(12) United States Patent
`Lee et al.
`
`US006269441B1
`US 6,269,441 B1
`*Jul. 31, 2001
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54) LOGO DISPLAY DEVICE FOR A
`COMPUTER AND THE METHOD THEREOF
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(75) Inventors: Gwang-Soo Lee, Seoul; Hyun-Kook
`Lee, SuWon, both of
`
`(73) Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.,
`SuWon
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`This patent issued on a continued pros
`ecution application ?led under 37 CFR
`1.53(d), and is subject to the tWenty year
`patent term provisions of 35 USC
`154(a)(2).
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`USC 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/150,101
`
`Sep‘ 9’ 1998
`(22) Filed:
`(30)
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`(KR) ............................................... .. 97-46286
`Sep. 9, 1997
`G06F 9/00
`(51) Int Cl 7
`(52) Us. Ci ..................................................... 913/1‘ 7130
`I.
`.
`. .................................................... ..
`,
`(58) Field of Search .................................. .. 713/1, 2, 100;
`345/418, 334
`
`10/1994 Bealkowski et al. .
`5,355,489
`11/1995 Stewart et al. .
`5,471,674
`5/1996 Dewa et al. .
`5,522,076
`2/1997 Deckys et al. .
`5,600,766
`4/1997 Mast.
`5,619,639
`5,680,535 * 10/1997 Harbin et al. ...................... .. 395/173
`5,762,555 * 10/1997 Crump et al.
`..... .. 463/41
`5,802,363 * 9/1998 Williams et al. .................. .. 395/652
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner—Robert Beausoleil
`Assistant Examiner—Rita Ziemer
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Robert E. Bushnell, Esq.
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`The present invention refers to a logo display device for a
`computer and the method thereof Which alloWs a user to
`optionally select and display a logo image of a system’s
`basic input output system (BIOS). The present invention
`comprises: an image exchange tool for changing numerous
`graphic images made by a user into logo images, respec
`tively; a storage medium for storing the numerous logo
`images changed by means of the image exchange tool; a
`basic input output system read only memory (BIOS ROM)
`for storing default logo images; a logo image selection unit
`for enabling a user to Optionally Select a logo image among
`the logo images stored in the read only memory (ROM) and
`the Storage medium; and a display unit for displaying the
`logo image Selected Optionally by the user‘
`
`34 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`)30
`
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`An M096’ Image
`-
`Graphic
`_>
`Meohum
`Exchange
`.
`Image
`Tool
`User DeFineol
`Logo
`
`1
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2001
`Jul. 31, 2001
`
`Sheet 1 6f 6
`Sheet 1 0f 6
`
`US 6,269,441 B1
`US 6,269,441 B1
`
`FIG
`.1
`FIG
`1
`
`
`
`2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2001
`
`Sheet 2 6f 6
`
`US 6,269,441 B1
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`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2001
`
`Sheet 3 0f 6
`
`US 6,269,441 B1
`
`FIGS
`
`30
`/
`
`BIDS RUM
`
`20
`/
`
`40
`/
`Logo Image
`Selection Unit
`
`50
`/
`it
`l
`i
`DSD Qy Un
`
`10
`An I age lfogo
`
`Graphic
`‘'1
`—> Exchange
`Image
`Tool
`
`mu e
`9
`
`____E99P__1_____.
`____lj99_O_EM___ Storage
`
`.
`Med'um
`
`~
`.
`User DeFineol
`Logo
`
`F164
`
`81
`
`LOQOIDeFQULt'?
`
`S3
`\ ‘
`User-set Logo Display
`
`Yes 22
`DeFault Logo Display
`
`(
`
`Return )
`
`4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2001
`
`Sheet 4 0f 6
`
`US 6,269,441 B1
`
`FIGS
`
`(
`
`Start )
`
`Power-[In
`
`_.-g11
`
`v
`System Check -—S12
`
`‘
`
`.813
`
`Logo=DeFoult?
