Abstract: An integrated docking tray assembly capable of docking a portable computer, in particular a laptop or notebook computer, comprising a tray having a docking station integrated therein for docking the portable computer. The tray is mounted underneath a work surface such as a desktop, tabletop, cabinet, shelf, or the like so that it may move between a closed position substantially retracted beneath the surface and an open position at least partially extended from the surface. Thus, when the portable computer is received in the tray and docked to the docking station, its keyboard and display may be accessed for use when the tray is in the open position and stored in the tray underneath the desktop when the tray is in the closed position. The tray may further include a support for providing support to a user's wrists while the user is typing on the keyboard of the computer.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically expanding a snapshot repository based on predefined parameters is disclosed. The snapshot repository is monitored for determining if the amount of information stored in the snapshot repository has reached a predetermined volume increase threshold. If a determination is made that the volume increase threshold has been reached, the volume of the snapshot repository is automatically increased. The snapshot repository may also be monitored for determining if the amount of information stored in the snapshot repository has reached a predetermined maximum snapshot repository volume whereupon a warning may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for manipulating a display of data by utilizing motion input. In an exemplary embodiment, a digital information appliance suitable for utilization of motion input and for display of data includes a detector for detecting rotation of the digital information appliance about an axis and a display device for displaying data. Wherein, a display of data is manipulated in response to the detected rotation. In an additional exemplary embodiment, a digital information appliance suitable for utilization of motion input and for display of data includes a detector for detecting translation of a digital information appliance along an axis and a display device for displaying data. Wherein, a display of data is at least one of enlarged and reduced in response to the detected translation.

Abstract: A display assembly is provided with individually actuateable shutter row elements. Selected ones of the shutter row elements are actuated in a predetermined sequence, blocking and allowing pulsed of light transmitted via a light guide assembly. The shutter row elements sequentially illuminate selected groups of display elements so that the display elements provide a true color instead of separate red, green and blue components of that color. In this manner, the display assembly of the present invention is capable of providing a higher fidelity image than is possible using existing display technologies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a heat dissipation structure for an integrated circuit package, comprising a thermally conductive solid layers, one of which has receptacles for holding a thermally conductive flowable material, the heat dissipation structure being placed between the electronic component and the printed circuit board. The present invention is used advantageously with a primary heat sink placed on the top side of the integrated circuit package away from the printed circuit board. The heat dissipation structure preferably hemispherical balls on the package side of a high heat conductive plate to improve heat transfer from the die to the integrated circuit, especially, BGA, substrate to PCB power planes for heat dissipation and leads to improved secondary heat transfer from IC die in BGA packages to the heat spreader power planes in the system PCB. The heat dissipation device allows retro-fit of the heat transfer/transfer mechanism or primary attachment.

Abstract: A computer system having a housing including an option bay into which a modular option device may be removably inserted is disclosed. The option bay includes a secondary access port providing access to the modular option device for uncluttered connection of lines and easy access to control functions. The secondary access port may be covered by a sliding door that opens automatically upon insertion of selected modular option devices into the option bay.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for protecting a digital information appliance from an environmental influence. The digital information appliance is capable of detecting an environmental influence, such as motion, and determining if the detected environmental influence is potentially harmful. If the detected environmental influence is potentially harmful, the digital information appliance is capable of protecting the digital information appliance.

Abstract: A deice maximizes the allowable granularity of adjustment of a bus driver line characteristics by compensating for temperature variations by selecting components that have an opposite and approximately equal thermal coefficient. In the first aspect, component parts may be made smaller because their tolerances need not be made so precise. In the second aspect, duplicating the circuitry with matching characteristics allows one circuit to be operational while the other circuit is tested or dormant. Switching between the two circuits is performed seamlessly with no interruption of device operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved circuit board support. The present invention provides for quick-assembly, limits circuit board flex, and supports a heat sink. In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus suitable for supporting a circuit board, includes a support suitable for attachment to a chassis of an information handling system, wherein a heat sink may be attached through a printed circuit board to the support so as to enable the heat sink to be supported by the chassis.

