Abstract: Colors are specified within the individual glyphs of a font by means of an indirect approach which employs multiple tables. The data values for individual pixels of a glyph identify entries in an index table, which pertains to a subset of all available colors. The entries in the index table map to a complete set of colors that are specified in a color table. As a result of this structure, the amount of data that is required to specify the individual pixels of a glyph can be minimized to the number of bits required to distinguish the colors within that glyph. The specification of all available colors within a single table permits that table to be shared among various resources, including bitmap fonts and outline fonts.

Abstract: Within a digital network having a bus architecture that complies with the IEEE-1394 Standard for a High Performance Serial Bus a speed map for the digital network is computed by first, computing a first speed between a first node and a second node of the digital network; and second, computing a second speed between the first node and a third node of the digital network using the computed first speed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for processing media data for transmission in a data communication medium. A set of data indicates how to transmit a time related sequence of media data according to a transmission protocol. The set of data, includes a time related sequence of data which is associated with the time related sequence of media data. The set of data may be utilized by a digital processing system to transmit the time related sequence of media data (e.g., by packets generated according to the transmission protocol and the set of data).

Abstract: In a portable multimedia device, a method, apparatus, and system for automatically updating programmable buttons on a remote client device using a set of user preferences is described. A remote client device is coupled (either wired or wirelessly) to the host computer and the preference file is passed to the remote client device which uses the preference file to automatically update any programmable buttons included therein to execute the desired suite of functions. In some cases, a combination of buttons can be used to perform a particular function whereas in other cases, a single button can be associated with a particular function.

Abstract: A computer-user interface facilitates interaction between the user and the computer in a manner which enables the computer to assist the user in accomplishing desired goals. Based upon a particular task to be performed, the computer interviews the user to obtain the information pertinent to that particular task. Once the information is provided to the computer, it works with the user to automatically perform desired tasks in response to triggering events designated by the user. In addition, the computer can notify the user whenever a task is being carried out. Any executable function can be designated by the user as the object of a task. The initiation of this task can be carried out in response to any programmatically detectable event, or trigger, which is also designated by the user. As a further feature, the user has the ability to select from among a number of different types of notification to be provided whenever the task is being performed.

Abstract: A three state icon for a computer is disclosed. The icon prevents inadvertent starting of an operation on a computer. The icon has a first state which conceals a second state. Upon selection of the first state with a computer pointing device (i.e., mouse), the icon will change to the second state. Upon selecting the icon in the second state, the operation on the computer will start. Accordingly, only upon selecting the icon in the first state and then the second state, the operation will commence on the computer thereby preventing accidental startup of the operation. Once the second state has been selected, the icon will change to a third state which indicates that the operation is proceeding on the computer.

Abstract: At least one chip of a chipset in a computer system having at least one host processor and a host memory are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, an exemplary chip includes an interconnect, a memory interface coupled to the interconnect, the memory interface providing access to the host memory and controlling memory refresh and memory access, a host interface coupled to the interconnect, the host interface providing access to the host processor, and a programmable media processor coupled to the interconnect, the media processor accessing the host through the host interface and the media processor accessing the host memory through the memory interface, wherein the media processor processes time based media.

Abstract: A database is used to store user interface state information. The database is accessed by a key having a service ID field, a caller ID field, and a caller context ID field. The caller context ID is used to identify the context in the application program from which the user interface is called. In this manner, the system can differentiate between calls from different portions of the application program which can have different user expectations of the desirable user interface state.

Abstract: An electronic device housing comprising a device enclosure with electronic components mounted inside the enclosure is disclosed. Mounted between the electronic device housing and the device enclosure is a thermally reflective electrical insulator configured to reduce external heating of the enclosure by the electronic components contained therein. Such an arrangement reflects heat generated by internal electronic components back inside the device enclosure, thereby reducing the external temperature of the electronic device housing. The electronic device housing, for example, pertains to a portable computer. Additionally, a method for reducing the external temperature of a computer housing for a portable computer is disclosed.

