Abstract: Executing a program stored on a device inserted into a computer slot includes determining how to execute the program based on configuration data stored on the device, and executing the program in accordance with the configuration data. Determining may include identifying a type of operating system with which to execute the program based on the configuration data. Executing may include executing the program with the identified operating system.

Abstract: A system for sharing content tabs is disclosed. Content tabs contain user defined and arranged information content, typically displayed on a browser page or some other electronic information window. The disclosed system includes procedures where one user can share their content tabs with other users. In one embodiment the content tab is packaged and sent to an email address of the recipient user, who can choose whether to accept the tab. In other embodiments, the recipient users can view tabs available for downloading and download them directly. Once accepted, the content tabs are associated with the new user and become part of an information window of the new user.

Abstract: A technique for providing communication between two computers through a network in a way to allow one computer to control the other.

Abstract: An attenuated phase-shifting photomask (APSM) provides adjustment of attenuation from mask to mask. The APSM includes a multilayer substrate, a buffer thin film coupled to the substrate, and a top layer thin film on top of the buffer thin film. The thin films are etched with a circuit pattern to form a photomask, and are chosen to have certain thicknesses which would provide adjustment of attenuation within a specified attenuation operating range and appropriate phase shift without changing said buffer thin film and said top layer thin film.

Abstract: A controller for a random access memory includes an address and command queue that holds memory references from a plurality of microcontrol functional units. The address and command queue includes a read queue that stores read memory references. The controller also includes a first read/write queue that holds memory references from a core processor and control logic including an arbiter that detects the fullness of each of the queues and a status of completion of outstanding memory references to select a memory reference from one of the queues.

Abstract: System information prompting a reconfiguration of a target device that is part of the system is received, and in response to the information, the target device is reconfigured using configuration data for the target device that has been stored in non-volatile memory of a second self-configuring device that is part of the system.

Abstract: An image capture device comprising a camera body and separate still image and video image buttons disposed on the camera body for taking still images and video images respectively and storing said images within a unified memory located in the camera body. The still image button and video image button are spaced apart on the camera body to prevent confusion by the user and to allow a user to take still shots or video shots without needing to perform an intermediate step of placing the camera in still or video modes. The video button is preferably placed on a forwardly facing portion of a handle portion of the main body to allow trigger-like operation of the video camera. The still image button is preferably placed on a top portion of the main body of the camera body to simulate the normal position of such a button on a conventional still camera.

Abstract: A digital camera stand comprising a main body and a tilting body received within a cavity formed within a top portion of the main body and coupled to the main body along a pivot axis. The tilting body includes indexed portions, preferably a parallel arrangement of notches formed along the back portion of the tilting body, adapted to engage with an indexer coupled to the main body to allow indexed tilting of the tilting body relative to the main body as the indexer is engaged with a selected one of the notches. One end of a data connector is received through a shell of the tilting body and presents a data connection adapted to couple with a complementary connector on a base portion of the digital camera maintained within a pocket of the tilting body.

Abstract: A system for providing power to a computer peripheral device during the normal operation of the device is disclosed. A base is provided that includes a winding of a coil. The winding is driven to make a constantly changing magnetic field. The peripheral device also includes a winding of a coil. When the winding of the coil is placed in the changing magnetic field, a voltage is induced in the winding. That voltage can be converted into power for use by the peripheral device. In one embodiment the peripheral device is a mouse. The peripheral device may include a rechargeable battery, and the induced power could be used by a circuit to recharge the battery.

Abstract: A video apparatus and method are described for controlling video frame error recovery in a streaming video session. Frame error recovery is activated and deactivated by a frame error recovery automaton. Frame error recovery is activated by a first frame error in the video data stream. The automaton monitors the video session, maintaining recovery if a further error is detected. The automaton monitors the data stream for a predetermined frame error probation period.

Abstract: An optical window is disclosed through which light can be shone to generate a waveform. Windows are hourglass-shaped, to better conform the shape of the windows to the distribution of light intensity. The optical window can be incorporated into a variety of optical devices.

Abstract: An information display status indicator is described. The status indicator is typically connected to a user device that uses consumable resources. Icons representing resource usage are shown on the status indicator as the resources are used. The icons could represent memory resources available to the device. The icons, which are patterned around a perimeter of the status indicator, are turned on sequentially to form a complete loop when the memory becomes full. Additionally, each icon may be made of a set of pixels or blocks where each set is individually controllable.

Abstract: A three-dimensional modeling system. The modeling system includes an antenna and a stylus. The stylus has at least one tag that communicates with the antenna to provide position signals of the tag, allowing the stylus to trace the surface of an object into a processor. The system may include more than one antenna, each producing an electromagnetic field within which the object to be modeled is positioned. The stylus may have two tags, which will allow derivation of orientation information from the position signals. The stylus may have a pressure-sensitive tip allowing the communication between the tag and the antenna to be controlled only when the stylus is in contact with the object to be modeled. The system may also have at least one tag attached to the object to provide more accurate information as to the position and orientation of the object relative to the points traced by the stylus. The stylus may also be used to trace an outline or other two-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A hinged disk drive bay for a server. The bay is hinged such that it moves between a stowed position in which the bay is vertical, and a tilted position in which the bay is open. When open, the connections are exposed to the user.

Abstract: A heat dissipating element (e.g., a heat sink) is held in an initial position closer to a heat generating structure (e.g., a microprocessor) and in a subsequent position farther from the microprocessor. A thermal interface material (e.g., a thermal grease) spans the gap, but is not held under compression, between the heat sink and the microprocessor.

Abstract: A first apparatus includes a semiconductor device and a heat dissipating device (e.g., a heatsink) thermally coupled to the semiconductor device. The heat dissipating device is located and formed to screen the semiconductor device from external electromagnetic radiation or to contain radiation produced by the semiconductor device. A second apparatus includes a semiconductor device, a heat dissipating device thermally coupled to the semiconductor device, and a grounding structure having a capacitive coupling to the heatsink.

Abstract: A silhouette edge is rendered in a display format that corresponds to a geometry of a three-dimensional model. An angle between the silhouette edge and an adjacent silhouette edge in the image is determined, and the display format for the silhouette edge is selected based on the angle. Texture mapping is used to generate the silhouette edge in the display format.