Abstract: Systems and associated methods provide a cluster-level semi-supervision model for inter-active clustering. Embodiments accept user provided semi-supervision for updating cluster descriptions and assignment of data items to clusters. Assignment feedback re-assigns data items among existing clusters, while cluster description feedback helps to position existing cluster centers more meaningfully. The feedback can continue until the user is satisfied with the clustering achieved or one or more predetermined stopping criteria have been reached.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing multi-language support in a pre-boot environment are supplied. User interface type information, such as keyboard type information and translation tables, are ascertained and provided to the pre-boot environment of the apparatus, allowing the apparatus to properly receive and/or translate multi-language inputs in an appropriate fashion.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements where clients, in a diskless environment involving a storage area network, communicate to more optimally distribute the amount of disk input/output the individual clients are creating for the shared disk array.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention broadly contemplate systems, methods and arrangements for managing Adjacent Track Interference (ATI) risk through intelligent management of a table that logs individual tracks creating a risk of ATI in tracks adjacent thereto. Embodiments of the invention provide that tracks considered being at low risk for creating ATI be ejected from the table in order to maintain a track-level log of manageable size.

Abstract: A ride system provides guest compartment(s) with a roll degree of freedom through a pivoting connection. The guest compartment is attached to a track via a chassis, the chassis being attached to the track such that the guest compartment rides substantially above the track but has a roll degree of freedom relative to the chassis.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a method for using hypervisors to enable stable wireless network connections. The crux of the invention involves pushing the control of the networking devices from the Operating System level down to a networking front end hypervisor level. The hypervisor will control all networking devices, the authentication for these devices, and the selection of which connection to use. The hypervisor will also perform Network Address Translation (NAT) to the Operating System. Thus, the Operating System will receive a single, private IP address for use with the Operating System's applications. The hypervisor will handle the change of the IP address when roaming between networks and hide it from the Operating System through the use of the NAT.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention addresses the problem of accidental user operation (e.g., dialing) of a mobile communication device such as a mobile telephone. In this regard, embodiments of the invention provide a proactive solution for preventing unintended operation of a mobile device based on various types of input data of the device, most notably sensory data.

Abstract: A trusted platform module (TPM) is a silicon chip that constitutes a secure encryption key-pair generator and key management device. A TPM provides a hardware-based root-of-trust contingent on the generation of the first key-pair that the device creates: the SRK (storage root key). Each SRK is unique, making each TPM unique, and an SRK is never exported from a TPM. Broadly contemplated herein is an arrangement for determining automatically whether a TPM has been replaced or cleared via loading a TPM blob into the TPM prior to the first time it is to be used (e.g. when a security-related software application runs). If the TPM blob loads successfully, then it can be concluded that the TPM is the same TPM that was used previously. If the TPM blob cannot be loaded, then corrective action will preferably take place automatically to configure the new TPM.

Abstract: The collaborative sharing of resources on demand based on proximity, within a group or network of computers. Broadly contemplated herein the “tiling” of a collection of logically adjacent individual graphical desktops in a virtual desktop. In such a setting, the action of dragging a window or icon off of one desktop and onto another would effectively transfer user interactability, and/or perceived ownership of the object, to the desktop where the window or icon graphically “lands”.

Abstract: For laptops or other mobile devices, a battery charging arrangement wherein fast-charging and/or slow-charging is governed by something other than a fixed, immovable battery level threshold. Particularly, a variable threshold is broadly contemplated herein which may be governed by any of a very wide variety of conceivable factors, including (but by no means limited to) information relating to a user's schedule or calendar, especially as regards “free” time when a user is not using a computer. Accordingly, if there is a long uninterrupted period of computer “downtime” (i.e., when a user is not using the computer), the battery level threshold below which fast-charging takes place can be lower. By the same token, for short periods of computer downtime, this threshold can be higher. In this manner, fast-charging is reserved only for the most compelling, time-based circumstances.

Abstract: A method of dynamically optimizing customer retention for a web marketing site is provided. That method includes specifying a permissible defunct threshold, specifying a range of offers to be included in a set of promotions, determining a probability that a customer will become defunct in a predetermined period of time since the last interaction of that customer with the web site, and providing a promotion to a customer if the probability that the customer will become defunct in the predetermined period of time since the last interaction of that customer with the web site is greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The provision of improved venting in battery cells by way of better preventing pressure buildup in the cells. Via different variants of the present invention, the following advantages are achieved: Gas can escape from the cell without clogging the vent; gas buildup is avoided while the venting valve can operate in a consistently reliable manner; the solutions presented are sufficiently versatile as to be applicable to a variety of cells on the market; and the risk of explosion is virtually eliminated.

Abstract: The invention broadly contemplates a security solution for storage devices that is inexpensive and robust. The invention allows a store of system specific data to be used to release the hard disk key of full-disk encryption (FDE) drives. This system specific data is passed to the FDE drives and used to calculate the actual encryption key. This allows for safe disposal of an FDE drive containing confidential data, as the lack of available system specific decryption data makes decryption virtually impossible.

Abstract: In or for a computer mouse, an insert which fits inside a mouse cavity that, at the same time, readily accommodates the actuation of mouse buttons while not interfering with other moving parts inside the mouse. Accordingly, the insert would preferably occupy space within the cavity to reduce the free volume of space that would otherwise amplify a clicking noise from one or more mouse buttons, while also serving to actually dampen the clicking noise. The insert can preferably be custom-designed as to accommodate essentially any mouse design and thereby fit readily within the otherwise unoccupied interior space of the mouse body. Preferably, the material employed for such an insert may be embodied by a sound-dampening foam.

Abstract: A latch and latch handle recessed into the computer cover is provided, with the latch handle preferably presently a cam surface internally that interacts with a compatible cam surface associated with a lock bar. Preferably, a key lock is functionally integrated with the latch in such a way that when the key lock is unlocked the latch handle and latch are free to displace and to then urge the retention bar to disengage detents or hooks from slots or receptacles, by way of releasing the cover from a chassis or body of the desktop or workstation. Accordingly, in essentially one efficient movement via engaging the latch handle, a user will be able to quickly remove the cover.

Abstract: This disclosure addresses providing gigabit-rate data transmission over wireless radio links, using carrier frequencies in the millimeter-wave range (>30 GHz). More specifically, a circuit for detection of amplitude-shift keyed (ASK) or other amplitude modulations (AM) which can be easily incorporated into an integrated circuit receiver system is described, making the receiver capable of supporting both complex IQ modulation schemes and simpler, non-coherent on-off or multiple-level keying signals. Several novel radio architectures are also described which, with the addition of a frequency discriminator network, have the capability of handling frequency shift keyed (FSK) or other frequency modulations (FM), as well as AM and complex IQ modulation schemes. These radio architectures support this wide variety of modulations by efficiently sharing detector hardware components.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention broadly contemplate systems, methods, apparatuses and program storage devices providing a mechanism in which a file system and copy command (or file transfer command) allows the start of a copy operation when a file is being copied to and allow the system to continue to read the file as and when it gets updated (appended with additional data), thus permitting automated simultaneous file transfer and copy operations.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a storage device having an access-restricted area accessible if the password is properly authenticated and an access-unrestricted area accessible regardless of whether or not the password is authenticated. The information processing apparatus allows a password to be registered in a registration server beforehand, prompts a user to enter the password when accessing the access-restricted area and, if the password is not entered, reads from the access-unrestricted area a password retrieval program for retrieving the password from the registration server, activates and executes the password retrieval program to retrieve the password from the registration server, and causes the storage device to authenticate the retrieved password to place the access-restricted area in an accessible state.