
`
`performance for the whole system. The invention also can be implemented without
`
`changes in operating system and application software. The present invention is also
`
`implemented using conventional technologies that can he provided in the present
`
`computer system in an easy and efficient manner.
`
`In another embodiment, the invention provides at least two users to share
`
`‘the same modular desktop system. Each user operates on a different computer module.
`
`The other peripheral devices, i.e. CDROM, printer, DSL connection, etc. can be shared.
`
`it)
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`"’3a.
`
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`
`Ex. 1009 - Page 8
`ACQIS_Samsung0003572
`
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`Ex. 1009 - Page 8
`
`

`

`5
`
`This provides lower system cost, less desktop space and more efficiency. Depending upon
`
`the embodiment, one or more of these benefits can be available. These and other
`
`advantages or benefits are described throughout the present specification and are
`
`described more particularly below.
`
`In still further embodiments, the present invention provides methods of
`
`using multiple computer modules.
`
`These and other embodiments of the present invention, as well as its
`
`advantages and features, are described in more detail in conjunction with the text below
`
`and attached lFigs.
`
`IO
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Fig. l is a simplified diagram of a computer system according to an
`
`embodiment of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a computer system according to an
`
`alternative embodiment of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a compeer system according to a
`
`further alternative embodiment of the present invention; and
`
`Fig. 4 is a simplified flow diagram of a method according to an
`
`embodiment of the present invention.
`
`20
`
`DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
`
`25
`
`30
`
`According to the present invention, a technique including a method and
`
`device for multi-module computing is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the
`
`present invention provides a system including a plurality of computer modules that can
`
`independently operate to provide backup capability, dual processing, and the like.
`
`Fig. 1 is a simplified diagram of a computer system 100 according to an
`
`embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an illustration and should
`
`not limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the an would recognize
`
`other variations, modifications, and alternatives. The computer system 100 includes an
`
`attached computer module (i.e., ACM) 113, a desktop console 101, among other
`
`elements. The computer system also has another ACM module 117. Each ACM module
`
`has a respective slot 121, 119, which mechanically houses and electrically couples each
`
`ACM to the computer console. Also shown is a display 111, which connects to the
`
`(a
`
`Samsung
`
`Ex. 1009 - Page 9
`ACQIS_SamsungOOO3573
`
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`Ex. 1009 - Page 9
`
`

`

`6
`
`console. Additionally, keyboard 109 and mouse 11 5 are also shown. A second display
`
`102, keyboard 105. and mouse 107 can be coupled to the console in some optional
`embodiments to allow more than one user to operate the computer system. The computer
`system is modular and has a variety of components that are removable. Some of these
`components (or modules) can be used in different computers, workstations. computerized
`television sets, and portable or laptop units.
`
`In the present embodiment, each ACM 113 includes computer
`_
`components, as will be described below, including a central processing unit ("CPU"), [IDE
`controller, hard disk drive. computer memory, and the like. The computer module bay
`(i.e., CMB) 121 is an opening or slot in the desktop console. The CMB houses the ACM
`and provides communication to and From the ACM. The CMB also provides mechanical
`protection and support to the ACM. The CMB has a mechanical alignment mechanism
`for mating a portion of the ACM to the console. The CMB further has thermal heat
`dissipation sinks, electrical connection mechanisms, and the like. Some details of the
`ACM can he found in co-pending Patent Application Nos. 09/149,882 and 09/149,548
`
`filed 9/8/98, commonly assigned, and hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
`
`In a specific embodiment, the present multiple computer module system
`has a peripheral console that has two or more computer bays that can receive a removable
`computer module or ACM- Multiple computer module system can Function as a personal
`computer with only one ACM and the peripheral console. The second and additional
`ACM can be added later to increase overall system performance and reliability. The
`ACM operates independently as self—contained computer, communicates with each other
`through a high~speed serial communication and share most peripheral devices within the
`peripheral console. Each ACM controls its independent graphics subsystem and drives
`separate video output signals. A practical implementation is a dual ACM system. In a
`dual ACM system, two monitors can be used to display the two ACMs’ graphics outputs
`at the same time. For a single monitor, a RGB switch is used to switch between the
`video outputs of the two ACMs and can be controlled by a command from the user.
`Similarly, input devices (he. keyboard and mouse) are switched between the 1WD
`computer systems with a command from the user. Command from the user can be in the
`form of either a dedicated key on the keyboard or a special icon on the screen that the
`
`mouse can click on.
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`Samsung
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`Ex. 1009 - Page 10
`ACQIS_Samsung0003574
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`Samsung
`Ex. 1009 - Page 10
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`

