Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for selectively powering an electronic device based on signals from a power-scavenging receiver circuit.

Abstract: An application processor and coprocessor communicate data, including command and control data, over a separate high-speed datapath. The data may be formatted into a pixel-stream format suitable for sending over the datapath. The application processor may utilize a graphics interface to send pixel-stream formatted data to a graphics interface of the coprocessor over the high-speed datapath rather than over a system bus. The coprocessor may reformat the formatted data to control and drive a graphics display.

Abstract: Briefly, a device and method of sharing a software component within a wireless ad hoc network based upon a priori knowledge of a mutual association shared by devices within the wireless ad hoc network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing computer system boot time are described. Boot up data is loaded from a hard disk into a flash memory during a first boot up process. The loaded data is utilized during subsequent boot up processes.

Abstract: A wireless device may share one or more of its resources to other devices within a mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) which share the same association. The device may share its processing unit capability by performing tasks on behalf of the other devices. The device may share its memory unit by storing data on behalf of the other devices. The device sharing its resources and the other devices using the shared resources may dynamically perform updates to reflect changes to the MANET.

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 mobile ad-hoc network device includes application software. The device constructs its routing table, listing reachable devices with the same application software. The routing table knowledge is dynamic, as devices enter and leave the network or their parameters change.

Abstract: A device scans its range for newly-discovered devices in a mobile ad-hoc network. Upon detecting a newly-discovered device, the two devices arbitrate how to synchronize their internal clocks. The devices then re-synchronize on schedule to enable data transmission. The devices may dynamically rearbitrate synchronization. The network as a whole is an emergent property of the peer-to-peer relationships between pairs of devices.

Abstract: A mobile ad hoc network may be established between a plurality of devices that have common attributes. The attributes may, for example, be working for the same company, belonging to the same organization or attending the same school. Information about common attribute devices may be progressively shared, using a bucket brigade technique of sharing information between in-range devices. Status information about the devices in the network may be similarly shared in a bucket brigade fashion. Thus, the network is dynamic in the sense that at any given time, it may be determined whether any given device in the network is active. Moreover, the links are established between a manageable number of devices defined by having common attributes with one another.

Abstract: A mobile ad hoc network may be established between a plurality of devices that have common contacts on their contact lists. The contact lists may be conventional contacts stored in a list of contacts on a scheduling and information management or other software packages in one embodiment. Communications with various devices is limited to those devices listed on the list of contacts. Modification of those lists of contacts is controlled on a password-protected basis in one embodiment. Thus, a parent, for example, may limit the ability of child users to contact or be contacted by and communicate with unauthorized persons.

Abstract: A communication protocol particularly amenable to use by children enables communications over various communication protocols without the fear that the children will inappropriately communicate with unauthorized individuals. A list of authorized individuals that a given child may communicate with may be stored on a communication terminal. Before communications are allowed to proceed over a communication network such as the Internet, a check ensures that the intended recipient or sender is an appropriate authorized recipient or sender. A password protection scheme may be utilized to prevent the child from adding inappropriate contacts to the list of authorized individuals.

Abstract: A shielded microwave probe tip assembly includes an end of a coaxial cable coupled to probe fingers forming a coplanar controlled impedance microwave transmission line where the ground probe fingers are interconnected by a shield member that is spaced apart from the signal line probe finger but is positioned between the signal line probe finger and a device under test. The shield prevents the generation of extraneous signals or parasitic coupling from the device under test which would otherwise degrade measurement accuracy.