Abstract: A controller (or controller chip) providing reduced power consumption without impacting performance is disclosed. The controller monitors activity of components within the controller which require access to a local memory, and then decreases a clocking frequency for a memory interface to the local memory when the monitoring indicates that reduced amounts of activity are present. Following such a decrease in the clocking frequency, when increased amounts of activity are detected, the clocking frequency is increased for high performance operation. The controller thus tailors the clocking frequency for the memory interface in accordance with the amount of activity of these components that require access to the local memory so that overall less power is used by the controller yet the performance is essentially not hindered. In one embodiment, the controller is a graphics controller, as such controllers require access to local memories.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer controlled display device. In one embodiment, the display device includes a flat panel display having an input for receiving display data. Additionally, a moveable assembly may be coupled to the display. The moveable assembly may provide at least three degrees of freedom of movement for the flat panel display device. Additionally, the moveable assembly may have a cross-sectional area, which is substantially less than a cross-sectional area of a display structure of the flat panel display. Additionally, the moveable assembly may include a plurality of stacked ball-and-socket assemblies.

Abstract: A media player system is disclosed. One aspect of the media player system pertains to a docking station that allows a media player to communicate with other media devices. Another aspect of the media player system pertains to a wireless media player system that includes a hand held media player capable of transmitting information over a wireless connection and one or more media devices capable of receiving information over the wireless connection. Another aspect of the media player system pertains to a method of wirelessly connecting the hand held media player to another device. The method includes selecting a media item on the hand held media player; selecting one or more remote recipients on the hand held media player; and transmitting the media item locally to the hand held media player, and wirelessly to the selected remote recipients. Another aspect of the media player system pertains to a hand held music player that includes a transmitter for transmitting information over a wireless connection.

Abstract: A case (12) for a computer monitor (10) having a tub (16) with a case aperture (38) therein adapted for receiving a subpanel (26). The subpanel (26) has a plurality of electrical connectors (28) which are user accessible thereby. A beveled flange (40) on the subpanel (26) is received within a receiving flange (44) on the case aperture (38). A structural grid (32) within the case (12) has a flexible portion (34) which includes a can (33) coupled to a flexible arm (35), and which has a screw receiving aperture (42) therein such that a screw (30) is passed through a subpanel screw aperture (48) in the subpanel (26) and secured within the screw receiving aperture (42), thereby flexing the flexible portion (34) to hold the subpanel (26) firmly within the case aperture (38).

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates temporarily increasing the operating frequency of an electronic circuit, such as a computer system, beyond a maximum sustainable operating frequency. Upon receiving a request to operate at a higher frequency, the system determines the thermal energy level of a cooling system for the circuit. If the thermal energy level is below a threshold level for the thermal capacity of the cooling system, the system increases the operating frequency of the circuit to a frequency that is greater than the maximum sustainable operating frequency for a period of limited duration. This period of limited duration is short enough to ensure that a temperature increase, caused by increasing the operating frequency, does not raise the operating temperature of the circuit above a maximum operating temperature.

Abstract: A method aspect provides a first format, the first format compatible with a format for an application program, provides a second format, the second format compatible with a format for an output device, and transforms inputs from the application program from the first format to the second format for output on the output device to provide compatibility between the application program and the output device without altering the application program.

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: Methods and systems for network-based allowance control are disclosed. A user creates an allowance in association with a recipient account such that funds are available in the recipient account for use by a recipient for the purchase of goods over a network (e.g., Internet). Specifically, by creating an allowance, a user initiates a periodic (recurring) transfer (i.e., credit) of an amount of money (i.e., funds) to the recipient account. This money may then be used by the recipient for the purchase of goods over the network. The recipient account may be related to a parent account as a sub-account, enabling the user of the parent account to monitor purchases made by the recipient, as well as limit the items that can be purchased by the recipient.