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting the settings of an information handling system based on the individual user preferences of one or more users is disclosed. An individual user preference profile is retrieved for each identified user of the information handling system. A combined user preference profile is negotiated based on the individual user preference profiles retrieved for each identified user. The settings are then adjusting based on the combined user preference profile. A user interface identifies users of the information handling system. A system controller retrieves an individual user preference profile for each identified user, negotiates a combined user preference profile based on the individual user preference profiles retrieved for each identified user, and adjusts the settings of the information handling system based on the combined user preference profile.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for magnifying a display of video data. In an exemplary embodiment, a system for magnifying a display of data includes a receiver for receiving a first set of video data including video data formatted for display in a first resolution. A translator is also included for translating the first set of video data formatted for display in the first resolution to a second set of video data formatted for display in a second resolution, the second resolution being a lower resolution than the first resolution. A magnifier is also included for magnifying a display of video data by formatting the first set of video into a third set of video data. The third set of video data is capable of display on a display device capable of displaying video data in the second resolution and incapable of displaying video data in the first resolution. The third set of video data is in an enlarged format with respect to the second set of video data.

Abstract: A method for inputting an access code via temporal variations in the amount of pressure applied to a touch interface is disclosed. The method facilitates the input of access codes such as passwords, personal identification codes, and the like in a manner that is indiscernible (via either sight or sound) to third parties thereby reducing the possibility that the access codes may be copied or stolen and used a third party to gain unauthorized access to a system or function.

Abstract: A media scanner scans information disposed on a media such as a business card or envelope. The media scanner requires no moving parts and may be incorporated in a portable, hand held, battery powered information handling system such as an electronic address book or personal digital assistant. The scanner includes a scanning element such as a linear CCD element for scanning the information stored on the medium, which is converted into a graphical image or text file. As the medium is fed past the scanning element, a detector detects the movement of the medium as the medium is fed through the scanner. Any variation of the movement of the medium, for example due to inconsistent movement or pausing caused by hand scanning, etc., is detected by detector, and scanning is executed according to the detected movement so that optimal scanning is maintained.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for synchronizing data between mirrored subsystems. A method for storing data may include receiving data suitable for storage to a first storage device and a second storage device, wherein the first storage device and the second storage device are mirrored. A map is created including at least one map entry having an identifier suitable for describing a range of addressable data blocks, wherein the map entry corresponds to a data block modified after operation of the first storage device is suspended. A map is stored including the at least one map entry on the second storage device, wherein the map is suitable for being utilized to restore data stored on the second storage device to at least one of the first storage device and a third storage device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an accent panel incorporated with an aperture in the panel that allows access to a support member attached to a bezel. A person's hand may fit within the aperture and grasp the support member to allow easy transport of the computer. The panel may be installed and removed easily without the need for tools. A user of a computer equipped with an accent panel of the present invention may be able to match the color of the front of his or her computer to his or her surroundings while still allowing access to a support member to allow easier transport of a computer.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying a remote device of a low battery capacity condition in a wireless communications system is disclosed. A detector monitors the capacity of the battery in a wireless device receiving operational power from the battery for a low capacity condition. A control system coupled to the detector sends a low battery capacity status signal to the remote device upon detection a low battery capacity condition. While the battery is in a low capacity condition, communications between the wireless device and the remote device may be maintained until the low battery capacity condition is corrected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device retention apparatus. A device retention apparatus includes a housing suitable for mounting an information handling system device and a retaining portion disposed on the housing, the retaining portion suitable for engaging an information handling system device when disposed in the housing. A selection mechanism suitable for securing the information handling system device to the housing is slideably connected to the housing so as to be capable of moving between a first position and a second position. Therefore, as the selection mechanism is moved from the first position to the second position, the selection mechanism contacts the retaining portion thereby securing an information handling system device to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fabrication of a boron carbide/boron semiconductor devices. The results suggest that with respect to the approximately 2 eV band gap pure boron material, 0.9 eV band gap boron carbide (B5C) acts as a p-type material. Both boron and boron carbide (B5C) thin films were fabricated from single source borane cage molecules using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Epitaxial growth does not appear to be a requirement. We have doped boron carbide grown by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The source gas close-1,2-dicarbadecaborane (orthocarborane) was used to grow the boron carbide while nickelocene (Ni(C5H5)2) was used to introduce nickel into the growing film. The doping of nickel transformed a B5C material p-type relative to lightly doped n-type silicon to an n-type material. Both p-n heterojunction diodes and n-p heterojunction diodes with n- and p-type Si [1,1,1] respectively.

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.