`
`S14
`\
`\
`Display (1 Logo
`Stored in o RUM
`
`NO
`Select the Number 0F 0. Logo ___S15
`Stored in o STOrGge Medium
`
`Display the Selected Logo r316
`
`W
`Return )
`
`(
`
`5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2001
`
`Sheet 5 6f 6
`
`US 6,269,441 B1
`
`F106
`
`400
`
`< System Bus >
`
`Logo 1
`
`BIDS
`
`_,_100
`5
`Logo n
`
`F167
`
`400
`
`< System Bus >
`
`800* BILIS
`
`Logo 1
`
`;
`Logo n
`
`,300
`
`6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2001
`
`Sheet 6 6f 6
`
`US 6,269,441 B1
`
`F108
`
`l-PSEI
`
`Set a Logo Number
`1
`SJCOY‘T, 0 POST
`1
`R9001 the LOQO Number‘ 1:323
`1
`VeriFy the Logo Numberl-rS24
`
`|=saa
`
`Load 0 Logo Pattern T335
`
`1
`Display the Logo
`1
`
`Proceed Wi’rh POST
`
`1-?826
`
`I827
`
`7
`
`

`

`US 6,269,441 B1
`
`1
`LOGO DISPLAY DEVICE FOR A
`COMPUTER AND THE METHOD THEREOF
`
`CLAIM OF PRIORITY
`
`This application makes reference to, incorporates the
`same herein, and claims all bene?ts accruing under 35
`USC §119 from an application entitled A Logo Display
`Device For A Computer And The Method Thereof earlier
`?led in the Korean Industrial Property Of?ce on the 9th day
`of September 1997, and there duly assigned Serial No.
`97-46286, a copy of Which is anneXed hereto.
`
`10
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`It is an object of the present invention to provide a method
`of displaying a logo for a computer Which alloWs various
`sign-on logos to be used by storing sign-on logos in a storage
`medium, and enables a common user to optionally select a
`sign-on logo after storing numerous logos in a read only
`memory (ROM).
`To achieve the objects and in accordance With the purpose
`of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein,
`the present invention comprises: an image eXchange tool for
`changing numerous graphic images made by a user into logo
`images; a storage medium for storing the numerous logo
`images changed by means of the image eXchange tool; a
`basic input output system read only memory (BIOS ROM)
`for storing default logo images; a logo image selection unit
`for enabling a user to optionally select a logo image among
`the logo images stored in the read only memory (ROM) and
`the storage medium; and a display unit for displaying the
`logo image selected optionally by the user.
`In order to achieve the objects, a method is provided for
`displaying a logo in a computer. The method comprises the
`steps of: determining Whether a logo to be displayed is preset
`to a default value; displaying the preset logo, if the logo to
`be displayed is preset to a default value; and selecting and
`displaying one of the logos set by a user, if the logo to be
`displayed is not preset to a default value.
`To achieve these and other objects in accordance With the
`principles of the present invention, as embodied and broadly
`described, the present invention provides a computer appa
`ratus displaying an image, comprising: an image exchange
`unit converting a graphic image into a logo image; a ?rst
`storage unit being coupled to said image eXchange unit and
`storing a plurality of available logo images converted by
`said image eXchange unit; a second storage unit storing a
`default logo image; a logo image selection unit being
`coupled to said ?rst and second storage units, and enabling
`a user to select a primary logo image from among said
`plurality of available logo images stored in said ?rst storage
`unit and said default logo image stored in said second
`storage unit; and a display unit being coupled to said logo
`image selection unit and displaying said primary logo image
`selected by the user.
`To achieve these and other objects in accordance With the
`principles of the present invention, as embodied and broadly
`described, the present invention provides a method of dis
`playing a logo image on a computer apparatus by applying
`poWer to the computer apparatus, the method comprising the
`steps of: determining Whether a logo image identi?er cor
`responds to a default value; When said logo image identi?er
`corresponds to said default value, displaying a default logo
`image; and When said logo image identi?er does not corre
`spond to said default value, selecting a neW logo image from
`among a plurality of available logo images and then dis
`playing said neW logo image.
`To achieve these and other objects in accordance With the
`principles of the present invention, as embodied and broadly
`described, the present invention provides a method of boot
`ing a computer apparatus by applying poWer to the computer
`apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: initialiZing a
`computer apparatus When said computer apparatus is poW
`ered on; displaying a neW logo image stored in an auXiliary
`storage unit of said computer apparatus and not displaying
`a default logo image stored in a primary storage unit of said
`computer apparatus; and performing a booting routine.
