Abstract: A lightning detection system implemented via a modem or a soundcard is described. The modem is either internally or externally coupled to a communication or computer device. The modem uses one of the unused wires present in the four wire telephone cord that plugs into the modem as an antenna. A digital signal processor (DSP) internal to the modem is configured to function as an AM detector wherein the received signals are processed for determination of a potentially damaging lightning storm. The modem generates an interrupt request based upon the results of the DSP. The interrupt request notifies the communication or computer device which in turn is programmed via a software application to notify the user, such as displaying a warning message on a display device or in initiating a power down sequence.

Abstract: An interactively illuminating computer input device for a computer is disclosed. In one embodiment the device is a keyboard. The keyboard has a bi-directional communication link between the keyboard and the computer. The keyboard also has one or more keys, each capable of illumination. The keyboard also has a keyboard controller, operably coupled to the bi-directional communication link and the keys. The keyboard controller detects depression of a key on the keyboard by the user of the computer. The keyboard controller also controls the illumination of a key on the keyboard by the computer. In one embodiment, the keyboard controller receives from the computer a unique command for each key to illuminate the key. In a further embodiment, the keyboard controller receives from the computer a unique command for each key to dim the key.

Abstract: Mutatably transparent controls are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a system includes an operating environment, and at least one computer program. The operating environment has a graphical user interface. Each computer program has at least one display displayable within the graphical user interface. The system is configured so that the opacity of the at least one display changes in response to a particular event. Desirably, each display comprises a control.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus is provided in an electronic device, where the cooling apparatus operates on waste heat provided by a heat producing component, such as a computer processor. The cooling apparatus has at least one chamber which is thermally coupled with the processor such that heat from the processor expands the gas within the chamber. The expansion causes movement to a movable piston disposed within the chamber which rotates a crankshaft and fans coupled therewith. The expanded gas is cooled in another portion of the chamber or in another chamber. The cooled gas decreases in volume causing a piston to move, further rotating the crankshaft. The cycle begins again as the momentum of the crankshaft assists in reciprocating the piston or pistons and as additional heat from the processor is drawn into the chamber. The rotational movement of the crankshaft can be used to drive fans thereby cooling the electronic device.

Abstract: Triple-buffering video memory in a computer graphics controller improves the quality of full-motion video converted for display on a computer monitor. Buffer size, organization, and access cycles prevent converted data representing a new video frame from overwriting a buffer in memory that contains converted data representing a video frame currently being displayed. The access cycles also ensure all data representing a video frame is displayed. The video memory is partitioned into three logical buffers to hold the converted data, the buffers are arranged in a logical ring sequence for read and write access, and the data in a buffer is repeatedly read until the next buffer in the sequence is full of data and ready to be read. In addition, the buffering is adaptable to different resolutions as the size of the buffers is determined by the value of the resolution each time the video conversion is initiated.

Abstract: An optical disc player for a computer is disclosed. The player is operable in a CD-ROM mode in which the player is inserted into a computer, as well as a stand-alone mode in which the player plays audio compact discs while removed from the computer. The player in one embodiment comprises a housing, an optical disc mechanism, a power source component, and one or more audio controls. The power source component provides power to the optical disc mechanism when the player is operating in the stand-alone mode. Each audio control corresponds to an audio function for when an audio compact disc is being played in the player.

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: A pointing device for a computer, having switching mechanisms with perceptively differing actuation forces, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the pointing device comprises a housing, a sensor, a first switching mechanism and a second switching mechanism. The sensor is disposed within the housing and translates movement into an electrical signal. The first switching mechanism is also disposed within the housing and has a first predetermined actuation force. The second switching mechanism is also disposed within the housing and has a second predetermined actuation force. The second predetermined actuation force is perceptively different than the first predetermined actuation force.

Abstract: A heat sink conduit, for use in cooling electronic devices, made of an elongate strip of thermally conductive material that is repeatedly folded onto itself in an accordion, sinusoidal or serpentine like manner. The elongate strip is compressed between a heat producing component and a heat sink. This compression causes each of the two end segments of the elongate strip to be in positive contact with either the heat producing component or the heat sink. This positive contact allows the heat to be conducted away from the heat producing component to the heat sink and the large surface area of the conduit provides for the transfer of heat through convection and radiation, thereby cooling the heat producing component and the electronic device.

