Abstract: A method, device and computer system for creating a smooth, continuous height (scalar or vector) field are described. The described techniques permit arbitrary closed regions to be smoothly shaded without producing unnatural smoothness at the region's edges or boundaries.

Abstract: A method for determining and communicating the existence of a hybrid bus is disclosed. The method determines whether a connected node is a border node and forwards isochronous and asynchronous requests if the node is not a border node. If the node is a border node, a Border low request is issued if there are no asynchronous requests to forward. If there are asynchronous requests to forward then these asynchronous requests are forwarded. A Border low request is issued if there are no isochronous requests to forward; otherwise any isochronous requests to be forwarded are forwarded.

Abstract: Methods and systems for insertion of a memory module into a computer system are provided. The method includes removing an access door of the computer system to make a connector accessible, the access door having a size substantially smaller than a footprint of the memory module, and linearly inserting the memory module into the connector.

Abstract: A connection system. The connection system includes a connection receptacle comprising a first component coupled to a chassis and a second component coupled to the first component. The first and second components are collapsed into a compact configuration when the connection receptacle is in a closed position. According to the system and method disclosed herein, implementing the receptacle as two separate components allows for a compact connection system.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates uploading content from a client to a server. Upon receiving content, the client divides the content into smaller data-blocks of a predetermined size. Once the content has been divided, the client computes a codeword for each data-bock. Next, the client computes a composite codeword for the set of codewords by computing a function of the set of codewords. The client also computes a content identifier for the content to differentiate the content from other content. Once this is done, the client sends the composite codeword and the content identifier to the server, and receives a response from the server indicating whether or not the content is present on the server. If the content is not present on the server, the client sends the content to the server.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing generic computer operating system software for computer hardware systems designed subsequent to the operating system software. The system and method of the present invention employs a separate modular software file called a System Enabler that has all patches, code, data and resources needed to make a particular computer system operational. The System Enabler file is matched to a particular hardware system and may be bundled with that hardware system. During computer system start up the System Enabler file modifies the generic operating system software for optimum operation with the particular computer hardware system.

Abstract: Techniques to generate partial display updates in a buffered window system in which arbitrary visual effects are permitted to any one or more windows (e.g., application-specific window buffers) are described. Once a display output region is identified for updating, the buffered window system is interrogated to determine which regions within each window, if any, may effect the identified output region. Such determination considers the consequences any filters associated with a window impose on the region needed to make the output update.

Abstract: A novel a circuit for driving a fan includes an output terminal for supplying the fan with drive power, a pulse width modulation driver, and a limiter. A first power terminal of the fan is held at a first voltage (e.g., 0V), and a second power terminal of the fan is coupled to the output terminal of the driver circuit. The PWM driver provides a series of fan drive pulses on the output terminal, and the limiter prevents the voltage on the output terminal from falling below a predetermined voltage. The predetermined voltage is greater than the first voltage at which the fan's first power terminal is held, and is sufficient to keep the fan in motion even when the duty cycle of the PWM signal is 0%. In a particular embodiment the limiter includes a voltage clamp. In a more particular embodiment, the voltage clamp is a diode. In another particular embodiment, the limiter includes a switch for combining a PWM signal with a DC voltage at an output.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting heat from a computer component to a heat sink. The invention may include a thermal interface material (TIM). The invention may further include a seal or gasket that at least partially encloses the TIM. The gasket may facilitate retaining the TIM within its sidewall, and thus in place on or near a computer component. Generally, the gasket may be placed between the computer component (or a silicon board or other material upon which the computer component is located) and a heat sink. An insert may be placed within the gasket and define an aperture. The chip seats in the aperture and thus is spatially located with respect to the insert. The TIM abuts both the computer component and a heat sink. A desiccant may be located within the gasket and absorb any moisture diffusing or migrating through the gasket.

Abstract: A multi-touch gesture dictionary is disclosed herein. The gesture dictionary can include a plurality of entries, each corresponding to a particular chord. The dictionary entries can include a variety of motions associated with the chord and the meanings of gestures formed from the chord and the motions. The gesture dictionary may take the form of a dedicated computer application that may be used to look up the meaning of gestures. The gesture dictionary may also take the form of a computer application that may be easily accessed from other applications. The gesture dictionary may also be used to assign user-selected meanings to gestures. Also disclosed herein are computer systems incorporating multi-touch gesture dictionaries. The computer systems can include, desktop computers, tablet computers, notebook computers, handheld computers, personal digital assistants, media players, mobile telephones, and the like.

Abstract: A multi-touch gesture dictionary is disclosed herein. The gesture dictionary can include a plurality of entries, each corresponding to a particular chord. The dictionary entries can include a variety of motions associated with the chord and the meanings of gestures formed from the chord and the motions. The gesture dictionary may take the form of a dedicated computer application that may be used to look up the meaning of gestures. The gesture dictionary may also take the form of a computer application that may be easily accessed from other applications. The gesture dictionary may also be used to assign user-selected meanings to gestures. Also disclosed herein are computer systems incorporating multi-touch gesture dictionaries. The computer systems can include, desktop computers, tablet computers, notebook computers, handheld computers, personal digital assistants, media players, mobile telephones, and the like.

Abstract: Graphical user interface objects are specified by a collection of attribute-value pairs, the collection of which comprise a complete description of the object and may be used by a rendering element to create a visual representation of the object. In practice, each of a first portion of attributes may be associated with two or more values—each value (for a given attribute) specifying that attribute's value for a unique resolution. A second portion of attributes are associated with a single value and are, therefore, display resolution independent. Accordingly, the target object may be displayed at any of the specified design display resolutions or accurately displayed at any resolution between the specified design display resolutions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for evaluating and correcting rhythm of audio data. Embodiments of the invention are capable of obtaining preferred rhythm in audio data, and strategically correcting the portions of audio data resulting an enhancing rhythm. A system embodying the invention may detect each transient in audio data, compute an ideal time for the transient and determine the time deviation from the expected ideal time. The system may correct for the time of the transient by altering the audio data before or after the transient. The system utilizes one or more methods to correct for the timing while preserving the audio quality of the signal.

Abstract: In a portable multimedia device, data is passed between a sender and receiver unit by way of voice channel only. Multimedia data is vocalized and then forwarded to a receiver unit by way of the voice channel without the use of a backend server. Once received at the receiver unit, the vocalized data can be converted to an audio signal that can then output by way of an audio output device (such as a speaker, earphone, etc.).

Abstract: A computer system consists of a plurality of nodes, each with an associated local host, coupled together with a plurality of point-to-point links. An isochronous data channel is established within the computer system between a first subset of the plurality of nodes. The isochronous data channel includes a linked list of buffers which are used as temporary storage locations for data transmitted on the isochronous data channel. Each node which is part of the isochronous data channel is configured as a sender or a receiver and data transmissions are commenced. The presence of isochronous data in the channel generates an interrupt which signals a central processing unit (CPU) that data is available. The data is transferred to an associated location within the linked list of buffers and the CPU then moves on to other tasks. In other embodiments, data is transferred using DMA techniques rather than interrupt driven events. Buffers can also be used to transmit isochronous data.