`The present invention is more speci?cally described in the
`folloWing paragraphs by reference to the draWings attached
`only by Way of eXample.
`
`1. Technical Field
`The present invention relates to a logo display device for
`a computer and the method thereof, and more particularly to
`a logo display device for a computer and the method thereof
`Which enables a user to optionally select and display a logo
`image in a computer’s basic input output system (BIOS).
`2. Related Art
`Computer systems are information handling systems that
`are utiliZed by many individuals and businesses today. A
`computer system can be de?ned as a microcomputer that
`includes a central processing unit (CPU), a volatile memory,
`a non-volatile memory, a display monitor, a keyboard, a
`mouse, a ?oppy diskette drive, a compact disc-read only
`memory (CD-ROM) drive, a modem, a hard disk storage
`device, and a printer. Typically, a computer system’s main
`board, Which is a printed circuit board knoWn as a
`motherboard, is used to electrically connect these compo
`nents together.
`An image often referred to as a logo is stored in the
`computer’s memory and is displayed through the display
`monitor When the computer system is turned on. This logo
`is also knoWn as a sign-on logo. In a typical computer, the
`sign-on logo, Which is determined and stored in the com
`puter’s memory is displayed on a screen every time the
`computer is turned on. Since the sign-on logo is ?Xed upon
`shipping the computer system, users have to see the ?Xed
`sign-on logo Whenever poWering on the system regardless of
`their desires. It is dif?cult for users to change the sign-on
`logo since a modi?cation of memory is required.
`Accordingly, in the typical computer system, users get
`easily tired of seeing the same sign-on logo all the time.
`Further, consumers such as companies or private individuals
`cannot make any changes to the previously made logo. For
`eXample, a sign-on logo cannot be changed to a computer
`producer’s logo.
`EXemplars of recent efforts in the art include US. Pat. No.
`5,600,766 for a Method and Apparatus for Storing and
`Displaying a PoWer-on Graphical Image issued to Deckys, et
`al., US. Pat. No. 5,471,674 for a Computer System With
`Plug-in Override of System ROM issued to SteWart, et al.
`US. Pat. No. 5,522,076 for a Computer System Having
`BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)-ROM (Read Only
`Memory) Writing Function issued to DeWa et al., US. Pat.
`No. 5,619,639 for a Method and Apparatus for Associating
`an Image Display Area With an Application Display Area
`issued to Mast, and US. Pat. No. 5,355,489 for a Bios Load
`for a Personal Computer System Having a Removable
`Processor Card issued to BealkoWski et al.
`While these recent efforts provide advantages, I note that
`they fail to adequately address hoW a sign-on logo can be
`easily, simply, and ef?ciently modi?ed in a computer sys
`tem.
`
`15
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`20
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`25
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`
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`
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`
`

`

`US 6,269,441 B1
`
`3
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`A more complete appreciation of the present invention,
`and many of the attendant advantages thereof, Will become
`readily apparent as the same becomes better understood by
`reference to the following detailed description When con
`sidered in conjunction With the accompanying draWings in
`Which like reference symbols indicate the same or similar
`components, Wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective vieW of a computer;
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a computer system;
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a logo display device for a
`computer, in accordance With the principles of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 4 is a How chart shoWing a method of displaying a
`logo in a computer, in accordance With the principles of the
`present invention;
`FIG. 5 is a How chart shoWing a method of displaying a
`logo in a computer, in accordance With a ?rst embodiment
`of the present invention;
`FIG. 6 illustrates the storage of a basic input output
`system (BIOS) and logos in a read only memory (ROM) and
`a method of displaying a logo in a computer, in accordance
`With a second embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 7 illustrates the storage of logos in an additional read
`only memory (ROM) and a computer logo display method,
`in accordance With a second embodiment of the present
`invention; and
`FIG. 8 is a How chart shoWing a method of displaying a
`logo in a computer, in accordance With a second embodi
`ment of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`Refer noW to the draWings, and in particular to FIG. 1,
`Which is a perspective vieW of a computer. As shoWn in FIG.
`1, a desktop computer generally has a computer main body
`1, a monitor 2 and a keyboard 3.
