Abstract: A system and method for preventing unauthorized use of a device (e.g., a portable computer system) and for recovering the device when, for example, the device has been lost or stolen and an attempt to use it is made by someone other than an authorized user. The authorized user registers the device in a database at a central site (e.g., a Web site) using a unique identifier such as the device's serial number. If the device is lost or stolen, this information is entered into the Web site database by the authorized user. When the device is connected to the Internet using either a wireless or a landline connection, the device automatically communicates its unique identity to the Web site. The Web site performs a lookup and, if the database indicates that the device is lost or stolen, the device is so notified. In response, the device disables normal operation and instead will display, for example, the name and address of the authorized user.

Abstract: A crystal-less oscillator circuit with trimmable current control. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an oscillator circuit comprising a digital to analog converter circuit for generating a current, a band gap reference circuit for generating a voltage, and a relaxation oscillator circuit for creating a frequency based on the current and the voltage. In one embodiment, the digital to analog converter circuit comprises a trimmable current control. In one embodiment, the relaxation oscillator circuit is coupled to a frequency doubler circuit wherein the frequency is passed through the frequency doubler circuit for generating a second frequency. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a phase locked loop circuit comprising a phase detector circuit and the aforementioned oscillator circuit. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a microcontroller comprising a phase locked loop circuit comprising a phase detector circuit and the aforementioned oscillator circuit.

Abstract: A multi-configuration interface device for coupling different types of GPUs (graphics processor units) to a PCB (printed circuit board). The interface device comprises a GPU interface for a connection to the GPU and a PCB interface for a connection to the PCB. The GPU interface is implemented using a customizable attachment footprint for effectuating a connection to differing GPU types while maintaining the PCB interface for the connection to the PCB. The ball array for different GPUs can be configured to respectively support them. The interface device maintains a consistent PCB interface. Thus, as GPU characteristics change and evolve, or as different GPU versions are implemented, a consistent connection can be maintained for the PCB.

Abstract: A method and system for targeting content (e.g., a service or an advertisement) according to location-based information derived from a mobile wireless transceiver device. Position information as a function of time is used to calculate a rate of travel and a direction of travel. This information can be used to identify a likely mode of transportation. Geographical information can be used to further refine the mode of transportation. Thus, in addition to the position of the wireless transceiver devices, factors such as the rate of travel, the direction of travel and the likely mode of transportation are also considered to more precisely identify the appropriate service. Moreover, a potential destination can be predicted, allowing further refinement of the targeted service.

Abstract: A keyboard sled adapted to communicatively interact with a portable computer system. In one embodiment, the keyboard sled is comprised of an integral receiving portion adapted to mechanically and electronically receive a portable computer system. An interface connector is disposed within the receiving portion and adapted to provide a communicative link between the keyboard sled and a portable computer system, when a portable computer system has been inserted in the receiving portion. The keyboard sled further has at least one mounting hook disposed within the receiving portion for providing positive retention of a portable computer system when coupled with the keyboard sled. A keyboard portion also present on the keyboard sled and also coupled with the interface connector provides input keys. The keyboard sled is also comprised of an integral data storage access slot which is adapted to provide access to a data storage device receptacle of the portable computer system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a memory device having multiple modes of data transfer. In one embodiment, async/sync logic and a configuration register provide for asynchronous and synchronous data transfer. The async/sync logic utilizes the configuration register and various control signals to determine whether a data transfer operation should be asynchronous or synchronous. The async/sync logic also utilizes the configuration register and various control signals to determine other functionalities of the particular data transfer mode. Functionalities may include normal and page mode, page length, bust read, linear or interleaved burst, burst wrap, burst suspend, data hold length, first access latency, transition between synchronous and asynchronous mode, and the like.