Abstract: A computerized system for keyboard control of compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM) audio of a computer. The computer has a CD-ROM player, a, computer keyboard and a basic input/output system (BIOS). The CD-ROM player is receptive to an audio compact disc (CD). The keyboard has a plurality of keys for entry of one or more predetermined sequences of one or more keystrokes by a user of the computer, each predetermined sequence corresponding to an audio function of the CD-ROM player. The BIOS is operatively coupled to the CD-ROM player and the keyboard, and in response to detecting a predetermined sequence of keystrokes entered by the user on the keyboard operatively signals the CD-ROM player to execute a corresponding audio function. In a further embodiment, the system also comprises an operating system and a CD-ROM control application. The operating system receives a command sent by the BIOS in response to detecting a predetermined sequence of keystrokes entered by the user on the keyboard.

Abstract: An expansion device is provided having two expansion cards interconnected. While the first expansion card of the expansion device conforms to the footprint requirements of the PCMCIA, the second expansion card ranges in size. The expansion device integrates into the overall configuration that conforms with PCMCIA card architecture. A connector releasably attaches the two expansion cards together. Once attached, the expansion card acts as a slave card to the master PC card. Alternatively, the first expansion card can be used by itself as an expansion device. Guide pins are provided for guiding the attachment of the expansion cards. The guide pins, in addition, provide an electrical ground from the PC card to the expansion card. An adaptor is also provided with the expansion device for providing an electronic interface between a host computer and a transmission media line.

Abstract: A computer peripheral combines an electro-magnetic transceiver and a computer pointing device in the same housing, The pointing device cable provides the electrical connection between the electro-magnetic transceiver and the computer's data bus. The transceiver receives information in the form of electro-magnetic pulses from an appropriately-equipped remote device, converts the pulses to electrical signals, and relays the electrical signals to the computer. The transceiver receives electrical signals addressed to the device from the computer, converts the electrical signals to electro-magnetic pulses, and relays the pulses to the remote device.

Abstract: A home entertainment and information system is provided which assigns and transmits audio programming to audio output devices. Digital and analog signals from a variety of program sources are received by the home entertainment and information system. The system assigns and transmits to an audio output device a program that is distinct from programs assigned and transmitted to other audio output devices within the same system, and thus where two users are viewing different programs visually displayed on the same or different monitors, they hear the audio portion of the respective program they are viewing through individual audio output devices. An audio output device is also assignable to a remote control device such that when a program is selected using the remote control device, the audio portion of the program is transmitted to the assigned audio output device.

Abstract: A tool is provided for removal and installation of computer disk drive connectors of various sizes. The tool is a useful, easy to use, inexpensive device. The same device is a useful tool for removing hex head screws commonly used in computers. The apparatus is also lightweight and compact thereby making it easy to transport and store within the computer, and to use with one hand.

Abstract: A computer system combines a portable computer and a detachable palm rest containing a backup battery. When the palm rest is attached to the portable computer, power control circuitry within the computer provides automatic switching between the primary battery in the computer and the backup battery in the palm rest when the active battery becomes low. The power control circuitry also recharges the standby battery whenever the computer is plugged into external power. Power monitoring circuity displays the status of the standby battery on an indicator built into the palm rest.

Abstract: A bi-directional presentation display device for displaying an image visible to an audience on both sides of the display device. The display device has a pair of screens, each defining an image surface which face in generally opposite directions relative to one another. The display includes a power means for providing power to the pair of screens. A reflective element is disposed between the screens for aiding in illuminating the screens. A single light source concurrently illuminates the screens for displaying an image on the pair of image surfaces.

Abstract: A polynomial expansion network of a plurality of nodes, each node capable of communicating with the other nodes through a communications system. The network has an originating node that sends a message for ultimate receipt by a subset of nodes in a polynomial expansion manner. The network also has a first and a second receiving node, each of which receives the message from the originating node. The first and second receiving nodes also receive a unique list of other nodes to which the message has not yet been sent. The polynomial expansion manner can be optimized such that each node sends the message to no more than a predetermined number of other nodes to which the message has not yet been sent, or such that, before each node receives the message, the message passes through no more than a predetermined number of other nodes.

Abstract: A home entertainment and information system is provided which assigns and transmits audio programming to audio output devices. Digital and analog signals from a variety of program sources are received by the home entertainment and information system. The system assigns and transmits to an audio output device a program that is distinct from programs assigned and transmitted to other audio output devices within the same system, and thus where two users are viewing different programs visually displayed on the same or different monitors, they hear the audio portion of the respective program they are viewing through individual audio output devices. An audio output device is also assignable to a remote control device such that when a program is selected using the remote control device, the audio portion of the program is transmitted to the assigned audio output device.