`Refer noW to FIG. 2, Which is a block diagram of a
`computer system. This computer system comprises a system
`bus 101, a CPU (central processing unit) 102, RAM (random
`access memory) 103, a BIOS ROM (basic input output
`system read only memory) 104, an I/O (input/output) con
`troller 105, a serial port 106, a parallel port 107, a Wireless
`port 108, a FDD (?oppy disk driver) 109, an IDE (integrated
`device electronics) controller 110, a CDD (compact disk
`driver) 111, a HDD (hard disk driver) 112, a video controller
`113, a display unit 114, a micro-controller 115, a mouse 116,
`a keyboard 117 and a poWer supply 118. The basic input
`output system read only memory (BIOS ROM) 104 has logo
`data to be displayed, so that a logo is displayed through the
`display unit 114 such as a monitor upon booting the com
`puter system.
`The computer system displays a sign-on logo in a sys
`tem’s basic input output system (BIOS) While performing a
`POST (poWer on self test). At this time, because the sign-on
`logo has been stored in the read only memory (ROM) 104
`ever since the shipment of the computer product, the same
`sign-on logo is alWays displayed on a screen Whenever the
`user poWers on the computer.
`In order to display the sign-on logo, the folloWing tWo
`methods have been proposed: ?rst, a method for replacing a
`teXt font With a logo graphic data in a teXt mode While
`performing a system poWer on self test (POST); second, a
`method for storing a logo graphic data in a read only
`memory (ROM) in a graphic mode.
`
`10
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`15
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`4
`For the typical computer, the sign-on logo, Which is
`determined and stored in the read only memory (ROM) upon
`making a basic input output system (BIOS), is displayed on
`a screen all the time. Thus, other sign-on logos cannot be
`used before changing the sign-on logo of the read only
`memory (ROM) image. Namely, since the sign-on logo is
`?xed upon shipping the system, users have to see the ?Xed
`sign-on logo Whenever poWering on the system regardless of
`their desires. The sign-on image may be changed by chang
`ing a read only memory (ROM) image. HoWever, it is
`dif?cult for common users to change the sign-on image since
`the revision of the basic input output system (BIOS) is
`required.
`Accordingly, in the typical computer system, users get
`easily tired of seeing the same sign-on logo all the time.
`Further, consumers such as companies or private individuals
`cannot make any changes to the previously made logo, for
`eXample, to a computer producer’s logo Which a company is
`used to inserting When producing a personal computer
`system.
`Preferred embodiments of the present invention Will
`become apparent from a study of the folloWing detailed
`description With reference to the accompanying draWings.
`Refer noW to FIG. 3, Which is a block diagram of a logo
`display device for a computer, in accordance With the
`principles of the present invention. In FIG. 3, a logo display
`device in a computer in accordance With embodiments of the
`present invention comprises an image eXchange tool 10, a
`storage medium 20, a basic input output system read only
`memory (BIOS ROM) 30, a logo image selection unit 40
`and a display unit 50.
`Refer noW to FIG. 5, Which is a How chart shoWing a
`method of displaying a logo in a computer, in accordance
`With a ?rst embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5,
`a method of displaying a logo in a computer in accordance
`With a ?rst embodiment of the present invention comprises
`the folloWing steps. At step S11, a computer system is
`poWered on. At step S12, a computer system is checked to
`determine if it is in a normal state. At step S13, a determi
`nation is made to identify Whether a loaded logo number is
`set to a default value. At step S14, When the logo number is
`set to a default value, a sign-on logo is displayed in a read
`only memory (ROM). At step S15, When the logo number is
`not set to a default value, one of the logos stored in a storage
`medium is selected. At step S16, the selected sign-on logo is
`displayed.
`Refer noW to FIG. 8, Which is a How chart shoWing a
`method of displaying a logo in a computer, in accordance
`With a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
`8, a method of displaying a logo in a computer in accordance
`With a second embodiment of the present invention com
`prises the folloWing steps. At step S21, setting a sign-on logo
`number When the system is poWered on. At step S22, starting
`a poWer on self test (POST). At step S23, reading the set
`sign-on logo number. At step S24, verifying the sign-on logo
`number. At step S25, loading a pattern of the veri?ed sign-on
`logo or making a neWly compounded pattern by using an
`eXisting sign-on logo pattern. At step S26, displaying the
`loaded sign-on logo pattern or the compounded sign-on logo
`pattern, in accordance With the result of step S25. At step
`S27, proceeding With the poWer on self test (POST) after
`displaying the sign-on logo.
