Abstract: A method is described for aligning video streams and positioning camera in a collaboration event to create a blended space. A local physical environment of one set of attendees is combined with respective apparent spaces of other sets of attendees that are transmitted from two or more remote environments. A geometrically consistent shared space is created that maintains natural collaboration cues of eye contact and directional awareness. The remote environments in the local physical environment are represented in a fashion that is geometrically consistent with the local physical environment. The local physical environment extends naturally and consistently with the way the remote environments may be similarly extended with their own blended spaces. Therefore, an apparent shared space that is sufficiently similar for all sets of attendees is presented in both the local and remote physical environments.

Abstract: A computer that establishes an ad hoc network, and a method performed by the computer are disclosed. The computer comprises an input device such as a keyboard or a graphical pointing device having a selector that generates a signal which indicates that a user has selected an ad hoc networking function. In one embodiment the computer includes a processor, coupled to the input device, which receives the signal and causes the computer to participate in an ad hoc network. The computer can also include a network interface, coupled to the processor, for communicating directly with at least one other computer within wireless communications range of the first computer.

Abstract: A pointing device, which is capable of changing the appearance of a display, includes a housing made up of a cover and a base, a single spool cable receiver rotatably mounted to the housing, and a cable having a first end and a second end with the second end mounted to the cable receiver. The pointing device has a first mode with a first portion of the cable having a first length external to the pointing device and a second portion of the cable wound around the cable receiver. The pointing device also has a second mode with the first portion of the cable having a second length external to the pointing device less than the first length.

Abstract: An electronic device of an embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes a housing and an electronic mechanism. The housing has one or more cavities for removably storing speakers, which are intended for non-use when stored in the cavities. The electronic mechanism is fixably situated within the housing.

Abstract: A computing device having programmable state transitions is disclosed. The device includes a real-time clock that generates a signal in response to the real-time clock attaining a programmed time of day. The device additionally includes a processor, coupled to the real-time clock that receives the signal and transitions from a first state to a second state, such as from a hibernate state to a standby state.

Abstract: A computer that includes a computer base, a display and an articulated mechanism formed as modules with mating mechanical connectors. The mating mechanical connectors enable the computer base to be configured with the display either directly or indirectly via the articulated mechanism. The articulated mechanism configuration enables the display to be rotatable about the bottom edge of the display at any of a plurality of viewing angles and also to be oriented above the computer base in a plurality of positions. Preferably, a stabilizer mechanism stabilizes and locks the articulated mechanism to selected angular positions.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a connector system for a docking station of a portable computer. The connector system includes a peripheral connector array that is removeably coupled, both mechanically and electrically, to a docking station or port replicator. Since the connector array is removeably coupled to the port replicator, the connector array can be maneuvered to allow easy and convenient connection of appropriate peripherals to the connector array. Also, the port replicator preferably has a recessed area for storing the connector array after electrical connection of appropriate peripherals to the connector array. This reduces clutter and tangling of the cables connected to the peripherals. In addition, the connector array can be of various sizes and shapes and can be designed to interface with specific portable computers.

Abstract: A device used to accept an operator input to a computing device is disclosed. The device includes a first layer that includes a translucent, two-dimensional cover. Additionally included is a second layer in which a plurality of surfaces is constructed using a translucent and conductive material. The device further includes a third layer that employs a light-emitting material that generates light in response to the operator input.

Abstract: An electronic device of an embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes a housing and an electronic mechanism. The housing has one or more cavities for removably storing speakers, which are intended for non-use when stored in the cavities. The electronic mechanism is fixably situated within the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a connector system for a docking station of a portable computer. The connector system includes a peripheral connector array that is removeably coupled, both mechanically and electrically, to a docking station or port replicator. Since the connector array is removeably coupled to the port replicator, the connector array can be maneuvered to allow easy and convenient connection of appropriate peripherals to the connector array. Also, the port replicator preferably has a recessed area for storing the connector array after electrical connection of appropriate peripherals to the connector array. This reduces clutter and tangling of the cables connected to the peripherals. In addition, the connector array can be of various sizes and shapes and can be designed to interface with specific portable computers.

Abstract: A device used to accept an operator input to a computing device is disclosed. The device includes a first layer that includes a translucent, two-dimensional cover. Additionally included is a second layer in which a plurality of surfaces is constructed using a translucent and conductive material. The device further includes a third layer that employs a light-emitting material that generates light in response to the operator input.

Abstract: A docking station for a portable computer contains a platform and a movable guide bar connected to the docking station and extending over the platform. The guide bar is capable of guiding the portable computer into proper alignment with the docking station when the portable computer is placed on the guide bar and pressed downwardly into the platform. The guide bar may contain a thermally conductive guide protrusion capable of mating with a heat sink on the portable computer. Heat is transferred from the heat sink on the portable computer to the guide protrusion on the guide bar. The guide bar itself may also be thermally conductive, providing a further avenue for heat to be transferred from the portable computer to the docking station.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a connector system for a docking station of a portable computer. The connector system includes a peripheral connector array that is removeably coupled, both mechanically and electrically, to a docking station or port replicator. Since the connector array is removeably coupled to the port replicator, the connector array can be maneuvered to allow easy and convenient connection of appropriate peripherals to the connector array. Also, the port replicator preferably has a recessed area for storing the connector array after electrical connection of appropriate peripherals to the connector array. This reduces clutter and tangling of the cables connected to the peripherals. In addition, the connector array can be of various sizes and shapes and can be designed to interface with specific portable computers.