Abstract: A method includes receiving a first control command including a value for a first control parameter. The method further includes determining an association between the first control command and an identifier of the first control parameter. The method also includes identifying a graphical user interface (GUI) tool and information of the GUI tool based on the identifier of the first control parameter. The method includes launching a GUI that includes the GUI tool. The method further includes updating the first control parameter using the GUI tool based on the information of the GUI tool and the value for the first control parameter. The method also includes initiating content streaming using a first modulator in response to updating the first control parameter. The method includes identifying performance data for the first modulator associated with the content streaming. The method further includes sending the performance data to a server via the network.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a first control command including a value for a first control parameter. The method further includes determining an association between the first control command and an identifier of the first control parameter. The method also includes identifying a graphical user interface (GUI) tool and information of the GUI tool based on the identifier of the first control parameter. The method includes launching a GUI that includes the GUI tool. The method further includes updating the first control parameter using the GUI tool based on the information of the GUI tool and the value for the first control parameter. The method also includes initiating content streaming using a first modulator in response to updating the first control parameter. The method includes identifying performance data for the first modulator associated with the content streaming. The method further includes sending the performance data to a server via the network.

Abstract: A portable data storage device is disclosed that includes an interface (3) for enabling the portable data storage device to be used for data transfer with a host computer (5), and an interface controller (2) for controlling the interface (3). There is also a master controller (7) for controlling the writing of data to and reading of data from a non-volatile memory (8, 9). The non-volatile memory is at least one single level cell (SLC) flash memory (8) and at least one multiple level cell (MLC) flash memory (9). The at least one single level cell flash memory (8) and at least one multiple level cell flash memory (9) are able to operate simultaneously for improving the speed of operation over only multiple level cell flash memory.

Abstract: A method comprises performing an authentication of a user of a portable device, performing an authentication handshake between the portable device and a content server, wherein the portable device includes a USB plug that plugs directly into a USB port of a host computer and the host computer is communicatively coupled to the content server, and sending a first key sent from the portable device to the content server, wherein access to restricted content on the content server by the user is enabled if the user authentication, the authentication handshake, and an authentication using the first key are all successful. The process may also include encrypting restricted content received from the content server using a private key before storing the restricted content in a non-volatile memory of the portable device.

Abstract: A method for authentication of an external storage device (16) operatively connected to a port of a host computer (10) where the host computer (10) conducts a handshake with the external storage device (16) seeking an authentication key from the external storage device. The host computer (10) electrically disconnects the external storage device (16) from the host computer (10) if the authentication key is incorrect or not provided within a predetermined period. The host computer (10) allows access to the host computer (10) by the external storage device (16) if the authentication key is correct and provided within the predetermined period. Corresponding apparatus and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual television tuner having a television tuner module and a wireless local area network module both operatively connected to an antenna for receiving a television signal from the antenna, and for passing the television signal for playing on a host to which the dual television tuner is able to be operatively connected.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device having a USB connector with a USB controller, and a wireless antenna with a wireless controller. The USB controller and the wireless controller are both operatively connected to the non-volatile memory. When the non-volatile memory device is operatively connected to a host using the USB connector, the USB controller has priority over the wireless controller for read from, and write to, functions with the non-volatile memory. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for authentication including verifying a password is disclosed. In one embodiment, the authentication system includes a first storage unit to store an authentication sequence, a read-only memory unit to store an authentication algorithm, and a second storage unit. A microcontroller is coupled to the first storage unit, the read-only memory unit, and is configured to be coupled to and uncoupled from a host. The microcontroller is configured to execute the authentication algorithm to verify a password with the authentication sequence, and to send an access request to a web server via the host if the authentication algorithm has verified the password with the authentication sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for recording and playing back audio/video signals. A portable storage device (11) has mounted thereon a portable storage device connector (13) of a first type adapted to transfer audio/video signals of a first type (15). A first audio/video system (17) has a first audio/video system connector (19) of the first type for directly connecting to the portable storage device connector (13) to exchange audio/video signals of the first type (15) between the portable storage device (11) and the first audio/video system (17) to record and playback audio/video signals of the first type (15). A second audio/video system (21) receives audio/signals of a second type (23). An interface section (25) has an interface section connector (27) of the first type for directly connecting to the portable storage device (11).

Abstract: A data storage device includes two data storage media: both a hard disk and a non-volatile solid state memory device, such as a flash memory. Data received by the data storage device for storage is stored both in the hard disk and the flash memory. Since the data storage is duplicated, if a problem arises with retrieving data from one of the hard disk, the data can be retrieved from the flash memory.

Abstract: A portable data storage device has a non-volatile memory 3 for storing user data, an interface section 7 for receiving and transmitting data to a host, and a master control unit 1 for transferring data to and from the non-volatile memory 3. The portable data storage device further includes an integrated circuit 13 for generating a public/private key pair. The portable data storage device is arranged to transmit at least one of the keys out of the device. In different embodiments, the host can verify that the data it receives is correct, and the device can verify that the host has received the correct data.

