Abstract:
A personal computer system (“PC”) is provided with a housing that includes a storage compartment. One or more objects associated with the PC can be stored in the storage compartment, such as a user manual, a warranty card, a memory device that stores as software package downloaded to the a card or other object showing a software product key code, and so on, Such objects are more reliably retrieved, when time comes for a service call about the PC, or receiving a discount for an upgrade. This may be helpful for users of PCs, for Information Technology (IT) departments that manage PCs for other users, for data centers, and so on.

Description:
[0001]    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
         [0002]    This patent application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/771,826, filed on Mar. 2, 2013, titled: “PERSONAL COMPUTER WITH STORAGE COMPARTMENT”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Personal computer systems (“PCs”) are widely known and used in homes, places of work, data centers, etc. A sample PC in the prior art is now described, 
         [0004]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , components of a conventional personal computer system are described. The components include a housing  110 , which contains at least a processor  120 , such as a microprocessor. A memory  122  is also typically provided in housing  110 . Memory  122  may store programs for execution by processor  120 . A reboot switch  130  is typically also provided on housing  110 , which may be used to restart processor  120  manually. 
         [0005]    Moreover, a port  140  may be coupled to housing  110 . Port  140  may be intended for use during the regular operation of the PC. Port  140  may be a USB port, a CD ROM drive, a DVD drive, a plug for plugging in an accessory for the personal computer system, a cable port, and so on. Port  140  may receive an other device  142  according to an arrow  144 . When other device  142  is so received, port  140  enables other device  142  to exchange data with processor  120  via port  140 . Other device  142  may be a thumb drive, a CD ROM with a software product, a DVD with a product, a cable, etc. PCs are typically additionally provided with more ports, a screen, a keyboard, speakers, a power cord, etc. 
         [0006]    PCs are further provided with a number of additional associated objects, such as object  150 . Object  150  is associated with other components of the PC, as indicated by arrow  151 . Object  150  might be of the type that is used rarely, such as an instruction manual, a warranty card, one or more memory devices that store software products that are stored in memory  122 , cards showing product key codes, and so on. Object  150  may be provided by the manufacturer, or be purchased later. And, in some embodiments, object  150  may operate as other device  142 . 
         [0007]    A problem is that, after installation of the PC, associated objects such as object  150  often become stored elsewhere, and then forgotten about. If, however, years later, the owner is to make a service call, these objects become necessary. Those responding to the service call may first ask for these objects and for the product code numbers they indicate, so as to prove ownership of the software products in the PC. They may also need the memory device to reinstall its software product. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The present description gives instances of personal computer systems and methods, the use of which may help overcome problems and limitations of the prior art. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, a personal computer system (“PC”) is provided with a housing that includes a storage compartment. One or more objects associated with the PC can be stored in the storage compartment, such as a user manual, a warranty card, a memory device that stores a software package downloaded to the PC, a card or other object showing a software product key code, and so on. 
         [0010]    An advantage over the prior art is that such objects are more reliably retrieved, when time comes for a service call about the PC, or receiving a discount for an upgrade. This may be helpful for users of PCs, for Information Technology (IT) departments that manage PCs for other users, for data centers, and so on. 
         [0011]    These and other features and advantages of this description will become more readily apparent from the following Detailed Description, which proceeds with reference to the drawings, in which: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of components of a conventional personal computer system. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of components of a personal computer system made according to embodiments of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of components of a personal computer system, according to embodiments in which the main storage compartment is provided at the top of the housing, and with an optional door. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of components of a personal computer system, according to embodiments in which the compartment is provided at a side wall of the housing, and with an optional door. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are diagrams of components of a personal computer system according to embodiments, showing respectively the compartment door open and closed. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart for illustrating methods according to embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    As has been mentioned, the present description is about personal computer systems. Embodiments are now described in more detail. 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of components of a personal computer system (PC)  200 , which is made according to embodiments of the invention. PC  200  includes a housing  210 , which contains at least a processor  220 , such as a microprocessor. A memory  222  is also typically provided in housing  210 . Memory  222  may store programs for execution by processor  220 . A reboot switch  230  is typically also provided on housing  210 , which may be used to restart processor  220  manually. Reboot switch  230  can also be a power-on switch. 
