Abstract: A secure memory device and method for obtaining and securely storing information relating to a life moment is disclosed. In the method, a parameter is received and inputted in a search heuristic. A search is made for the information according to the search heuristic and, upon finding the information, metadata is appended to the information. The information and metadata is then stored in a secure memory location. The secure memory location has a housing fabricated to withstand a predetermined stress, a detachable connection to a computer and a memory that stores the information and protects it from unauthorized deletion. In some embodiments, the stored information may be selectively deleted in a safe and controlled manner.

Abstract: Various devices may include a short-range wireless transmitter and/or one or more short-range wireless readers. When a first device including the transmitter is placed near a second device including the one or more readers, a relative location of the first device may be determined. Information regarding the relative location of the first device, may be used to facilitate use of the first device with a processing device. In one embodiment, the processing device may automatically configure itself, such that the first device may be used with the processing device. In another embodiment, the processing device may provide feedback, such as, for example, step-by-step instructions to facilitate setup and use of the first device with the processing device. In some embodiments, an application program interface may provide information about the device to an application executing on the processing device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for remotely monitoring diverse computer systems in a similar manner over an out-of-band communication channel. Remote monitoring ordinarily is performed over an in-band communication channel. However, hardware and/or software problems may make the in-band communication channel unavailable for a time. While the in-band communication channel is unavailable, the management computer receives status information over the out-of-band communication channel. Based on received status information, the management computer identifies actions to take, such as controlling processes or otherwise configuring the remote computer system, and communicates the actions to the remote computer system over the out-of-band communication channel. The management computer is capable of communicating with any of several diverse computers and exchanges data in a format that is independent of any particular computer system.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling user interface elements to be displayed on a display device is disclosed. The technology includes a method for enabling user interface elements to be displayed on a display device. The method includes accessing location information corresponding to a first short range wireless device coupled with the display device wherein the location information identifies the location of the first short range wireless device with respect to a viewing surface of the display device. The method also includes enabling a first contactless user interface icon to be displayed on the viewing surface of the display device wherein the contactless user interface icon is displayed on the viewing surface proximate the location of the first short range wireless device.

Abstract: A method for modifying the operation of a device responsive to the detection of a remote device is provided. In the method, the remote device is detected, and communications with the remote device are established responsive to the detection of the remote device. A determination is made as to whether a feature of the device is affected by the establishment of communications with the remote device, and an action with respect to the feature of the device is initiated.

Abstract: A computer being controlled is coupled via a communications bus to at least one other device comprising one or more authorized management devices. The one or more authorized management devices are coupled to a management port. Only management commands received from authorized management devices via the management port may be executed or otherwise responded to. Management commands received from other devices are ignored. In a preferred embodiment, the communication bus is an IEEE 1394 serial bus. In this manner, the present invention provides for the use of more direct communication technologies, such as the IEEE 394 serial bus, while simultaneously providing a greater degree of security than previously available.

Abstract: A system and method for improved real-time communications in a computer system that eliminates the distinctions between various communication devices, communication channels and types of communication, including voice, text and video, is provided. When connected for communication, the user may easily move between modalities, including switching devices on which the user is communicating, switching networks, and transitioning between types of communication. A computer system includes various integrated communications-related devices, and a controller controls those devices based on user actions entered via buttons or user interface software and provides notifications to the user. The user is able to input data via any appropriate input mechanism, and receive data on any suitable output mechanism. Improved non-linear caller ID navigation is also provided.

Abstract: A computing system that incorporates an auxiliary processor to the main system processor. The auxiliary system utilizes a separate application runtime for processes and is capable of operating even when the primary system is in an off state. Methods for load-balancing are provided based on computing needs respective to power consumption requirements. Processes that are not computationally intensive are processed by a low-power, auxiliary processor. In addition, peripheral components accessible to the overall computing system are shared.

Abstract: Described is distinguishing between input mechanisms to determine which input mechanism was used to activate a start menu. A start menu is selected that corresponds to the input mechanism that was used to activate it. Further data corresponding to start menu interaction is received, and action is taken via based on the further interaction. For example, upon detecting activation of a start menu, how the start menu was activated from among activation types is used to present a first start menu/behavior for a first activation type, which may differ from a second start menu/behavior activated via a second activation type. For example, a determination may be made as to whether a start menu was invoked via a pointing device or via keyboard; when via keyboard, a search entry region may be provided, by which a user may directly enter search criteria via the keyboard.

Abstract: A computing system that incorporates an auxiliary processor to the main system processor. The auxiliary system utilizes a separate application runtime for processes and is capable of operating even when the primary system is in an off state. Methods for load-balancing are provided based on computing needs respective to power consumption requirements. Processes that are not computationally intensive are processed by a low-power, auxiliary processor. In addition, peripheral components accessible to the overall computing system are shared.

Abstract: Systems and methods of sharing files and data in memory between the two operating systems running on a computing device. A main operating system (OS) may execute on the computing device an provide numerous system features and functionality. To conserver power, the main OS may unload, or the computer may be reset, suspended or be shutdown. Prior to doing so, the main OS writes data to a known memory location that allows access by a secondary OS when the main OS is not present. The secondary OS provides a limited set of functionalities, while being able to use and interact with the data stored in the known memory location. Information about the data and permissions are stored in mailbox that is accessible to both operating system such that changes made when the secondary operating system is active are synchronized with the main operating system.

Abstract: A computing system that incorporates an auxiliary processor to the main system processor. The auxiliary system utilizes a separate application runtime for processes and is capable of operating even when the primary system is in an off state. Methods for load-balancing are provided based on computing needs respective to power consumption requirements. Processes that are not computationally intensive are processed by a low-power, auxiliary processor. In addition, peripheral components accessible to the overall computing system are shared.

Abstract: Described is a method and system that uses visual cues from a computer camera (e.g., webcam) based on presence detection, pose detection and/or gaze detection, to improve a user's computing experience. For example, by determining whether a user is looking at the display or not, better power management is achieved, such as by reducing power consumed by the display when the user is not looking. Voice recognition such as for command and control may be turned on and off based on where the use is looking when speaking. Visual cues may be used alone or in conjunction with other criteria, such as mouse or keyboard input, the current operating context and possibly other data, to make an operating state decision. Interaction detection is improved by determining when the user is interacting by viewing the display, even when not physically interacting via an input device.