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`In most embodiments, the ACM includes an enclosure such as the one
`
`described with the following components, which should not be limiting:
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`7
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`1) A CPU with cache memory;
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`2) Core logic device or means;
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`3) Main memory;
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`4) A single primary Hard Disk Drive (”HDD") that has a security
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`program;
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`5) Flash memory with system BIOS and programmable user password;
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`6) Operating System, application sofiware, data files on primary HDD;
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`7) An interface device and connectors to peripheral console;
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`8) A software controllable mechanical lock, lock control means, and
`other accessories.
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`The ACM connects to a peripheral console with power supply, a display
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`device, an input device, and other elements. Some details of these elements with the
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`present system are described in more detail below.
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`In a dual ACM system, the primary
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`ACM can connect directly to the peripheral board in the peripheral console. The second
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`ACM can connect either directly or indirectly to the peripheral board. For indirect
`
`connection, a receptacle board is added to allow a cable connection to the peripheral
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`board. This is to facilitate the mechanical positioning of the second ACM inside the
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`computer chassis. The receptacle board approach can even be used for the primary ACM
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`if a high bandwidth peripheral bus, e.g. PCI Bus, is not connected from the primary ACM
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`to the peripheral board.
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`The shared peripheral console has a chassis and a motherboard that
`
`connects the following devices:
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`1) Input means, e. g. keyboard and mouse,
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`2) Display means, eg, RGB monitor,
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`3) Add-on means, e.g. PCI add-on slots,
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`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
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`4) Two Computer Module Bays (CMB) with connectors to two ACMs,
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`5) A serial communication Hub controller that interfaces to serial
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`30
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`communication controller of both ACMs,
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`6) Shared storage subsystem, e. g. Floppy drive, CDROM drive, DVD
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`drive, or 2nd Hard Drive,
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`7) Communication device, e.g. modem,
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`91,
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`Samsung
`
`Ex. 1009 - Page 11
`ACQIS_SamsungOOO3575
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`Samsung
`Ex. 1009 - Page 11
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`

`

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`8) Power supply. and others.
`
`The computer hay is an opening in the peripheral console that receives an
`
`ACM. CMB provides mechanical protection to ACM, mechanical alignment for
`
`connector mating, mechanical locking system to prevent theft and accidental removal,
`
`and connectors at the end ot‘the opening for connecting to ACM. The interface bus
`
`between ACM and the peripheral console has a video bus, peripheral connections, serial
`
`communication connection, control signals and powor connection. Video hus includes
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`video output of graphics devices. i.e. analog RGB and control signals for monitor. Power
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`connection supplies the power for ACM.
`
`An implementation of peripheral sharing is the use of Ethernet controllers
`
`to bridge the communication between the two ACMs. Some of the peripheral devices
`
`residing in the peripheral console are shown in the simplified diagram of Fig. 2. As
`
`shown, the diagram is merely an illustration which should not limit the scope of the
`
`claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations,
`
`alternatives, and modifications. As shown, a primary ACM 203 is connected to PCI
`
`peripheral devices in the peripheral console through the PCI bus 225 that passes through
`
`the connection between primary ACM 203 and peripheral console 201. As shown, ACM
`
`has a CPU module 207 coupled to the PCI bus through a North Bridge 211.
`
`The CPU module can use a suitable microprocessing unit, microcontrollcr,
`
`digital signal processor, and the like. In a specific embodiment, the CPU module uses,
`
`for example, a 400 MHz Pentium 1] microprocessor module from lntel Corporation and
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`like microprocessors from AMD Corporation, Cyris Corporation [new National
`
`semiconductor Corporation), and others. In other aspects, the microprocessor can be one
`
`such as the Compaq Computer Corporation Alpha Chip, Apple Computer Corporation
`
`PowerPC G3 processor, and the like. Further, higher speed processors are contemplated
`
`in other embodiments as technology increases in the future.
`
`In the CPU module, peripheral controller 213 is coupled to BIOS/flash
`
`memory 21?. Additionally, the peripheral controller is coupled to a clock control logic, 3
`
`configuration signal, and a peripheral bus. The ACM has the hard drive module 215.
`
`Among other elements, the ACM includes north bridge 215, graphics subsystem 223
`
`(cg, graphics accelerator, graphics memory), an IDE controller, and other components.
`
`Adjacent to and in parallel alignment with the hard drive module 215 is the PCI bus. In a
`
`specific embodiment, North Bridge unit 211 often couples to a computer memory 209, to
`
`Cl
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`Samsung
`
`Ex. 1009 - Page 12
`ACQIS_Samsung0003576
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`Samsung
`Ex. 1009 - Page 12
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`

