Patent ID: 7260833

Claim:
A computer communications system comprising interface apparatus; said interface apparatus being for interfacing between a first computer system and a second computer system; each said computer system being one of a computer workstation and a computer network; said interface apparatus being characterized by duplex physical transmission line communication with respect to said first computer system, and by single physical transmission line communication with respect to said second computer system; said interface apparatus including a signal generator, a first physical transmission line, and a second physical transmission line; said signal generator being for transmitting simulation signals via said first physical transmission line to said first computer system; said first transmission line being for connecting said first computer system and said signal generator; said second physical transmission line being for connecting said first computer system and said second computer system; said simulation signals being received by said first computer system so as to simulate return signals that would be received by said first computer system from said second computer system if said first computer system and said second computer system were engaging in two-way communication; said simulation signals thereby encouraging said first computer system to transmit information signals via said second physical transmission line to said second computer system; said first computer system and said second computer system engaging in one-way communication, via said second physical transmission line, from said first computer system to said second computer system; said second computer system being incapable of transmitting any signals to said first computer system because of the absence of any said physical transmission line, other than said second physical transmission line, that connects said first computer system and said second computer system.