         [0020]    Moreover, a port  240  may be coupled to housing  210 . Port  240  may be intended for use during the regular operation of the PC. Port  240  may be a USS port, a CD ROM drive, a DVD drive, a plug for plugging in an accessory for the PC, a cable port, and so on. Port  240  may receive a first device  242  according to arrow  244 . When first device  242  is so received, port  240  enables first device  242  to exchange data with processor  220  via port  240 . Other device  242  may be a thumb drive, a CD ROM with a software product, a DVD with a product, a cable, etc. PC  200  may be further provided with more ports, a screen, a keyboard, speakers, a power cord, etc. 
         [0021]    PC  200  is further provided with at least one associated object  250 . Object  250  may be provided by the manufacturer, or be purchased later. And, in some embodiments, object  250  could be first device  242 . Object  250  might be of the type that is used rarely, such as an instruction manual for the use of PC  200 , a warranty card, one or more memory devices that store software products that are stored in memory  222 , cards showing product key codes, and so on. In case object  250  is associated with software, the software could be the operating system that PC  200  is sold with or other software that is added on at purchasing time, or later. If object  250  is an instruction manual, then it could be a booklet or folded paper. If object  250  is a warranty card, then it could be a postcard. Object  250  is shown in the general shape of a pentagon, to indicate that it could have the shape of any one of these embodiments. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, a software product is stored in memory  222 , and object  250  is associated with the software product, such as an operating system, an application, and so on. For example, object  250  can have printed on it a key code for downloading the software product to the personal computer system, or enabling it to be run indefinitely. Object  250  can be a CD-ROM, a DVD, a box for a CD-ROM or a DVD, a postcard, and so on. In some embodiments, object  250  may operate as first device  242 . 
         [0023]    Housing  210  also includes an opening  277 . More particularly, in the example of  FIG. 2 , housing  210  generally defines a plane at that location, and opening  277  is an opening at that location, and within that plane. A different example will be described later. 
         [0024]    Moreover, housing  210  includes a main storage compartment  270 . Compartment  270  may be accessible from outside housing  210  via opening  277 . Compartment  270  may be used for storing object  250  removably, which means that object  250  may be stored in compartment  270 , and then removed from there. As such, object  250  can be retained in compartment  270 , together with PC  200 , for the long term, until it is needed for a service call. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, object  250  is stored within main storage compartment  270 . For example, that is where a user or IT department may store object  250 . In other embodiments, object  270  may be shipped to a reseller or a customer in a box along with housing  210 , but not within compartment  270 . It could be up to the user to store object  250  in compartment  270 . 
         [0026]    In  FIG. 3 , main storage compartment  270  is of a generic shape, to indicate that main storage compartment  270  could have any shape. In preferred embodiments, care is taken to give main storage compartment  270  a shape that is suitable for receiving and storing object  250 . As such, the shape of compartment  270  may be determined by the shape of object  250 , which is often substantially flat. Another consideration is for main storage compartment  270  to have a shape that does not interfere with other components inside housing  210 , or with the airflow of a fan that could be cooling processor  220 . 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, object  250  measures at least 2″ (5 cm) in a width dimension, by at least 2′ (5 cm) in a height dimension, by at least 0.04″ (0.1 cm) in a depth dimension. In addition, main storage compartment  270  may be shaped and large enough so that object  250  can be stored therein without being bent, and without protruding through opening  277 . 
