Abstract: A personal media player (PMP) uses a digital media processing system—comprising a video rendering subsystem, a music rendering subsystem, and a picture rendering subsystem—to produce moving-video (video), audio (music), still-graphics (picture), and other output rendered from media files ported to the PMP from another source. The PMP further comprises a user interface system, a display unit system, a power source system, and a data port system utilizing Universal Plug and Play functionality, all of which are coupled directly or indirectly to the digital media processing system. The physical components constituting the aforementioned systems and subsystems are then encased in a portable housing unit suitable for hand-held use and ready portability.

Abstract: A personal media player (PMP) uses a digital media processing system—comprising a video rendering subsystem, a music rendering subsystem, and a picture rendering subsystem—to produce moving-video (video), audio (music), still-graphics (picture), and other output rendered from media files ported to the PMP from another source. The PMP further comprises a user interface system, a display unit system, a power source system, and a data port system utilizing Universal Plug and Play functionality, all of which are coupled directly or indirectly to the digital media processing system. The physical components constituting the aforementioned systems and subsystems are then encased in a portable housing unit suitable for hand-held use and ready portability.

Abstract: A personal media player (PMP) uses a digital media processing system—comprising a video rendering subsystem, a music rendering subsystem, and a picture rendering subsystem—to produce moving-video (video), audio (music), still-graphics (picture), and other output rendered from media files ported to the PMP from another source. The PMP further comprises a user interface system, a display unit system, a power source system, and a data port system utilizing Universal Plug and Play functionality, all of which are coupled directly or indirectly to the digital media processing system. The physical components constituting the aforementioned systems and subsystems are then encased in a portable housing unit suitable for hand-held use and ready portability.

Abstract: A personal media player (PMP) uses a digital media processing system—comprising a video rendering subsystem, a music rendering subsystem, and a picture rendering subsystem—to produce moving-video (video), audio (music), still-graphics (picture), and other output rendered from media files ported to the PMP from another source. The PMP further comprises a user interface system, a display unit system, a power source system, and a data port system utilizing Universal Plug and Play functionality, all of which are coupled directly or indirectly to the digital media processing system. The physical components constituting the aforementioned systems and subsystems are then encased in a portable housing unit suitable for hand-held use and ready portability.

Abstract: A personal media player (PMP) uses a digital media processing system—comprising a video rendering subsystem, a music rendering subsystem, and a picture rendering subsystem—to produce moving-video (video), audio (music), still-graphics (picture), and other output rendered from media files ported to the PMP from another source. The PMP further comprises a user interface system, a display unit system, a power source system, and a data port system utilizing Universal Plug and Play functionality, all of which are coupled directly or indirectly to the digital media processing system. The physical components constituting the aforementioned systems and subsystems are then encased in a portable housing unit suitable for hand-held use and ready portability.

Abstract: A fuel cell or fuel cell stack heater using resistive heat. A resistive conductor (preferably some type of metal wire) is attached to a source of electricity such as a battery. The resistive conductor is in proximity with the fuel cell or stack so that when the resistive conductor is heated, the cell or stack will also become hot. An insulating material surrounds the outside of the fuel cell or stack, so that it encloses the cell or stack and the resistive conductor. The insulating material will capture heat from the resistive conductor and any waste heat given off by the operation of the fuel cell or stack. A means for modifying the amount of electrical current in the resistive conductor is attached to the apparatus. When the fuel cell or stack reaches the desired temperature, the means is employed to reduce or turn off current in the resistive conductor.

Abstract: A fuel cell or fuel cell stack heater using resistive heat. A resistive conductor (preferably some type of metal wire) is attached to a source of electricity such as a battery. The resistive conductor is in proximity with the fuel cell or stack so that when the resistive conductor is heated, the cell or stack will also become hot. An insulating material surrounds the outside of the fuel cell or stack, so that it encloses the cell or stack and the resistive conductor. The insulating material will capture heat from the resistive conductor and any waste heat given off by the operation of the fuel cell or stack. A means for modifying the amount of electrical current in the resistive conductor is attached to the apparatus. When the fuel cell or stack reaches the desired temperature, the means is employed to reduce or turn off current in the resistive conductor.

Abstract: A fuel cell or fuel cell stack heater using resistive heat. A resistive conductor (preferably some type of metal wire) is attached to a source of electricity such as a battery. The resistive conductor is in proximity with the fuel cell or stack so that when the resistive conductor is heated, the cell or stack will also become hot. An insulating material surrounds the outside of the fuel cell or stack, so that it encloses the cell or stack and the resistive conductor. The insulating material will capture heat from the resistive conductor and any waste heat given off by the operation of the fuel cell or stack. A means for modifying the amount of electrical current in the resistive conductor is attached to the apparatus. When the fuel cell or stack reaches the desired temperature, the means is employed to reduce or turn off current in the resistive conductor.

Abstract: A personal media player (PMP) uses a digital media processing system—comprising a video rendering subsystem, a music rendering subsystem, and a picture rendering subsystem—to produce moving-video (video), audio (music), still-graphics (picture), and other output rendered from media files ported to the PMP from another source. The PMP further comprises a user interface system, a display unit system, a power source system, and a data port system utilizing Universal Plug and Play functionality, all of which are coupled directly or indirectly to the digital media processing system. The physical components constituting the aforementioned systems and subsystems are then encased in a portable housing unit suitable for hand-held use and ready portability.

