Electrical computers and digital processing systems: memory – Storage accessing and control – Specific memory composition
Reexamination Certificate
1997-10-28
2002-04-16
Yoo, Do Hyun (Department: 2187)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: memory
Storage accessing and control
Specific memory composition
C713S002000, C361S689000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06374328
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to computer systems in general. In particular, the present invention is directed to computer systems that use applications programmed on plug-in program chips.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Computer systems in general in the last decade have taken amazing strides in technological advancements to produce powerful, user-friendly computing systems for the work place as well as for the home at an affordable cost. No longer do the computer machines occupy large, environmentally controlled rooms that need to be programmed using reams of punch cards to calculate simple mathematical equations. The advent of semiconductor technology of integrated circuits have revolutionized computer systems to fit on desk tops, lap tops, and even in the palm of the user's hands.
To supply the new computer systems with useful applications, software companies have matched technological advancements in hardware with software applications that are user-friendly and yet power enough for common users to produce products previously reserved for professionals with specialized equipment. Unfortunately, these application programs have evolved into programs that require large amounts of processing power and computer memory space. In order to meet application system requirements, manufacturers and users alike need to upgrade existing computer systems with more storage space, i.e., hard drives, and more computer memory, i.e., RAM (“Random Access Memory”) to use newer application programs being released on the market.
One of the main problems with current computer systems is that the installation or upgrade procedures of computer programs are becoming more time consuming. Because of the increasing complexity of the application, more component files and system configurations need to be copied from the installation disks into the computer system's hard drive. Consequently, application installation packages require swapping of many diskettes on which the files are stored during installation procedures. Furthermore, a user must be present during the installation procedure to answer queries, make setting selections, and swap diskettes all of which can take at least twenty-five to thirty minutes and sometimes longer.
Another common problem faced by users is corrupted or missing files that can “crash” or render a program inoperable. The necessary files that are stored on the system hard drive can be deleted or overwritten unintentionally because other programs stored on the computer use the same hard drive. Users also contribute to the problem by “cleaning” the storage area for other files, inadvertently removing critical system files. Consequently, users must retrieve all the installation material and perform the long and tedious procedure to reinstall the program.
Yet another problem with current computer systems is the speed of the application being used. Because application programs are becoming larger and more complex, the speed of the machine is significantly affected when trying to use one of these applications. Furthermore, these large applications with requirements for fast processing speeds and frequent hard drive access are detrimental to computer systems with limited electrical power, i.e., laptop or notebook computers running on battery.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The problems of the above-referenced deficiencies of the prior art computer systems are overcome by the computer of the present invention. The present invention is directed to a computer system that uses plug-in program chips. In particular, the new generation computer system of the present invention includes a CPU (“Central Processing Unit”) console, the console including a processor and core system circuitry fabricated on a motherboard, at least one storage device for storing and retrieving data files, a PIC (“Program-in-Chip”) unit, and at least one PIC chip mounted thereon. The PIC chip is removably mounted on the PIC unit via ZIF (“Zero Insertion Force”) sockets such that other PIC chips may be interchangeable on the PIC unit
The PIC chips include a read-only memory portion and a read-write memory portion. Read-only memory portion has stored therein a computer application program. Read-write memory portion has stored therein user input data.
In one embodiment, the PIC unit is built on the motherboard, such that PIC chips are accessible via access panels built into the CPU console directly above the PIC unit.
An alternate embodiment of the present invention further includes a daughter board onto which the PIC unit is built. The daughterboard is either fixedly or removably attached to the motherboard for the processor to execute the application program stored on a PIC chip mounted on the PIC unit.
One advantage is that processing speed will increase significantly since the system processor is no longer limited by access speeds of the respective drives on which current computer systems store the application program. Data access from PIC chips are almost instantaneous since there are no moving parts in a memory chip. Furthermore, valuable system RAM (“Random Access Memory”) space is conserved since the program no longer needs to be loaded into the RAM.
Another advantage is that tedious, time consuming installation procedures are eliminated. Since all the necessary files are coded on the PIC chips, a user does not have to fumble with swapping the correct diskettes during setup. Simply inserting the desired program PIC chip into the PIC unit is all that is necessary to be able to use a particular application.
Yet another advantage is that less electrical power is consumed during computer usage. The main source of power consumption in computer systems is the hard drive. Since all system applications are stored in the hard drive, constant power is supplied thereto. However, the computer system of the present invention does not have to supply constant power to the hard drive since all applications are accessed from PIC chips, which need significantly less power to operate. System drives, such as floppy, CD-ROM, and hard drives are only accessed when a document needs to be saved or retrieved. This feature is especially advantageous in systems with limited electrical power, such as notebooks running on battery.
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Main Board User's Guide (1995).
Moazzami Nasser
Rader Fishman & Grauer
Sony Corporation
Yoo Do Hyun
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