Abstract: A method and system supporting location based services for a mobile electronic device that supports multiple wireless communication technologies. The mobile device contains a resource proxy for dynamically storing a set of resources that are available to the electronic device and that are location specific, e.g., accessible via a point that is near the electronic device. The resource proxy contains a resource table recording the available resources and a gateway table indicating a pathway for reaching the data. The resource proxy definitions are technology independent with respect to the communication mechanisms required to obtain the data. Resources are added to the resource proxy via a resource discovery mechanism automatically performed by the mobile device. Multiple network gateways can be defined and each is responsible for requesting and retrieving information for the resource proxy.

Abstract: A data driven method and a system for monitoring resource usage for programming a microcontroller. The microcontroller design system includes a configuration and design system with integrated datasheet information and having three independent, but integrated workspaces to provide a programmer an organized way of displaying configuration and design information. The three workspaces include a user module selection workspace, a user module placement workspace and a user module pin out workspace for allowing the programmer to select desired function components for a target microcontroller device. The configuration and design system includes data files that specify hardware resources that are tracked as the designer selects user modules to program the microcontroller. Resource usage values are cumulatively tracked and displayed interactively in a resource manager workspace to enable the designer to keep constant track of the type of resources and the amount of resources used.

Abstract: A method and system for synchronizing and using calendar information from a shared database. Calendar information can be stored in a shared database, and accessed and synchronized with one or more portable computer systems. Calendar information stored on the shared database can be assigned a unique category type. Multiple portable computer systems can then access the shared calendar information which can be displayed on each computer system along with the system's own calendar information. The unique category type is different from the default type of each system's own calendar information and the user is not able to change category types on the portable computer system. Shared calendar information can be viewed and edited and then easily removed using the unique category type.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a network of devices (nodes) which conform to standards with different physical interfaces and communication protocols to share a communication link. In one embodiment of the present invention, a 1394a compliant node is connected to a partially compliant bi-lingual 1394b node. The partially compliant bi-lingual 1394b node is connected to a fully compliant 1394b node. Thus, the partially compliant bi-lingual 1394b node provides a bridge between the 1394a node and the fully compliant 1394b node. The fully compliant 1394b node has a physical interface in compliance with the 1394b standard and arbitrates according to either the 1394b standard or the 1394a standard. The partially compliant 1394b node has a physical interface in compliance with the 1394b standard but arbitrates according to the 1394a standard. The 1394a node has a physical interface in compliance with the 1394a standard and arbitrates according to the 1394a standard.

Abstract: A method for calculating the power of an integer raised to a constant real number. The method may be used to process digital signals, which are encoded in such a fashion as to require such processing. An embodiment of the present invention first receives a segment of a bitstream. Next, the process determines whether an integer value of the segment is within a look-up table. The look-up table contains a list of integers and a corresponding list of the integers raised to the power of a real number. If the integer value is within the look-up table, the process indexes the look-up table with the integer value to determine substantially the value of the integer raised to the real power. If, however, the integer value is not within the look-up table, the process indexes the table with a plurality of integers which are within the table to approximate the value of the segment from the bitstream raised to the real power. The process repeats these steps for each segment in the signal bitstream.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a junction field effect transistor (JFET) with a double dose gate structure. A trench is etched in the surface of a semiconductor substrate, followed by a low dose implant to form a first gate region. An anneal may or may not be performed after the low dose implant. A gate definition spacer is then formed on the wall the trench to establish the lateral extent of a second, high dose implant gate region. After the second implant, the gate is annealed. The double dose gate structure produced by the superposition of two different and overlapping regions provides an additional degree of flexibility in determining the ultimate gate region doping profile. A further step comprises using the gate definition spacer to define the walls of a second etched trench that is used to remove a portion of the p-n junction, thereby further reducing the junction capacitance.

