Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for autonomically disposing a computer such as a workstation. The computer's local persistent storage medium is configured with pre-boot image which is configured with a set of functional modules that facilitate disposal or recycling of the computer to the next user. The disposal and recycle methods are automated, require minimal user intervention, and facilitate moving configuration options and data to a different computer. The entire process may execute from the pre-boot image on the computer's local persistent storage medium without ever booting the primary operating system.

Abstract: A method and system for reconfiguring a multi-dimension sound system is disclosed. The method and system include a remote control that is capable of emitting a low-frequency sound wave pulse pattern, and a plurality of speakers, wherein each speaker includes a pulse counter that counts a number of sound wave pulses received from the remote control over a predetermined time period. The method and system further include an audio receiver that includes a digital audio encoding system. The receiver uses the respective sound wave pulse count from each of the speakers to compute the distance between the remote control and each speaker, and programs the digital audio encoding system with speaker delay times based on the computed distances.

Abstract: The display of a notebook computer includes a privacy filter extending over the display screen to limit the viewing angle within which the image on the screen can be discerned. To allow for normal viewing when the privacy feature is not required, the privacy filter is movable from the screen by sliding into a cavity extending from one side of the screen to be rolled onto a roller or to be stored partly behind the screen. Alternately, a privacy filter is provided that is electrically switchable between a mode in which the viewing angle is limited and a mode in which normal viewing is permitted. The movable privacy filter includes closely spaced louvers surrounded by clear plastic or, alternately, a polarizer. The switchable privacy filter includes a liquid crystal device and a polarizer.

Abstract: A method and system for eliminating peripheral device conflicts in a multibus data-processing system which includes a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) plus having multiple slots for interconnecting peripheral devices in an automatically derived configuration and an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus having multiple slots for interconnecting peripheral devices in a user-selected configuration. Each slot included within the ISA bus includes a reset line for temporarily disabling an associated slot in response to an application of electrical power to the data-processing system in order to prevent power transition problems. In response to an existing or potential device conflict brought about by a user-selected configuration, a control signal is selectively applied to the reset line for one or more slots included within the ISA bus, temporarily disabling those slots during normal operation of the data-processing system.

Abstract: The display of a notebook computer includes a privacy filter extending over the display screen to limit the viewing angle within which the image on the screen can be discerned. To allow for normal viewing when the privacy feature is not required, the privacy filter is movable from the screen by sliding into a cavity extending from one side of the screen to be rolled onto a roller or to be stored partly behind the screen. Alternately, a privacy filter is provided that is electrically switchable between a mode in which the viewing angle is limited and a mode in which normal viewing is permitted. The movable privacy filter includes closely spaced louvers surrounded by clear plastic or, alternately, a polarizer. The switchable privacy filter includes a liquid crystal device and a polarizer.

Abstract: A method and system for reconfiguring a multi-dimension sound system is disclosed. The method and system include a remote control that is capable of emitting a low-frequency sound wave pulse pattern, and a plurality of speakers, wherein each speaker includes a pulse counter that counts a number of sound wave pulses received from the remote control over a predetermined time period. The method and system further include an audio receiver that includes a digital audio encoding system. The receiver uses the respective sound wave pulse count from each of the speakers to compute the distance between the remote control and each speaker, and programs the digital audio encoding system with speaker delay times based on the computed distances.