`The operation of the logo display device in a computer
`and the method thereof in accordance With the embodiment
`of the present invention is as folloWs. As shoWn in FIG. 3,
`in the logo display device in the computer, various graphic
`
`9
`
`

`

`US 6,269,441 B1
`
`5
`images made by a user are ?rst changed into sign-on logo
`images by means of the image exchange tool 10, and then
`are stored in the storage medium 20. In other Words, graphic
`?les made by the user can be exchanged to images to be used
`as sign-on logos, and the images changed into sign-on logos
`are stored in a user-de?ned sign-on logo position of the
`storage medium 20.
`Then, the user optionally selects and outputs a sign-on
`logo among the numerous logos stored as user-de?ned logos
`in the storage medium 20 or among the sign-on logos stored
`in the basic input output system read only memory (BIOS
`ROM) 30. The numerous logos stored as user-de?ned logos
`can be denoted by names such as logo 1, logo 2, and logo n,
`Where n is a number. In addition, the logo image selection
`unit 40 alloWs the user to optionally select a logo image
`among logo images stored in the storage medium 20 and the
`basic input output system read only memory (BIOS ROM)
`30. Here, the logo image can be selected by means of a setup
`program. The display unit 50 of FIG. 3 outputs the logo
`image selected by the user.
`On the other hand, numerous logo images can be stored
`additionally in a basic input output system read only
`memory (BIOS ROM), and another read only memory
`(ROM) Which stores numerous logo images can be mounted
`additionally. Refer noW to FIG. 6, Which illustrates the
`storage of a basic input output system (BIOS) and logos in
`a read only memory (ROM) and a method of displaying a
`logo in a computer, in accordance With a second embodi
`ment of the present invention. Also refer to FIG. 7, Which
`illustrates the storage of logos in an additional read only
`memory (ROM) and a computer logo display method, in
`accordance With a second embodiment of the present inven
`tion. In FIG. 6, numerous logos are stored in the basic input
`output system read only memory (BIOS ROM) 100 con
`nected to a system bus 400. In FIG. 7, numerous logos are
`stored in a read only memory (ROM) 300 mounted addi
`tionally from the shipment of the computer product, so that
`the user can optionally select and output one of the numer
`ous logos. In FIG. 7, the read only memory 300 and the
`separate basic input output system 200 are connected to a
`system bus 400.
`Refer noW to FIG. 4, Which is a How chart shoWing a
`method of displaying a logo in a computer, in accordance
`With the principles of the present invention. Referring to
`FIG. 4, a method of displaying a logo in computer is as
`folloWs. At step S1, it is determined Whether a logo to be
`displayed is preset to a default value. At step S2, When the
`logo to be displayed is preset to default value, the preset logo
`is displayed. At step S3, When the logo to be displayed is not
`preset to a default value, one logo is selected and displayed
`among the logos set by the user.
`In other Words, a logo stored in a primary storage unit is
`displayed When the logo to be displayed is preset to a default
`value, as in step S2. Alternatively, one logo is selected and
`outputted among more than one logo stored in a secondary
`storage unit When the logo to be displayed is not preset to a
`default value, as in step S3. Here, the primary storage unit
`refers to a basic input output system read only memory
`(BIOS ROM), and the secondary storage unit refers to an
`auxiliary storage such as a hard disk drive. The graphic
`images made by the user are included in the logos stored in
`the secondary storage unit.
`Refer again to FIG. 5. At step S11, the system is poWered
`ON. At step S12, Whether the computer system is in a normal
`state is checked. At step S13, it is determined Whether a
`loaded sign-on logo number is set to a default value. At step
`
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`6
`S14, When the logo number is set to a default value, a
`sign-on logo stored in a read only memory (ROM) is
`displayed. At step S15, When the sign-on logo is not set to
`a default value, a logo number stored in a storage medium
`is selected. At step S16, the logo corresponding to the
`selected logo number is displayed. Namely, certain portions
`of the storage medium is allocated for storing sign-on logos.