         [0028]    Another consideration is to decide on which wall of housing  210  to place opening  277 . It should be considered that object  250  is typically thin and flat and, as such, a large surface may be sought in which to create opening  277 . In some embodiments, the housing includes a wall that stands vertically when the PC is operated, and the opening is at the wall. This is suitable for embodiments such as that of  FIG. 2 , where housing  210  is in the upright “tower” configuration, and the vertical walls are large. That need not be always the case, however. Another example is now described. 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of components of a personal computer system  300 , which is made according to embodiments. PC  300  includes a housing  310 , which contains at least a processor  320  similar to processor  220 . A memory  322  is provided in housing  310 , and a reboot switch  330  is provided on housing  310 , similar to reboot switch  230 . A port  340 , similar to port  240 , may be coupled to housing  310 , In addition, PC  300  is provided with at least one object  350  similar to object  250 . 
         [0030]    Moreover, housing  310  includes a main storage compartment  370 . Compartment  370  may be accessible from outside housing  310  via opening  377 . Compartment  370  may be used for storing object  350  removably, in the example of  FIG. 3 , object  350  is shown stored in main storage compartment  370 . 
         [0031]    In the example of  FIG. 3 , main storage compartment  370  is at the top of housing  310 . Housing  310  includes an opening  377 , which is also an opening of compartment  370 . Unlike the example of  FIG. 2 , however, opening  377  is not an opening within a larger plane of housing  310 . 
         [0032]    Optionally, in a PC made according to embodiments, the housing further includes a door for the main storage compartment. In the example of  FIG. 3 , housing  310  includes a door  378  that opens upwards. Door  378  is implemented so that it can be opened to substantially permit access to main storage compartment  370  via opening  377 , and closed to substantially limit access to main storage compartment  370  via opening  377 . When closed, access may be limited completely, or only partially. If partially, for example, the door may leave a slit through which materials can be inserted in compartment  370 , but not easily removed without opening door  378 . Door  378  may have further a handle for being opened and closed. 
         [0033]    In this example, door  378  is supported on a hinge, and opens and closes by rotating around the hinge. Other embodiments can also be implemented. For example, the door could open and dose by sliding. The door can be made from any suitable material, such as the material used for housing  310 . Alternately the door could be transparent, from plastic, and so on. Making the door able to slide may present concerns as to its structural integrity, but it maybe preferred if not enough space is expected to be provided between PCs, for opening a door by swinging it on a hinge. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of components of a personal computer system  400 , which is made according to embodiments. PC  400  includes a housing  410 , which contains at least a processor  420  similar to processor  220 . A memory  422  is provided in housing  420 , and a reboot switch  430  is provided on housing  410 , similar to reboot switch  230 . A port  440 , similar to port  240 , may be coupled to housing  410 . In addition PC  400  is provided with at least one object  450  similar to object  250 . 
         [0035]    Moreover, housing  410  includes a main storage compartment  470 . Compartment  470  may be accessible from outside housing  410  via opening  477 . 
         [0036]    Compartment  470  may be used for storing object  450  removably. In the example of  FIG. 4  object  450  is shown stored in main storage compartment  470 . 
         [0037]    In the example of  FIG. 4 , storage compartment  470  is at a vertical side wall of housing  410 . An opening  477  is an opening of housing  410 , and also of compartment  470 . Moreover, a door  478  is optionally provided which, in this example, opens upwards. Door  478  may have further a handle for being opened and closed. 
         [0038]    Furthermore, in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , door  478  include a latch  479 , for remaining closed. Since a latch can be opened by anyone, embodiments with a latch are useful in environments where trust is high, such as within a home or a data center and, worrying about a key is more of a problem and a liability than a benefit. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are diagrams of components of a personal computer system  500 , which is made according to embodiments. PC  500  includes a housing  510 , which contains at least a processor and a memory (not shown). A reboot switch  530  is provided on housing  510 , similar to reboot switch  230 . A port  540 , similar to port  240 , may be coupled to housing  510 . 
