Abstract: The present invention teaches a method, user interface and system configured to present task bar content to a user in a menu activated through the use of a single right mouse click.

Abstract: A convergence system that displays channel banners that assume the same form regardless of the source. Accordingly, a computer-readable medium having computer-executable components stored thereon for execution on a suitably equipped computerized system is described. The components include a television services component for receiving a plurality of inputs from a plurality of sources. Each input includes a corresponding data set. Also, a user interface component is included for providing a partial-screen graphical user interface in response to the data set of a selected source. The graphical user interface includes a basic field for display in a form regardless of the selected source.

Abstract: A television screen (24) is displayed as a window (25) within a larger displayed image (21), also referred to as a “picture-in-picture.” A control program associated with the window (25) provides additional functions to the window, including the ability to view the time, title, and other information about future programs, in the window (25). A user can switch between various preset lists of channels, and can dynamically edit such lists to add or delete channels. The control program senses the location of a cursor (37) relative to the window (25) and a control region, as defined therein. Depending upon the location of the cursor (37), the window (25) is either in a reduced-size state with fewer controls visible, or in an expanded-size state with greater controls visible.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the construction of graphical user interface objects representing peripheral devices of a computer-based home entertainment system. The method includes providing a database of device functionality and user interface build elements, retrieving information about specific devices connected to the system, and constructing graphical user interface objects for specific and full functional and featural control of connected peripheral devices.

Abstract: A user interface using program scheduling information for selecting programs and determining whether to schedule an event based on the program scheduling information associated with the selected program. The event is scheduled if the program name is in a predetermined time slot of the program scheduling information. Accordingly, if the program name is not in the predetermined time slot, the interface will not schedule an event, such as a recording or a program reminder, for the selected program. Further, if the interface determines the program name resides in a different time slot within the program scheduling information, the event will be rescheduled using the new time slot associated with the selected program within the program scheduling information.

Abstract: Convergence systems, or PC-TV systems, provide the combined benefits of a computer system and a television. These systems typically include audio/video recorders, such as VCRs, for recording programs, as well as an electronic program guide (EPG) for presenting program information. The present invention provides methods and devices for detecting specific signals or markers associated with a program or channel signal, and then enabling a recording device or an EPG to perform an act, such as recording a program, based upon the detected signals or markers. In a preferred embodiment, the system receives a channel signal, detects a program start or stop marker within the signal, and controls the EPG or the recording device to perform acts corresponding to the detection of a start or stop instruction.

Abstract: An information handling system having an integrated internal scalable switching storage system is disclosed. The information handling system includes a housing, a processor disposed in the housing and a memory device for storing a program of instructions executable by the processor. A bus of the information handling system is disposed in the housing, and the processor and the memory are coupled to the bus. A host bus adapter is coupled to the bus and is disposed in the housing. An information storage system is in turn coupled to the host bus adapter and is also disposed in the housing. The information storage system includes a backplane for coupling at least one information storage device to the host bus adapter. The information storage system and host bus adapter are preferably compliant with a scalable, switching, mass storage system standard such as Fiber Channel.

Abstract: An architecture for convergence systems is disclosed. The architecture includes a hardware component providing a convergence environment. A channel map services component includes a listing of receivers of programming associated with the convergence environment and a listing of channels associated with the receivers. A content services component includes a listing of programming events associated with the channels of the receivers. The content services component also includes a listing of the times of programming events. A TV services component uses the channel map services component, and the content services component to control the hardware component of the convergence environment to manage the hardware component of the convergence environment. The TV services component controls the audio/video multiplexer to reroute programing signals from receivers to outputs of the audio/video multiplexer and various devices attached to the outputs, at various times.

Abstract: A multimedia authoring system uses a graphic interface display which is implemented as a part of a flow editor and is used to create and to program interactive multimedia presentations and coursework. The authoring system also includes other editors (e.g., a database editor, an expression editor, and an object editor) used to perform other editing functions required to create presentations. The system also includes control systems (e.g., an applications mover, a videodisc controller, and a help system) which also enable the user to create, program, execute and manipulate interactive multimedia presentations. Finally, the system includes an evaluator which evaluates a programmed presentation and implements the presentation.

Abstract: A standalone kiosk accepts photographic data from a customer for printing one or more photographs from that photographic data. The kiosk may estimate the amount of time required to generate physical prints of the photographic data and display that time estimate to the customer. The kiosk establishes a connection with a wireless communications device carried by the customer and notifies the customer when the printed photographs are complete. The kiosk may dispense a wireless communications device; such as a pager, to the customer to allow for such a connection.