`The storage medium can store not only user-de?ned logos
`but also various logos.
`For example, upon an initial use of a computer purchased
`by a user, a sign-on logo of a default value is used. At an
`initial setup, it is selected Whether a basic sign-on logo in a
`read only memory (ROM), or an image in a storage medium,
`that is, a logo image changed from a graphic image made by
`the user is to be displayed. Namely, the user is alloWed to
`select and to use a logo through an initial setup menu.
`In other Words, a basic sign-on logo stored in a read only
`memory (ROM) is displayed on the screen upon running the
`system for the ?rst time after the shipment of the computer
`product. HoWever, in the case that the user Wants to display
`other logos rather than the basic sign-on logo, the user may
`get into the initial setup and select one of the various sign-on
`logos. Then, the selected sign-on logo is displayed on a
`screen.
`Consequently, a sign-on logo can be stored in a storage
`medium rather than a read only memory (ROM). Further,
`numerous sign-on logos are stored in a storage medium so
`that various sign-on logos can be displayed on a screen. In
`addition, the image of the sign-on logo can be changed
`Without upgrading the basic input output system read only
`memory (BIOS ROM) since the image of the sign-on logo
`is stored in the storage medium.
`Refer again to FIG. 8. At step S21, When the poWer is
`turned ON, a sign-on logo number is set. At step S22, a
`poWer on self test (POST) is started. Namely, if the user
`Wants to replace the sign-on logo of default value With
`another sign-on logo, the user selects a Wanted sign-on logo
`by using a utility program capable of changing an initial
`setup or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor
`(CMOS) value. At step S23, the number of the set sign-on
`logo is read. At step S24, the number of the sign-on logo is
`veri?ed. At step S25, the pattern of the veri?ed sign-on logo
`is loaded, or a neWly compounded pattern is made by using
`the existing sign-on logo pattern.
`Thus, When the user selects the number of the Wanted logo
`at an initial setup and then reboots the system, a pattern of
`the selected logo or a neWly compounded pattern is loaded
`Whereby basic input output system (BIOS) routines for
`displaying the selected logo is performed. Accordingly,
`sign-on logo display routines load a corresponding logo
`from the read only memory (ROM), or make a desired
`pattern by compounding a feW patterns, after checking the
`logo number selected by the user. At step S26, the loaded or
`compounded sign-on logo pattern is displayed. At step S27,
`the poWer on self test (POST) is continued.
`Refer again to FIGS. 6 and 7, Which are exemplary
`constructions of a basic input output system read only
`memory (BIOS ROM) upon loading numerous sign-on
`logos, shoWing the storage of plural logo pattern. Here, FIG.
`6 illustrates the use of one read only memory (ROM) 100,
`and FIG. 7 illustrates the use of at least tWo read only
`memories (ROMs) 200, 300 of Which one read only memory
`(ROM) 300 stores sign-on logos.
`The effect of the present invention lies in that various
`sign-on logos are provided in addition to a basic sign-on
`logo, so that a common user can display logos on a screen
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`7
`as the user Wants to. Moreover, the present invention sim
`pli?es the change of a sign-on logo by storing sign-on logos
`in a storage medium, When compared to the typical Way of
`changing a sign-on logo by upgrading the basic input output
`system (BIOS).
`While there have been illustrated and described What are
`considered to be preferred embodiments of the present
`invention, it Will be understood by those skilled in the art
`that various changes and modi?cations may be made, and
`equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof Without
`departing from the true scope of the present invention. In
`addition, many modi?cations may be made to adapt a
`particular situation to the teaching of the present invention
`Without departing from the central scope thereof. Therefore,
`it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the
`particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contem
`plated for carrying out the present invention, but that the
`present invention includes all embodiments falling Within
`the scope of the appended claims.