Abstract: A method for automatic loading to a host of a functional unit driver stored as part of an executable program on a memory of a first functional unit, the method comprising physically connecting the first functional unit to the host and the first functional unit reporting itself to the host as being a generic storage device to make use of a generic mass storage class driver in the host. An operating system of the host reads an autorun file forming part of the executable program to load and execute on the host a driver set up program forming a part of the executable program. The host uses the driver set up program as executed on the host to install and execute the functional unit driver on the host.

Abstract: A portable data storage device is disclosed which includes an Interface for enabling the portable data storage device to be used for data transfer with a host Computer, and an Interface controller for controlling the interface. There is also a master control unit for controlling the writing of data to and reading data from a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes at least one single layer cell flash memory and at least one multiple layer cell flash memory. Upon receiving a write instruction, the master control unit determines which of the memories data contained in the instruction should be written to, and writes the data as appropriate similarly, upon receiving a read instruction, the master control unit reads the data from the appropriate one of the memories and transmits the data out of the device.

Abstract: A data storage device 5 having a storage capacity of at least 8 Mbyte is surrounded by a housing including a stylus portion 23, having a tip 25 for indicating a position. The stylus permits the data storage device 5 to be used for data entry to an electronic device 19 such as a PDA which traces the position of the stylus tip. The data storage device 5 can be used in place of a conventional stylus. Thus, the user of the electronic device 19 which traces the position of a stylus is able to enjoy the advantages of a data storage device without being obliged to use an additional component.

Abstract: A system and method for authentication including verifying a password is disclosed. In one embodiment, the authentication system includes a first storage unit to store an authentication sequence, a read-only memory unit to store an authentication algorithm, and a second storage unit. A microcontroller is coupled to the first storage unit, the read-only memory unit, and is configured to be coupled to and uncoupled from a host. The microcontroller is configured to execute the authentication algorithm to verify a password with the authentication sequence, and to send an access request to a web server via the host if the authentication algorithm has verified the password with the authentication sequence.

Abstract: A solid-state memory storage device and method for using the device includes storing data wirelessly transmitted from a host and wirelessly transmitting the data to the host. The storage device has an RF module which demodulates an ultra-wideband write signal received wirelessly from a host and outputs a wireless protocol write signal. A wireless protocol controller has a protocol conversion layer which converts the wireless protocol write signal into a USB protocol write signal. A microcontroller has function extraction layer for extracting a write command from the USB protocol write signal and, in response to the write command, controls the writing of data extracted from the USB protocol write signal to the solid-state memory to store the data in the solid-state memory. The microcontroller also reads the data stored in the solid-state memory in response to a read command received from the host and outputs a USB protocol read signal to the wireless protocol controller.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing power consumption during wireless data transfer between a host device and another device is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of wireless modules, each of the plurality of wireless modules comprising a different wireless protocol, each wireless protocol having a different transmission range and data transfer rate. The apparatus also comprises a processor having a determination module. The determination module is configured to determine which of the plurality of wireless protocols is able to be used for the wireless data transfer, and which of the different wireless protocols able to be used for the wireless data transfer has a power consumption that is the lowest of the wireless protocols able to be used for the wireless data transfer, the wireless protocol so determined being used for the wireless data transfer. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for authentication including verifying a password is disclosed. In one embodiment, the authentication system includes a first storage unit to store an authentication sequence and a read-only memory unit to store an authentication algorithm. A microcontroller is coupled to the first storage unit, the read-only memory unit, and is configured to be coupled to and uncoupled from a host. The microcontroller is configured to execute the authentication algorithm to verify a password with the authentication sequence, and to send an access request to a web server via the host if the authentication algorithm has verified the password with the authentication sequence.

Abstract: A portable device (12) comprising a connector (14) for connecting the portable device (12) to a host (18); a central processing unit (22) for controlling the operation of the portable device (12); at least one non-volatile memory module (24); a user interface (16) for input of user commands to the central processing unit (22) for enabling direct control of at least one function of the portable device (12) in a host (12). The central processing unit (22) is for uploading to a host an auto-run application to reside in the host (18) for enabling the user interface in the host. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for enabling the reading on a reader of content stored in an external storage device is disclosed. The reader is a read-only device and has a display, a processor for controlling the operation of the reader, and a port for operative connection of the external storage device. The external storage device has a non-volatile storage and a central processor. The central processor is able to download to the reader the content stored in the non-volatile storage upon a pre-condition being established. The pre-condition is at least one of receipt of a correct encryption key from the reader, and arrival at a start date and time as determined by a real-time clock. The reader, external storage device, and a corresponding method are also disclosed.