`

`9
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`the graphics subsystem, and to the peripheral controller via the PCI bus. Graphic-s
`subsystem typically couples to a graphics memory, and other elements. IDE controller
`generally supports and provides timing signals necessary for the IDE bus.
`In the present
`embodiment, the IDE controller is embodied as part of a P114XE controller from Intel,
`
`for example. Other types of buses than LDE are contemplated, for example EIDE, SCSI,
`
`1394, and the like in alternative embodiments of the present invention.
`
`The hard drive module or mass storage unit 215 typically includes a
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`computer operating system, application software program files, data files, and the like. In
`a specific embodiment, the computer operating system may be the Window598 operating
`
`system fi'om Microsoft Corporation of Redmond Washington. Other operating systems,
`such as Windows”, MacOSB. Unix, and the like are also contemplated in alternative
`
`embodiments of the present invention. Further. some typical application software
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`programs can include Office98 by Microsoft Corporation. Corel Perfect Suite by Cerel.
`and others. Hard disk module 215 includes a hard disk drive. The hard disk drive,
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`however, can also be replaced by removable hard dislc drives, readfwrite CD ROMS, flash
`
`memory. floppy disk drives, and the like. A small form factor, for example 2.5", is
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`currently contemplated, however, other form factors, such as PC card, and the like are
`
`also contemplated. Mass storage unit 240 may also support other interfaces than 11313.
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`5
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`10
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`15
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`Among other features, the computer System includes an ACM with security protection.
`The ACM also has a network controller, which can he an Ethernet
`
`20
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`controller 219. which is coupled to the North Bridge through the PCI bus. The North
`
`Bridge is coupled to the CPU. The Ethernet controller can be a 10;100 Base, such as
`lntel’s 82559 or the like. Other types ol’nctwoi'k connection devices can also be used.
`
`For example. the invention can use Gbit Ethernet 1394, and USB 2.0. The network
`
`controller couples to a hub 233 in the console, which includes shared peripheral system
`201.
`
`Also shown is the second ACM 205. The second ACM has the same or
`
`similar components as the first ACM. Here, like reference numerals have been used for
`
`easy cross-referencing, but is not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, the
`secondary ACM is not connected to the PCI bus in the peripheral console directly. The
`secondary ACM 219 accesses peripheral devices controlled by the primary ABM through
`
`the Ethemet connection to the primary ACM, e.g. (ID-ROM, or PCI modern. The
`
`implementation is not restricted to Ethernet serial communication and can use other high—
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`Samsung
`
`Ex. 1009 - Page 13
`ACQIS_Samsung0003577
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`Samsung
`Ex. 1009 - Page 13
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`

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`10
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`speed serial communication such as USB 2.0, and 1394. The Ethernet hub is coupled to
`
`an external output port 235, which connects to an external network.
`
`The primary hard disk drive in each ACM can be accessed by the other
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`ACM as sharable hard drive through the Ethernet connection. This allows the easy
`
`5
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`sharing of files between the two independent computer modules. The Ethernet Hub
`
`Controller provides the high-speed communication function between the two computer
`modules. Ethernet data bandwidth of 100 Mbitfsec allows fast data communication
`
`between the two computer modules. The secondary ACM access peripheral devices of‘
`
`the primary ACM through the network connection provided by Ethernet link. The
`
`10
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`operating system, e.g. Windows 98, provides the sharing of resources between the two
`
`ACMs. In some embodiments, critical data in one ACM can be backup into the other
`ACM.
`
`The Ethernet hub also couples to PCI bus 239, which connects to PCI
`
`devices 241, 243, e.g., modem, SCSI controller. A flash memory 2-42 can also be coupled
`
`15
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`to the PCI bus. The flash memory can store passwords and security information, such as
`
`film.
`
`those implementations described in US. Serial No. 09/183,493, which is commonly
`
`owned, and hereby incorporated by reference. The hub 233 also couples to an 110 control
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`237, which connects to keyboardfmouse switch 245, which couples to keyboard/mouse
`247. Optionally, the keyboardfmousc switch also couples to a second keyboardfhouse
`
`20
`
`259 via P52 or USB signal line 25]. The keyboard/mouse switch has at least a first state
`and a second state, which allow operation of respectively multiple keyboards or a single
`
`keyboard. The switch also couples to each 1J0 controller 221 in each ACM via lines 253,
`
`255. The U0 control 237 also couples to an RGB switch 257, which allows video signals
`
`to pass to the first monitor 259. Alternatively, the RGB switch couples to a second
`
`25
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`monitor 261. The ROB switch includes analog video switches such as MAXIM's
`MAX4545.
`
`The peripheral system 20] also has an independent power supply 231 for
`
`each ACM. Each power supply provides power to each ACM. As merely an example,
`
`the power supply is a MICRO ATX 150W made by ENLIGHT, but can be others. The
`
`30
`
`power supply is connected or coupled to each ACM through a separate line, for example.
`
`The independent power supply allows for independent operation of each ACM in some
`embodiments.
`
`Samsung
`
`Ex. 1009 - Page 14
`ACQIS_Samsung0003578
`
`E E
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`Samsung
`Ex. 1009 - Page 14
`
`

`

`
`
`ii?
`
`11
`
`The above embodiments are described generally in terms of hardware and
`
`software.
`
`It will be recognized, however, that the functionality of the hardware can be
`
`fithher combined or even separated. The functionality of the software can also be further
`
`combined or even separated. Hardware can be replaced, at times, with software.
`
`Software can be replaced, at times, with hardware. Accordingly, the present
`
`embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims here. One of
`
`ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
`Fig. 3 is a simplified block diagram 300 oft: computer system according to
`an alternative embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example
`
`which should not limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art
`
`would recognizes many other variations, modifications, and alternatives. Like reference
`numerals are used in this Fig. as the previous Figs. for easy referencing, but are not
`
`intended to be limiting. As shown, each ACM includes common elements as the previous
`
`F