Method and economical direct connected apparatus for deploying and tracking computers

• US 6,177,860 B1
• Filed: 07/10/1998
• Issued: 01/23/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Dion, Norman, Cromer, Daryl Carvis, Ward, James Peter, Steinmetz, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): ZIMMERMAN, BRIAN A
• Application Number:
  US09/112,991
• Time in Patent Office: 928 Days
• Field of Search: 340/10.1, 340/10.51, 340/10.52, 340/572.1, 340/572.2, 713/1, 713/2, 709/200.2, 709/200.21, 709/200.22, 381/683
• US Class Current: 340/10.1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/44505 Configuring for program initiating, e.g. using registry, configuration files
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07 with integrated circuit chips
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07769 the further communication means being a galvanic interface, e.g. hybrid or mixed smart cards having a contact and a non-contact interface

Abstract

A method of asset control and workstation computer deployment that utilizes a dual port electronic memory identification RFID tag to hold serial number and hardware and software configuration profiles as well as user information. The RFID tag is mapped into the workstation computer memory space and can also be read and written by radio frequency signalling through a wired plug and access flap in a shipping carton. Serial numbers and MAC address is stored on the tag by the manufacturer. User information, workstation profile and software image information is stored onto the tag while the computer is being received for forwarding to the final workstation destination without the need to unpack and power up the computer. The information stored on the tag is used to allow automated system configuration and software downloading to the computer.

Claims

1. A system for deploying and tracking a computer system comprising:

an integrated electronic memory tag comprising;

a first port for connection to a source of radio frequency signals;

a memory for digital signals;

a radio frequency power converter for converting a portion

of the radio frequency energy received in the form of radio frequency signals into DC power for driving the memory;

a radio frequency signal converter for converting the radio frequency signal into a digital signal;

a control logic in a radio frequency interface for responding to the digital signals passing between the memory and the first port;

a digital signal converter for converting a digital signal from the control logic into a radio frequency signal;

a second port for connection to an electronic device;

a contention arbiter for controlling which of the ports has access to the memory; and

a logic gate, cooperating with the contention arbiter, for alternatively connecting the first port and the second port to the memory; and

a plug connector for electromechanically engaging the first port with the source of radio frequency signals, wherein the plug connector is mounted in an external cover of the computer system in which the integrated electronic memory tag resides, such that the first port is accessible for connection to a hand held interrogator.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the plug connector is accessible through an access flap in a shipping carton of the computer system in which the integrated electronic memory tag resides.