Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) and accompanying functionality for binding Web page definitional elements to a back-end state (e.g., client- or server-side back-end state) and custom logic is provided. In one embodiment, a template containing definitional elements, custom logic, and bindings are generated that define all or a portion of a Web page based on input received and functionality provided by the invention.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method of performing mode selection in a video compression and encoding system. The method encodes with several encoding modes from a set of encoding modes. The method computes a distortion value for each encoding mode from the several encoding modes. The method computes a bit rate value for each encoding mode from the several encoding modes. The method computes a Lagrangian value for each encoding mode from the several encoding modes, using the distortion value, the bit rate value, and a Lagrangian multiplier. The method selects an encoding mode based on the Lagrangian values. In some embodiments, computing the distortion value includes using a function that reduces the effects of outliers. In some embodiments, the Lagrangian multiplier is a slow varying Lagrangian multiplier that varies at a slower rate than a varying reference Lagrangian multiplier for a reference encoding mode. In yet some embodiments, the method clusters the Lagrangian values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus implement time compression and expansion of audio data, with dynamic tempo change during playback. Dynamic changes in tempo are implemented at specific points in the audio signal corresponding to local minimums in the fade-in and fade-out characteristics of the compression/expansion scheme. An audio signal is marked to define temporal slices of audio data. Mark positions may be selected to minimize significant transient activity midway between consecutive marks. Fade-in and fade-out functions are associated with the leading side and trailing side, respectively, of each mark, creating a series of cross-fading “mounds” with peaks at each mark. When a tempo change is requested (e.g., a user selects a new tempo value in a user interface), the tempo change is delayed until the start of the next “mound” (i.e., the next fade-in). Thus, despite the tempo change, each mound uses a contiguous set of audio data, preventing the clicks and pops associated with skips in the audio data.

Abstract: A cooling system for a computer includes a heat spreader that is in thermal contact with at least one component in the computer, a frame casting, and at least one heat pipe coupled to the heat spreader and coupled to the frame casting for passively dissipating heat generated from the at least one component in the computer. By coupling the heat spreader to the frame casting via the at least one heat pipe, the conductive and convective heat transfer characteristics of the frame casting are utilized to provide additional passive cooling for the at least one component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for presenting a plurality of link devices as separate nodes within a single serial bus module by generating individual or a distinct configuration ROM image for each link device in the module. Each configuration ROM includes an entry for a distinct identifier representing the corresponding link device thereby creating a one to one mapping of link device to node via the distinct configuration ROM.

Abstract: A lanyard for carrying or wearing portable electronic devices is disclosed. The lanyard includes a neck cord having data carrying capabilities. The lanyard also includes a harness that physically holds and operatively couples the portable electronic device to the neck cord. When a portable electronic device is coupled to the harness, the portable electronic device can be worn around a neck and communicate with an input and/or output (I/O) device (e.g., earphones) operatively coupled to the data carrying cord. That is, the I/O device can send data through the neck cord to the portable electronic device and/or receive data being carried by the neck cord from the portable electronic device. The lanyard facilitates greater ease in wearing portable electronic devices and enables better approaches for managing wires between portable electronic devices and peripheral I/O devices.

Abstract: A system for automatic configuration and authentication of network devices is disclosed. A network base station, e.g., a wireless router, includes an RFID transceiver. A network device includes an RFID tag. Then the network device is brought into proximity with the base station, an exchange of information takes place between the RFID transceiver in the base station and the RFID tag in the device. When the network device is powered on, it reads the information in its RFID tag and uses this information to establish a limited connection to the base station. Once connected, the base station and network device exchange authentication and encryption parameters over the limited connection and thus establish a fully functional and secure network connection between the network base station and the network device.

Abstract: An input device is disclosed. The input device includes a movable touch pad capable of detecting an object in close proximity thereto so as to generate a first control signal. The input device also includes a movement indicator capable of detecting the movements of the movable touch pad so as to generate one or more distinct second control signals. The control signals being used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.