Abstract: A data management method for recorded programs stored on a digital recording device. A portion of a first recorded program is rendered to an audio/video device. A user command is received for releasing memory associated with a rendered portion of the first recorded program. In response to the user command, the memory associated with the rendered portion is released, wherein the memory is available to store data associated with a second recorded program and a remaining portion of the first recorded program is available for presentation to the audio/video device. The present invention provides a method for maximizing the storage space of a digital recording device, such as a personal video recorder (PVR) or a digital video recorder (DVR), by allowing for partial deletion of a recorded program. The remaining portion of the recorded program may be presented in response to a second user command.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention enables a computer user (e.g., software developer, software consumer, etc.) to remotely determine whether a software application (e.g., a video game) is compatible with a version of an operating system of an electronic device (e.g., a portable computer system). Specifically, the computer user transmits the program code of the software application to a simulator via the Internet (or any other type of communication medium). The simulator simulates the operation of the received software application code on an operating system in order to rate the performance of the code and/or detect any errors (e.g., incompatibilities) contained within the code. The simulator may also test the software application code against different versions and/or types of operating systems. Once the simulation is complete, the simulation software automatically generates a report corresponding to the performance of the software application with each tested version and/or type of operating system.

Abstract: A protection device for integrated circuits. A complementary well is fabricated in a semiconductor substrate. An enhancement mode junction field effect transistor (JFET) is fabricated in the complementary well. An interface bonding pad is fabricated above the JFET. A source contact is also fabricated in the well. The gate and drain of the JFET are coupled to the interface bonding pad and the source of the JFET is coupled to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for monitoring FED performance and compensating for adverse impacts associated with display emission generation. A present invention FED adjustment system and method is capable of providing real time emission characteristic monitoring during retrace periods. In one present emission compensation method a feedback type process is utilized that drives a constant level on dummy pixels not included in the active viewing area and compares the results (e.g., the current that is associated with the emission) to an expected certain predetermined amount. If the current is too high then the voltage supply is reduced to the drive level or if the current is to low the voltage is increased. A driver voltage is supplied and an image is presented in an active pixel region during an active presentation time. Emissions are produced in a test pixel during a nonactive presentation and a determination is made if the emissions in the test area are accurate.

Abstract: A shared wire serial interface between two devices that share a system clock and a single bi-directional serial data line. The clock drives both the system and the interface and is provided over a single clock wire. One device operates as a master, the other as a slave. Since master and slave share the same clock, clock drift error will be zero. Although the start of a data transfer is asynchronous with regard to the system clock, the data transfer itself, is synchronous. In one embodiment, the bit transfer rate is ⅛th the system clock speed in one example and is generated by a state machine, however, any divide may be used. The state machine also signals the output enablers which interleave the data bits on the serial data line. The flow of data on a single data line of the interface is bi-directional in that data from the master is bit interleaved with data from the slave.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling personal digital assistants (PDAs) and protecting stored private data. Specifically, one embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a removable expansion card about the size of a postage stamp which plugs into a slot of a personal digital assistant. The removable expansion card, referred to as a personality card, is capable of storing all of a user's private information and data which is used within their personal digital assistant. By removing the personality card from the personal digital assistant, all of the user's private information and data may be removed from the personal digital assistant. Furthermore, the personal digital assistant may also be rendered totally or partially useless once the personality card is removed from it. There are several advantages associated with a personality card system in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing power consumption in a digital display device in standby mode. The display device receives a voltage from a secondary power source in main mode but not in standby mode. An opto-coupler detects the voltage from the secondary power source. An integrated circuit that controls power to the display device is powered on in response to the opto-coupler detecting the voltage, and is otherwise powered off. The display device switches to main mode when the secondary power source is detected and to the standby mode when it is not. With use of the opto-coupler, it is not necessary for components of the display device to remain powered on in standby mode in order to detect the secondary power source and switch to main mode. Consequently, the digital display device consumes less than one watt of power in the standby power mode.

Abstract: A new digital configurable macro architecture is described. The digital configurable macro architecture is well suited for microcontroller or controller designs. In particular, the foundation of the digital configurable macro architecture is a programmable digital circuit block. In an embodiment, programmable digital circuit blocks are 8-bit circuit modules that can be programmed to perform any one of a variety of predetermined digital functions by changing the contents of a few registers therein, unlike a FPGA which is a generic device that can be programmed to perform any arbitrary digital function. Specifically, the circuit components of the programmable digital circuit block are designed for reuse in several of the predetermined digital functions such that to minimize the size of the programmable digital circuit block.