Abstract: A method and system for providing diagonal scrolling on a touchpad of a device is disclosed. The method and system comprises determining if at least one finger is in contact with the touchpad, and entering a diagonal scroll mode if more than one finger is in contact with the touchpad. A system and method in accordance with the present invention allows the user to initiate a diagonal scroll at any location on a touchpad by using two fingers, thereby greatly enhancing the functions of the touchpad and allowing the user to manipulate computer programs from the touchpad much more efficiently and easily. The present invention supports diagonal scrolling on a touchpad and does not require a precise location for vertical or horizontal scrolling, since the entire touchpad area/surface can be used.

Abstract: Super distribution of protected digital content is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the invention previously purchased encrypted digital content is received from a purchaser of the digital content. The purchaser of the previously purchased encrypted digital content is different from the recipient of the encrypted digital content. A secure transmission is established with an authorization authority for decrypting the content. A first decryption key for decrypting at least part of the previously purchased encrypted content as permitted by the authorization authority is received from the authorization authority. The at least part of the previously purchased encrypted content is decrypted as permitted by the authorization authority.

Abstract: A method for a plurality of key cache managers for a plurality of localities to share cryptographic key storage resources of a security chip, includes: loading an application key into the key storage; and saving a restoration data for the application key by a key cache manager, where the restoration data can be used by the key cache manager to re-load the application key into the key storage if the application key is evicted from the key storage by another key cache manager. The method allows each of a plurality of key cache managers to recognize that its key had been removed from the security chip and to restore its key. The method also allows each key cache manager to evict or destroy any key currently loaded on the security chip without affecting the functionality of other localities.

Abstract: A system for automatic configuration of computers on a network is disclosed. In a first aspect a storage area network is disclosed. The network comprises at least one controller; and a plurality of clients coupled to the at least one controller. The network includes a storage device coupled to the at least one controller and the plurality of clients. The controller upon attachment to the network registers itself and notifies the plurality of clients. The plurality of clients then interrogates the controller. Each of the plurality of clients updates its configuration based upon the interrogation. In a second aspect, a method for configuration of computers in a network is disclosed. The method comprises registering at least one controller upon attachment to the network and notifying a plurality of clients by the at least one controller The method includes interrogating the at least one controller by each of the plurality of clients. The plurality of clients are updated based upon the interrogation.

Abstract: A method for dynamically programming Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA in a coprocessor, the coprocessor coupled to a processor, includes: beginning an execution of an application by the processor; receiving an instruction from the processor to the coprocessor to perform a function for the application; determining that the FPGA in the coprocessor is not programmed with logic for the function; fetching a configuration bit stream for the function; and programming the FPGA with the configuration bit stream. In this manner, the FPGA are programmable “on the fly”, i.e., dynamically during the execution of an application. The hardware acceleration and resource sharing advantages provided by the FPGA can be utilized more often by the application. Logic flexibility and space savings on the chip comprising thecoprocessor and processor are provided as well.

Abstract: Identifying an operating system running on a computer system. In one aspect of the invention, an enumeration pattern is collected, the enumeration pattern describing an enumeration of a device that has been performed between the device and the operating system running on a host computer system. The type of the operating system running on the host computer system is identified based on the collected enumeration pattern.

Abstract: An automatic network topology identification technique is described herein. Each node in the network periodically or constantly transmits its unique address to its neighboring node. Once a node receives a different message from its neighbor, the node identifies a topology change in the network. In one embodiment, a current topology is associated with a session number. When a change in the topology is detected, the detecting node increments the session number and broadcasts the change in topology. The other nodes, detecting the changed session number, now know that there has been a change in the network. In response, the nodes in the network modify routing tables and other information stored at the node related to the topology. In one embodiment, the technique is used to reassign shortened addresses to each device on the network to support a dual-addressing mode of the network.

Abstract: Aspects of a self checkout method are described. The method includes utilizing an imaging scanner to image products being purchased; providing a bag rack with scales substantially adjacent the imaging scanner for holding a bag to receive imaged products; and utilizing a computer system to process data from the imaging scanner and the bag rack to ensure complete and secure product purchasing. The method also includes utilizing the computer system to process image data from the product imaging scanner to track movement of each imaged product relative to the bag rack and determine whether each imaged product is entering or exiting the bag.

Abstract: A method for reducing overhead on a loop of a plurality of instructions is disclosed. The method includes providing a carry mask, the carry mask having a first value for the loop being performed at least the particular number of times minus one and a second value for at least a last instruction of the loop being performed a last time, providing addition logic, wherein the carry mask and a current instruction address of the plurality of instructions correspond to inputs of the addition logic and determining which of the plurality of instructions is to be executed using the carry mask to provide a resultant of the addition logic based on the carry mask and the current instruction address of the plurality of instructions.