         [0040]    Referring particularly to  FIG. 5A , a door  578  is open which permits access to main storage compartment  570 . PC  500  is provided with a DVD  550 , which stores software that is also stored on the processor of PC  500 . As such, DVD  550  could be an embodiment of objects  250 ,  350 ,  450  described above. DVD  550  is stored in compartment  570 . Additionally, door  578  optionally includes a lock  581 . 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 5B , door  578  is closed, which limits access to compartment  570 . In the example of  FIGS. 5A and 5B , lock  581  can be unlocked by a key  582 , which is visible only in  FIG. 5B . Key  582  may be retained by the user, or by a company&#39;s IT department. When key  582  is provided, it may avoid the need for door  578  to have a handle. 
         [0042]    It will be observed that key  562  protrudes from the basic plane of housing  510 . In some embodiments, the housing includes an auxiliary storage compartment that is distinct from the main storage compartment. The auxiliary storage compartment is accessible from outside the housing, and the key can be stored in the auxiliary storage compartment. This way, the key will not protrude. Again, in environments with trust is high, the key might never be used. 
         [0043]    Keys according to embodiments need not be physical keys like key  582 . For example, a PC typically receives electrical power from a power outlet at the housing, for its operational needs. In some embodiments, the housing includes a keypad that is powered by the received electrical power. In such embodiments, the lock can be unlocked by dialing a code in the keypad. 
         [0044]      FIG. 6  shows a flowchart  600  for describing methods according to embodiments. The methods of flowchart  600  may also be practiced by using embodiments described above. For example what can be used is a personal computer system that includes a housing that has an opening and a main storage compartment that is accessible from outside the housing via the opening, and a memory within the housing. A number of operations of flowchart  600  were already described above. 
         [0045]    According to an operation  610 , an object can be procured, which is associated with a software product. 
         [0046]    According to another operation  620 , the object can be used to install the software product in the memory. For example, the personal computer system could further include a port, the object could include a memory device on which the software product is stored, and the software could be installed by inserting the memory device in the port. For another example, the object could have a product key code written thereon, and the software product could be installed by accessing a communications network via an interface, and entering the product key code in the interface. The communications network could include the internet. 
         [0047]    According to one more operation  630 , the object can be stored in the main storage compartment. 
         [0048]    According to an optional operation  640 , in embodiments where the housing also includes a door, the door is closed while the object is stored in the main storage compartment. Closing the door substantially limits access to the main storage compartment. In some embodiments, the door includes a latch and, once closed, the door is maintained closed due to the latch. Later, the door may be reopened, and the object may be removed from the main storage compartment. 
         [0049]    According to an optional operation  650  occurring after operation  640 , the door is locked after being closed. The door may later be unlocked. If locking is performed by a key, the housing could also include an auxiliary storage compartment, and the key could be stored in the auxiliary storage compartment. 
         [0050]    According to an optional next operation  660 , the personal computer system is then shipped to a reseller or to a customer. 
         [0051]    In the above, the order of operations is not constrained to what is shown, and different orders may be possible according to different embodiments. In addition, in certain embodiments, new operations may be added, or individual operations may be modified or deleted. 
         [0052]    This description includes one or more examples, but that does not limit how the invention may be practiced. Indeed, examples or embodiments of the invention may be practiced according to what is described, or yet differently, and also in conjunction with other present or future technologies. 
         [0053]    A person skilled in the art will be able to practice the present invention in view of this description, which is to be taken as a whole. Details have been included to provide a thorough understanding. In other instances, well-known aspects have not been described, in order to not obscure unnecessarily the present invention. 
         [0054]    Other embodiments include combinations and sub-combinations of features described herein, including for example, embodiments that are equivalent to: providing or applying a feature in a different order than in a described embodiment, extracting an individual feature from one embodiment and inserting such feature into another embodiment; removing one or more features from an embodiment; or both removing a feature from an embodiment and adding a feature extracted from another embodiment, while providing the advantages of the features incorporated in such combinations and sub-combinations. 
         [0055]    The following claims define certain combinations and subcombinations of elements, features and steps or operations, which are regarded as novel and non-obvious. Additional claims for other such combinations and subcombinations may be presented in this or a related document.