`What is claimed is:
`1. Acomputer apparatus displaying a logo image When the
`computer apparatus is poWered on, comprising:
`an image exchange unit converting ?rst images into
`converted logo images;
`a ?rst storage unit being coupled to said image eXchange
`unit and storing a ?rst plurality of logo images corre
`sponding to said converted logo images;
`a second storage unit storing a default logo image and a
`second plurality of logo images, said second storage
`unit corresponding to a basic input output system read
`only memory;
`a logo image selection unit being coupled to said ?rst and
`second storage units, selecting one logo image in
`accordance With a choice of a user, the user choosing
`said one logo image from among said ?rst plurality,
`said second plurality, and said default logo image When
`said computer apparatus is poWered on and before a
`poWer on self test of said computer apparatus is
`completed, said selected logo image not being Written
`to said second storage unit When said selected logo
`image is selected from among said ?rst plurality of
`images stored in said ?rst storage unit; and
`a display unit being coupled to said logo image selection
`unit, said display unit displaying said selected primary
`logo image When said computer apparatus is poWered
`on and before the poWer on self test of said computer
`apparatus is completed;
`said ?rst plurality of logo images, said second plurality of
`logo images, said default logo image, and said con
`verted logo images corresponding to logo images
`Which can be displayed by said computer apparatus
`When said computer apparatus is poWered on and
`before the poWer on self test of said computer apparatus
`is completed.
`2. The apparatus of claim 1, said ?rst plurality of logo
`images being preset by a user.
`3. The apparatus of claim 2, said default logo image being
`displayed by said display unit When the user does not choose
`a logo image.
`4. The apparatus of claim 3, said ?rst storage unit corre
`sponding to a memory unit selected from among said basic
`input output system read only memory unit, a hard disk
`drive, and an additional read only memory unit distinguish
`able from said basic input output system read only memory
`unit.
`5. The apparatus of claim 1, said second storage unit
`storing a logo image set by a user in addition to said default
`logo image and said second plurality of logo images.
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`6. The apparatus of claim 1, said ?rst storage unit corre
`sponding to a hard disk drive.
`7. The apparatus of claim 1, said choosing of the logo
`image being in accordance With an initial setup routine of
`said logo image selection unit.
`8. The apparatus of claim 1, said ?rst storage unit corre
`sponding to a read only memory unit distinguishable from
`said second storage unit.
`9. A method of displaying a logo image on a computer
`apparatus When the computer apparatus is poWered on, the
`method comprising the steps of:
`When said computer apparatus is poWered on and before
`a poWer on self test of said computer apparatus is
`completed, determining Whether a logo image identi?er
`corresponds to a default value;
`When said logo image identi?er corresponds to said
`default value, displaying a default logo image stored in
`a basic input output system read only memory; and
`When said logo image identi?er does not correspond to
`said default value, displaying a neW logo image
`selected by a user from among a ?rst plurality of logo
`images stored in a storage medium, said storage
`medium being distinguishable from said basic input
`output system read only memory;
`said displaying being performed When said computer
`apparatus is poWered on and before the poWer on self
`test of said computer apparatus is completed;
`said default logo image, said neW logo image, and said
`?rst plurality of logo images corresponding to logo
`images Which can be displayed by said computer
`apparatus When said computer apparatus is poWered on
`and before the poWer on self test of said computer
`apparatus is completed.
`10. The method of claim 9, said ?rst plurality of logo
`images being preset by a user, said ?rst plurality of logo
`images corresponding to a plurality of graphic images
`formed by a user and converted to said ?rst plurality of logo
`images, said graphic images not being logo images.
`11. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
`When said logo image identi?er corresponds to said
`default value, displaying a ?rst logo image from among
`a second plurality of logo images stored in said basic
`input output system read only memory.
`12. The method of claim 11, said neW logo image not
`being Written to said basic input output system read only
`memory.
`13. The method of claim 11, said neW logo image not
`being Written to said basic input output system read only
`memory When said neW logo image is selected from said
`images stored in said storage medium.
`14. A method of booting a computer apparatus by apply
`ing poWer to the computer apparatus, the method comprising
`the steps of:
`starting a poWer on self test of said computer apparatus
`When said computer apparatus is poWered on;
`before the poWer on self test is completed, selectively
`choosing a neW logo image stored in an auxiliary
`storage unit of said computer apparatus, said choosing
`corresponding to a user choosing said neW logo image
`from among a ?rst plurality of logo images stored in
`said auXiliary storage unit;
`When said neW logo image is chosen, displaying said neW
`logo image and not displaying a default logo image
`