Abstract: Described herein are technologies directed towards IR-to-network conversion. With the described technology, a system may convert an infrared (IR) control signal from an IR remote controller into a network-transmittable message package and transmit that package via a communications network, such as the Internet (or a network compatible therewith). The IR control signal is destined for a to-be-controlled audio/visual (AV) device. The transmitted network message packet is received at the location of the to-be-controlled AV device and converted back into its original IR control signal. The signal is transmitted to the AV device; thereby effecting control of that device.

Abstract: A personal media player (PMP) uses a digital media processing system—comprising a video rendering subsystem, a music rendering subsystem, and a picture rendering subsystem—to produce moving-video (video), audio (music), still-graphics (picture), and other output rendered from media files ported to the PMP from another source. The PMP further comprises a user interface system, a display unit system, a power source system, and a data port system utilizing Universal Plug and Play functionality, all of which are coupled directly or indirectly to the digital media processing system. The physical components constituting the aforementioned systems and subsystems are then encased in a portable housing unit suitable for hand-held use and ready portability.

Abstract: A fuel cell or fuel cell stack heater using resistive heat. A resistive conductor (preferably some type of metal wire) is attached to a source of electricity such as a battery. The resistive conductor is in proximity with the fuel cell or stack so that when the resistive conductor is heated, the cell or stack will also become hot. An insulating material surrounds the outside of the fuel cell or stack, so that it encloses the cell or stack and the resistive conductor. The insulating material will capture heat from the resistive conductor and any waste heat given off by the operation of the fuel cell or stack. A means for modifying the amount of electrical current in the resistive conductor is attached to the apparatus. When the fuel cell or stack reaches the desired temperature, the means is employed to reduce or turn off current in the resistive conductor.

Abstract: A keyboard connected to a computer by a USB cable has a power button for use when the computer is in a power-down state to initiate a system power-up operation. The data wires of the USB cable are connected to a first switch in the keyboard and a second switch in the computer. When the computer is on, the switches connect the data wires to respective data lines in the keyboard and the computer such that the data wires can be used for data transmission. When the computer is in the power-down state, the first switch connects the data wires of the USB bus to a power button on the keyboard, and the second switch connects the other ends of the data wires to a system power-up circuit of the computer. When a user presses the power button, a trigger signal is sent via the data wires of the USB bus to the system power-up circuit, thereby initiating the system power-up operation.

Abstract: A computer uses an optical reflective optical sensor to detect the removal of a cover of the computer housing. The reflective optical sensor includes a light emitter and a light detector, and is mounted adjacent a reflective surface on the inner side of the cover when the cover is in place such that the light emitter is reflected by the reflective surface and received by the light detector. When the cover is removed, the intensity of the reflected light received by the light detector drops. The change in the output of the light detector triggers the operating system of the computer to power down the computer.

Abstract: A fuel cell pack having a fuel tank, a smart controller, and a fuel cell provides electrical power and operational data pertaining to the fuel cell pack to a host processor. The fuel cell pack and the host processor control the operation of the fuel cell. Control of the fuel cell includes starting and shutting down the fuel cell, and metering the amount of fuel provided to the fuel cell. Operational data is provided to the fuel cell via an I2C bus formatted in compliance with industry standard specifications such as the Smart Battery Specification and the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) Specification.

Abstract: A personal media player (PMP) uses a digital media processing system—comprising a video rendering subsystem, a music rendering subsystem, and a picture rendering subsystem—to produce moving-video (video), audio (music), still-graphics (picture), and other output rendered from media files ported to the PMP from another source. The PMP further comprises a user interface system, a display unit system, a power source system, and a data port system utilizing Universal Plug and Play functionality, all of which are coupled directly or indirectly to the digital media processing system. The physical components constituting the aforementioned systems and subsystems are then encased in a portable housing unit suitable for hand-held use and ready portability.

Abstract: A computer uses an optical reflective optical sensor to detect the removal of a cover of the computer housing. The reflective optical sensor includes a light emitter and a light detector, and is mounted adjacent a reflective surface on the inner side of the cover when the cover is in place such that the light from the light emitter is reflected by the reflective surface and received by the light detector. When the cover is removed, the intensity of the reflected light received by the light detector drops. The change in the output of the light detector triggers the operating system of the computer to power down the computer.

Abstract: A keyboard connected to a computer by a USB cable has a power button for use when the computer is in a power-down state to initiate a system power-up operation. The data wires of the USB cable are connected to a first switch in the keyboard and a second switch in the computer. When the computer is on, the switches connect the data wires to respective data lines in the keyboard and the computer such that the data wires can be used for data transmission. When the computer is in the power-down state, the first switch connects the data wires of the USB bus to a power button on the keyboard, and the second switch connects the other ends of the data wires to a system power-up circuit of the computer. When a user presses the power button, a trigger signal is sent via the data wires of the USB bus to the system power-up circuit, thereby initiating the system power-up operation.