Patent ID: 6564274
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A modular architecture for a spatially concentrated computer system, said system containing principal components including a host processor, storage resources managed by said host processor, a system bus coupled to said storage resources, and plural sockets connected to said system bus for receiving removable cards containing client computer devices, said architecture being characterized in that:said principal components are concentrated such that the length of said system bus can be effectively minimized, so as to allow said bus data transfer rate to be very high, said space being sufficient to also contain said client computer devices; said client computer devices have modular forms, allowing for a variety of different client devices to be plugged into each socket, and said client computer devices include self-contained programmable computer systems which require access to said storage resources, via said bus, during real-time execution of their programs; said bus is operated at a speed sufficient to enable each said client computer device to function efficiently while sharing access to said storage resources with said host processor and other said client devices for retrieving program information required by the respective client device to perform its functions; and wherein said modular client computer devices are connectable to a coaxial cable containing 3 signal bearing lines; a first one of said lines being used to carry information in an unmodulated form constituting intelligence for forming a video display, a second one of said lines being used to carry data in modulated form between said card and said remote equipment; and a third one of said lines being used to carry signals for synchronizing reception of data sent from said card to said remote equipment and transmission of data sent from said remote equipment to said card.