Abstract: A convergence system suitable for accepting inputs from several television or personal computing sources is disclosed. The sources can be output on a display. The convergence system is controlled by a multi-function controller suitable for providing a set of function commands. A processor is coupled to the inputs, display and operably coupled to the controller wherein the processor responds to the function commands provided by the controller. The processor also creates for output on the display a set of channel banners. At least one of the channel banners provides information on available processor functions and provides video feed-back when the processor is responding to the function commands.

Abstract: A lockout apparatus for a number of expansion slots in a printed circuit board includes a lockout mechanism for the expansion slots. Each lockout mechanism includes a lockout member movable between a first position in which its respective expansion slot is blocked, and a second position in which its respective expansion slot is open. Only a single expansion slot is available for use at any one time. In another embodiment, add-on card installed into expansion slots may be retained in the expansion slot when the next expansion slot is filled.

Abstract: A lockout apparatus for a number of expansion slots in a printed circuit board includes a lockout mechanism for the expansion slots. Each lockout mechanism includes a lockout member movable between a first position in which its respective expansion slot is blocked, and a second position in which its respective expansion slot is open. Only a single expansion slot is available for use at any one time. In another embodiment, add-on card installed into expansion slots may be retained in the expansion slot when the next expansion slot is filled.

Abstract: A method for powering down a computer system is shown. A power button is actuated and an interrupt is generated in response to the actuation of the power button. An unconditional shutdown of the computer system is performed on system software failing to respond to the interrupt. The system software powers down the computer system on the system software responding to the interrupt.

Abstract: An orientation sensor includes variable resistance elements within the sensor, the variable resistance elements forming an electric circuit with a conductive ball or drop of conductive material. The resistance of the electric circuit uniquely identifies the orientation of the apparatus. A method of determining the orientation of an apparatus includes measuring the resistance of a circuit completed between two conductive members in the apparatus, and determining the position of a freely movable conductive member in the apparatus from the measured resistance.

Abstract: An electronic mail system and method which allows an originating user to customize text for a specific recipient in a multiple recipient electronic mail system. The system recognizes embedded processing codes based on a code specific to each recipient's message. Upon recognizing the embedded processing codes, the system and method generates separate, properly formatted electronic mail messages for each recipient.

Abstract: A modular floppy disk drive is designed to stand alone as an external drive or to be combined with a carrier to fit into a computer peripheral option bay configured for removable CD ROM drives. When used as an external floppy disk drive, the modular unit is connected to the personal computer through a connector and cable assembly. The carrier adapts the modular drive to the size and mechanical requirements of the peripheral option bay so that the modular unit can be inserted into the computer and used as an internal floppy disk drive.

Abstract: A method of displaying graphical information using a “lenticular-like” interface is described. With a “lenticular-like” interface, the viewer is made aware that additional, usually complementary information is available besides that which is currently foregrounded in the display. This is accomplished by displaying a small but characteristic portion of the actual secondary field. In another embodiment the dominant field is made to look like a lenticular lens, which suggests to the user that a slight shift in view will bring the secondary field to the foreground. With a “lenticular-like” interface, this shift is accomplished by moving the cursor from one edge of the display field to the other edge.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring the installation of a computer hardware or software component so as to be able to reconstruct the installation at a later time without requiring a re-installation by hand. The data command stream of an installation and any changes made to the files of the computer, including the creation or deletion of files, are monitored and recorded.

Abstract: A computer having an emergency protection program is disclosed. The emergency protection program turns off the computer in response to receiving a notification of an impending potential local emergency. In one embodiment, the program receives the notification from an external network site over an external network connection. In one embodiment, the program waits a predetermined amount of time prior to shutting down the computer, and also is responsive to an abort-shut down input to not shut down the computer, or an immediate-shut down input to immediately shut down the computer.

Abstract: An input pad that is integrated with a touch pad is disclosed. In one embodiment, a portable computer includes an input pad cover slidable from a first position approximately adjacent to the touch pad to a second position over the touch pad. In the first position the touch pad is operable as a pointing device; relative movement actuated on the pad causes a pointer on a screen of the computer to correspondingly move. In the second position the touch pad is operable as an input pad, preferably a numeric input pad; actuation of an absolute position within a given region on the pad registers the depression of a key corresponding to the region with the computer.

Abstract: Power conservation without performance reduction in a power-managed system is disclosed. A method according to one embodiment of the invention includes three steps. In the first step, it is determined whether a computer program running on a computer is substantially memory-intensive or substantially compute-intensive. In a second step, the clock speed of the computer system is increased, and the number of memory access wait states of the computer system is adjusted incident to determining that the computer program is substantially compute-intensive. In a third step, the clock speed of the computer system is decreased, and the number of memory access wait states of the computer system is adjusted incident to determining that the computer program is substantially memory-intensive.

Abstract: A hideaway integrated docking cradle which may be positioned on a computer or other peripheral device, such as a keyboard, monitor, or printer, includes a docking cradle rotatably attached to a host device, the cradle movable from a first position in which it is closed and substantially flush with the external contour of the host device, and a second, operational position in which the docking cradle rests against the housing so as to allow the connection and retention of a PDA within the cradle. The hideaway integrated docking cradle may be integrated into furniture or other non-computer devices which are linked to a computer in some fashion.

Abstract: A modular information handling system includes an upper chassis having a display and a power supply, and a lower chassis having a motherboard, memory, a processor, and a number of drive bays. The upper and lower chassis are interdependent, neither capable of functioning without the other. The upper and lower chassis are separately manufacturable, separately serviceable, and separately shippable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to television programming uses a remote control device. The remote control device contains program control data which limits the viewer's access to television programming. The program control data is created and modified by a user with the master control user id assigned to the remote control device. The remote control device is optionally assigned one or more user ids for creating, maintaining, and in one embodiment activating a user-customizable profile which controls programming access according to the users preferences. The program control data, user profile data, and related circuitry is stored in the remote control device, or alternatively in the television receiver or a control device attached to the television receiver.

Abstract: An entertainment system has a personal computer as the heart of the system with a large screen VGA quality monitor as the display of choice. The system has digital satellite broadcast reception, decompression and display capability with multiple radio frequency remote control devices which transmit self identifying signals and have power adjustment capabilities. These capabilities are used to provide context sensitive groups of keys which may be defined to affect only selected applications running in a windowing environment. In addition, the remote control devices combine television and VCR controls with standard personal computer keyboard controls. A keyboard remote also integrates a touchpad which is food contamination resistant and may also be used for user verification. Included in the system is the ability to recognize verbal communications in video signals and maintain a database of such text which is searchable to help identify desired programming in real time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling heat generating components within a compartment are disclosed. A cooling assembly isolates heat produced by a processor in a personal computer (“PC”) system and exhausts it from the PC prior to adversely affecting other components within the PC. A fan causes air to blow across the processor having an attached heat sink disposed within the cooling assembly, and the air exits the cooling assembly without adversely affecting the other components surrounding the processor. In one example, an alternative passage is provided for the air.