Abstract: A method of integrating audio information and video information, with a single pass is disclosed. In the system of the present invention, a first pass is made through a collection of audio and video information to determine certain information that will be needed to create an integrate bitstream. Specifically, a length in time of each video object unit is determined and a size of each video object unit is determined. This information is used to construct a video object unit table that will be used to create video object units. The video object unit table contains navigation information needed to navigate a DVD. The navigation information is generated from length in time of each video object unit and size of each video object unit. Once video object unit table is created, the system proceeds to recording an output file that contains integrated audio information, video information, and navigation information using.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a system and method for halftoning using time-variable halftone patterns. Successive frames that are presented to the output device are individually halftoned. The halftone pattern is changed from frame to frame. The different halftone patterns can be generated in real time, or they can be calculated prior to halftoning and stored in memory. Additionally, the halftone patterns can be generated using any conventional halftoning technique. The same halftoning technique can used to create each halftone pattern, or the halftoning techniques can be varied when creating halftone patterns. The halftoned frames are then viewed in a sequence in time. Because the halftone pattern is changing from frame to frame, the visibility of the pattern is reduced when compared with the patterns produced by prior art halftoning methods.

Abstract: A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a single docking station and a plurality of inserts that are placed in the docking station so that the docking station can accommodate hand held devices with differing sizes and shapes. The docking system is configured with a docking station and insert that matingly engage with one another via a rotating action. The docking system is also configured with a latching retention mechanism that secures the insert to the docking station when the insert is rotated into engagement with the docking station.

Abstract: To allow users to compensate for different and dynamically changing lighting conditions, the present invention introduces a graphical user interface shading system. The graphical user interface shading system provides a very simple intuitive interface to the user. In one embodiment, the user is presented with an adjustable user interface widget such as a slider that allows the user to select any shading setting along a shading continuum. The graphical user interface shading system reacts to the users control by adjusting a number of different graphical user interface elements in response to the new shading setting. In one embodiment, the graphical user interface shading system adjusts singled colored areas with a linear interpolation, text with a font color selection, icons with an icon bitmap selection, textured areas with a texture blend, and decals with a decal blend.

Abstract: A method for improving compatibility between an application program and a display device of a computer system includes: providing a first format in a first frame buffer, the first format compatible with a format for an application program, providing a second format in a second frame buffer, the second format compatible with a format for an output device, and transforming inputs from the application program from the first format in the first frame buffer to the second format in the second frame buffer for output on the output device. With the present invention, new formats can be developed to reduce costs and improve performance with transparent compatibility for programs developed to correspond with old formats. Thus, improved flexibility for supporting a variety of formats developed for differing memory depths, differing resolutions, and differing color formats is realized.

Abstract: Improved approaches for assisting a user interacting with a portable wireless communication device are disclosed. The improved approaches can provide a user interface for the portable wireless communication device that includes including a plurality of linked display screens and a plurality of physical keys.

Abstract: Prior art synthesizers often select a small interval d to detune. For example, if the nominal oscillator frequency was 1000 Hz, then applying a detune parameter of 10 cent would result in a detuned oscillator frequency of 1006 Hz. However, at the next octave, the nominal frequency would be 2000 Hz with the detuned oscillator frequency of 2012 Hz. Accordingly, a detuned oscillator has a frequency deviation which is proportional to its nominal frequency. Hence, when mixing detuned oscillators, the resulting signal has a beat frequency which varies with the pitch and doubles with each octave. An aim of the present invention is to provide a music synthesizer whereby sounds are generated with a constant optimum beat across a large range of tones.

Abstract: A caching manager calculates cache priories for accessed items, including items not currently stored in the cache. The cache manager determines an item's cache priority as a function of the item's access frequency, retrieval cost and size. The cache manager dynamically updates cache priorities as items are accessed. When the cache is full and a non-cached item is accessed, the cache manager uses cache priorities to determine whether to overwrite a cached item with the non-cached accessed item. If the accessed item has a lower cache priority than all of the items in the cache, then the non-cached item is not stored in the cache. If any item in the cache has a lower cache priority than the accessed item, then the cache manager stores the accessed item in the cache, overwriting the cached item with the lowest cache priority.

Abstract: Methods and system for transferring images between devices is disclosed. For example, differently scaled images by a host device may automatically and/or selectively be transferred to a media player for display. In turn, appropriately scaled images may be transferred automatically and/or selectively to another display device for example a TV, camera or printer. The selectivity may occur either at the host level or at the player level.