Abstract: A method for interfacing with a plurality of wizards in a computer system. The method includes providing the plurality of wizards organized into groups; providing a launch button on a launch pad, wherein the launch button is associated with at least one wizard, wherein selection of the launch button executes the at least one wizard; providing information pertaining to the at least one wizard when a pointer is positioned over the launch button. The method further includes providing a high-level visual overview of a process corresponding to the plurality of wizards to assist a user when the user may not be familiar with the process before the user selects the launch button to execute the at least one wizard, wherein the high-level overview comprises a relationship between the at least one wizard and other wizards on the computer system.

Abstract: An automatic network topology identification technique is described herein. Each node in the network periodically or constantly transmits its unique address to its neighboring node. Once a node receives a different message from its neighbor, the node identifies a topology change in the network. In one embodiment, a current topology is associated with a session number. When a change in the topology is detected, the detecting node increments the session number and broadcasts the change in topology. The other nodes, detecting the changed session number, now know that there has been a change in the network. In response, the nodes in the network modify routing tables and other information stored at the node related to the topology. In one embodiment, the technique is used to reassign shortened addresses to each device on the network to support a dual-addressing mode of the network.

Abstract: A dual port interface is disclosed comprising a host port and a peripheral port. The host port and the peripheral port are defined using predetermined signals. In a preferred embodiment the dual port interface is used in a network comprising one or more a dual port USB (DPUSB) connectors. By use of the DPUSB interface, both one-to-one and one-to-many network topologies can be created. Use of the DPUSB interface also provides the opportunity of new types of devices such as memory cards and cables that will greatly increase the ease of use of many intelligent electronic devices such as cameras and PDAs.

Abstract: A dynamic status tree facility for providing status information about one or more systems. The facility includes a tree data structure and methods for manipulating the data structure. The facility is accessible to provider processes using a set of provider interface methods. The facility is accessible to consumer processes using a set of consumer interface methods. The tree data structure is defined by nodes stored in shared memory and attached to by way of a defined data structure made available to the provider and consumer interface methods. The nodes in the tree data structure are defined to have a control block and a variable set of export data. The export data for any one node is specified by a variable in the control block. Certain of the exported data in the tree is representable in a format selected to have one of four defined properties. A set of tags are defined for the identification of nodes and export information in the tree data structure.

Abstract: A system and method for selective flooding in a multicast network are disclosed. Some embodiments provide for a promiscuous mode device on a network to signal to one or more other devices on the network that the promiscuous mode device is operating in promiscuous mode. In response to such a signal, one or more devices on the network dynamically cease operating in non-broadcast mode and dynamically commence operating in broadcast mode to ensure that the promiscuous mode device sees all data transmissions on the network or sub-network.

Abstract: In a customizable data migration method and system, when a migration program is launched, it queries a system server for entity-level and user-level policies. The migration program then creates a customized interface to the user, where the entity-level and user-level polices are applied with hierarchical priorities. In this manner, flexibility is provided in the data migration process. The end user is allowed to maintain a personality on a given user system and to transfer this personality along with the company specified data. This increases the uptime of the user by reducing the re-customization time when the user is cascaded to a new user system.

Abstract: Aspects for automated monitoring of a display are described. The aspects include utilizing gaze tracking with a display to monitor attention to information on the display. Additionally, a level of alarm is escalated for the updated information when the attention by the system operator is not detected within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: The line driver circuit is provided that includes a first pull-up variable resistor connected between a first power supply and the first output terminal, a second pull-up variable resistor connected between the first power supply and the second output terminal, a first pull-down variable resistor connected between a second power supply and the first output terminal, a second pull-down variable resistor connected between the second power supply and the second output terminal, a floating variable resistor connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, and coder logic to adjust an output voltage across the first output terminal and the second output terminal by varying a resistance of one or more of the floating variable resistor, the first pull-up variable resistor, the second pull-up variable resistor, the first pull-down variable resistor, and the second pull-down variable resistor in response to received data bits.

Abstract: A low-power multi-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) line driver using variable resistors for transmitting digital data over controlled-impedance transmission lines.

Abstract: A method for accessing information on a network is disclosed. The network comprises a first system and a second system. The method comprises allowing the first system to submit a query to the second system, processing the query with the second system, wherein the second system utilizes information not residing on the second system to process the query and utilizing the second system to return a result of the processed query to the first system. Through the use of the method in accordance with the present invention, the more traditional function of the server database, which is a data storage and access facility, is decoupled from the database engine. Consequently, the server system only acts on data that it is provided access to via a system that is connected to the server system. Accordingly, no information concerning the database (i.e. data or metadata) exists on the server system.

Abstract: A circuit board structure with optoelectronic component embedded therein comprises a carrier board with at least two through openings; a first optoelectronic component and a second optoelectronic component disposed in the openings respectively, wherein a plurality of electrode pads and optical active areas are formed on the active surfaces of the optoelectronic components; a dielectric layer formed on a surface of the carrier board and the active surface of the optoelectronic components, wherein a plurality of vias for exposing the electrode pads and two holes for exposing the optical active areas are formed in the dielectric layer; a circuit layer formed on a surface of the dielectric layer and electrically connected to the electrode pads of the optoelectronic components; an insulating protecting layer formed on the dielectric layer and the circuit layer; and at least one optical transmission element formed on a surface of the insulating protecting layer.