Abstract: A control program or operating system (28) manages a graphical user interface (21) of an electronic device (27) in such a way that substantially all of the screen of data (25) remains visible irrespective of whether toolbars or graphical objects (39) are displayed or hidden. The program or operating system rescales or resizes the data screen (25) to fit in whatever size display region (37) is available, such region (37) being generally smaller when graphical objects (39) are displayed on the display screen (31) and generally larger when the graphical objects (39) are hidden therefrom. The user displays graphical objects (39) in a corresponding tool area (55) defined in the display screen (31) by moving a cursor or other pointing device (33) into a control region (35) defined in the display screen (31).

Abstract: A card hold down assembly for retaining one or more expansion cards within the chassis of an electronic device such as a computer system, server, photocopier, facsimile machine, printer, or the like is described. The card hold down assembly is comprised of a retainer that engages the mounting bracket securing tab of an expansion card received in the chassis to at least partially restrain the tab for securing said expansion card in the chassis.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating information between an information handling system and a peripheral device of the information handling system are disclosed. A processor is coupled to a bus for carrying information provided by the processor, and a host controller coupled to the bus receives the information and sends the information to the peripheral device according to a first communications standard. A peripheral device controller coupled to the host controller converts the information from the first communications standard to a second communications standard and transmits the information to the peripheral device in accordance with the second communications standard interpretable by the peripheral device. Control information is generated and sent to a peripheral device controller according to a first communications standard. The control information is converted from the first communication standard to a second communication standard and transmitted to the peripheral.

Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed for extending cursor control sticks commonly utilized by portable computers to provide a joystick. The apparatus allow adjustment of joystick height, and provide for storage and use of the cursor control stick cap while attached to the mounting post.

Abstract: Mounting the cursor actuator control or mouse buttons on the keyboard portion of a portable computer in a manner to permit the translation of the cursor actuator control across the keyboard portion of the portable computer, thereby allows the positioning of the cursor actuator control for comfort and convenience of the operator. The ability to relocate the cursor actuator control further allows any operator of the portable computer to minimize inadvertent operation thereof by the accidental and unintentional contact of user's thumb with the cursor actuator controls.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring the installation of a computer hardware or software component so as to be able to reconstruct the installation at a later time without requiring a re-installation by hand. The data command stream of an installation and any changes made to the files of the computer, including the creation or deletion of files, are monitored and recorded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively obtaining information over a network with an information handling system coupled to the network are disclosed. The network is searched for the information based upon a predetermined criterion, and the information is located on a node of the network where the information is stored. A parameter value of the node where the information is stored is determined, and the determined parameter value is displayed in conjunction with a link to the node whereby a determination may be made whether to obtain the information from the node based upon the determined parameter value. The search results may be ordered and selected according to one or more of determined parameter values of the nodes where the information is stored.

Abstract: A touchpad pointing device dynamically adjusts cursor control gain characteristics based on the x-y coordinates at which the finger first touches the touchpad for a given cursor control task. In this manner, cursor control gain such as simple cursor tracking rate or cursor acceleration profile may be optimized for each control task without changing settings. The x-y coordinates are preferably grouped into easily identifiable zones on the touchpad surface. Accordingly, a wide range of control gain is available, including very high cursor track rates where long distance cursor excursions are desired, and very low cursor tracking for tasks requiring fine cursor positioning. As a further aspect of the invention, the touchpad also allows control of other operational features such as tapping, tapping sensitivity, and button functionality, thus providing a touchpad that is highly customizable.

Abstract: An adapter for receiving a surplus optical storage media drive capable of stand-alone playing of optical storage media is described. The adapter provides at least the minimum level of functionality required, together with the surplus optical storage media drive, to play optical storage media in order to extend the useful life of the surplus drive. The optical storage media may include compact disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs or the like type of storage media. The adapter provides the capability of connecting with external devices that improve the functionality and usefulness of the drive-adapter system.

Abstract: A convertible hanging support or mount for a flat panel display monitor is disclosed. The mount is capable of allowing the monitor to be hung from an object such as a cubical wall, a door, a tower or mini-tower computer case, an automobile or aircraft seat back, or the like while retaining the ability to support the monitor on a generally horizontal surface such as a table or desk top surface.