Modules for composing computer systems
First Claim
1. In a computing environment, a method comprising:
- providing a solution module, the solution module including hardware, software including a driver and an application program, and a communication mechanism that allows the software module to communicate when coupled to another computer system;
executing software on the solution module to communicate with another computer system when coupled to that other computer system, including installing the driver and application program for execution on the other computer system; and
the driver in the solution module providing the application program, when run on the other computer system, with access to functionality of the solution module hardware to augment the capabilities of the other computer system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Described is a method and system comprising solution modules that allow a user to compose a customized computer system configured according to a user'"'"'s needs. Modules may be by simply coupling them to a base computer system. Each module contains the hardware that enables a base computer system to accomplish a limited computing task, along with supporting software that is loaded to enable the base computer system to operate the hardware. The present invention thus provides an additive model, in which each module contains one or more hardware components, drivers and application programs, operating system modules, middleware and/or services that allow a user to compose a custom computer system. Examples of solution modules include an Internet module comprising a NIC and supporting software, a module that augments a computer system with digital video recorder capabilities, modules for advanced graphics subsystems such as for games, and others.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. In a computing environment, a method comprising:
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providing a solution module, the solution module including hardware, software including a driver and an application program, and a communication mechanism that allows the software module to communicate when coupled to another computer system;
executing software on the solution module to communicate with another computer system when coupled to that other computer system, including installing the driver and application program for execution on the other computer system; and
the driver in the solution module providing the application program, when run on the other computer system, with access to functionality of the solution module hardware to augment the capabilities of the other computer system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. In a computing environment, a system comprising:
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a base computer system including a processor and memory;
a module configured to be coupled to the base computer system, the module comprising hardware and software including a driver and an application program, and a communication mechanism that allows the software module to communicate when coupled to the base computer system to install software onto the base computer system; and
the software installed on the base computer system when coupled, and thereafter providing the base computer system with access to functionality of the solution module'"'"'s hardware to augment the capabilities of the base computer system. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. In a computing environment, a module comprising:
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means for coupling the module to another computer system;
means for installing software from the module onto the other computer system;
hardware means for performing data-related operations; and
means for communicating with the other computer system, including means by which the software installed on the other computer system allows the other computer system to access the hardware means to perform data-related operations via the hardware means. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification