Abstract: A method of installing and configuring a test suite for a unit under test in an automated assembly process uses an identifier of the unit under test to retrieve the test files and other files for the installation and configuration. The identifier may be a serial number. The method uses the identifier to call up a Bill of Materials. From the Bill of Materials, test files and other files are generated.

Abstract: An EMI/RFI shield for gaps in cases of electronic systems is disclosed that includes a case, a component mounted on the case, and a string positioned between the component and the case. The string includes a longitudinal element and a plurality of conductive filaments transversely mounted on the longitudinal element. The invention also contemplates a method of reducing radiation from a case housing at least one electronic component and having an opening formed therein with a perimeter. The method includes positioning a string having transverse conductive filaments along at least a portion of the perimeter of the opening, and installing the electronic component adjacent to the opening in the case with the string being positioned between the component and the case adjacent to the perimeter of the opening.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and signal-bearing medium that selects an object displayed on a display screen when a cursor controlled by a pointing device pauses at the object for a time period longer than a dwell-time threshold. The dwell-time threshold is adjusted based on the density of the objects displayed on the screen. Thus, when the density of displayed objects is higher, the dwell-time threshold is longer and the user must hold the cursor at the desired object for a longer time in order to select the object. Similarly, when the density of displayed objects is lower, the dwell-time threshold is lower, and the user must hold the cursor at the desired object for a shorter time in order to select the object.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying a user of a loss of wireless communication between a host device and at least one peripheral device is described. The system comprises a host device, at least one peripheral device, means for detecting a loss of wireless connection between the host device and the at least one peripheral device and an alarm notifying the user of the loss of wireless connection between the host device and the at least one peripheral device. A method for notifying a user of a loss of wireless communication between a host device and at least one peripheral device is described, the method comprising detecting a loss of wireless communication between a host device and at least one peripheral device, signaling software controlling a transceiver that the loss of communication has been detected and transmitting a message to alert the user of the loss of wireless communication.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for providing a backup of electronic data on a server appliance utilizing a plurality of client information handling systems in a network. The present invention provides a redundant, distributed backup of the server appliance suitable for use on an unmanaged network of client information handling systems. Portions of electronic data stored on the server appliance are transferred over the network and stored on the plurality of client information handling systems. The portions of the electronic data stored on the plurality of client information handling systems are suitable for restoring substantially all of the electronic data stored on the server appliance. Thus, an additional backup server is not required. Storage of an entire backup copy of the server appliance data on a medium or set of media, as well as administration of such a medium or set of media, are also not required.

Abstract: Information stored in a database of an electronic program guide is utilized to launch or terminate execution of one or more applications based upon the electronic program guide information. An application to be controlled is associated with an event and registered in a registry database. The event is determined in one embodiment by the electronic program guide. As information is received by an information handling system, the event information is monitored to determine whether the event has occurred. Upon the occurrence of the event, such as when the present time is a predetermined time, the associated application is launched or terminated according to the determined event.

Abstract: An information handling system controls a signal processing device by providing a control signal to the signal processing device. The control signal may be transmitted to the signal processing device as an infrared or R/F signal that is received and decoded by the signal processing device. The signal processing device is capable of receiving and processing an input signal, and is further capable of providing an output signal to the information handling system. In response to the control signal, the signal processing device encodes data onto the output signal provided to the information handling system, and the information handling system is capable of decoding the data from the output signal. The data encoded onto the output signal may include status information from the signal processing device, including the status of execution of the control signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a universal information appliance management system capable of utilizing a distributed object system without regard to whether the appliance is embodied as a hardware device or embodied as software capable of being executed by any other hardware device such that the hardware device is indistinguishable from the software device. In addition, the invention provides a virtual reality interface including a dynamic virtual reality object capable of adapting to interaction by the user. Additionally, the invention provides a system and method for providing distributed functionality over a network including receiving a request to perform a task on a first digital information appliance, the task requiring a resource not included on the first digital information appliance. The digital information appliance locates a second digital information appliance over a network, the second digital information appliance including the resource.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing improved efficiency in data browsing is disclosed. Automatic continuation of a data browsing session is enabled, while a download of a requested data file, that has been temporarily delayed, is handled separately in a background process. This separate background process generates additional requests for the requested data file as needed, thereby overcoming delays caused by transient network traffic and also enabling automatic downloading of data files that are undeliverable when first requested. When the download of the requested data file is successfully completed, a notification is provided and the requested data file is made observable.

Abstract: A traffic control system and method, for expediting traffic flow across international border crossings, includes a traffic control center and a virtual traffic lane. The traffic control center is spaced apart from the border crossing, and monitors traffic flow through a border zone. The traffic control center receives border-bound traffic, or electronic information from such traffic, and evaluates it to determine a vehicle's preparedness level. The traffic control center includes facilities for temporarily holding vehicles, and assists vehicles preparing to cross the border. The virtual traffic lane is a preferred route between the traffic control center and the border crossing, and is changeable depending upon traffic conditions. The virtual traffic lane is selected from a number of available monitored routes. The traffic control center monitors traffic conditions in the border zone, and determines which preferred travel route is most appropriate for selection as the virtual lane at any given time.

Abstract: Mutatably transparent controls are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a system includes an operating environment, and at least one computer program. The operating environment has a graphical user interface. Each computer program has at least one display displayable within the graphical user interface. The system is configured so that the opacity of the at least one display changes in response to a particular event. Desirably, each display comprises a control.

Abstract: The content of a hard disk drive or the like information storage media that includes content stored in a host protected area (HPA) or reserve area of the hard disk is duplicated using hard disk drive duplicating machinery. The duplication process includes the steps of detecting the presence of a HPA on a source drive, and if detected, generating an HPA are of the same or of a sufficiently accommodating size on the target disk drive. Information from the source HPA drive to the thus created HPA area of the target-drive. The remaining content from the source drive is written to an available section of the target drive. The invention is thereby able to detect whether a source drive has a HPA, create an HPA on the target drive, and to copy the content of the source HPA to the HPA on the target device to ensure a proper duplication of the target drive.

Abstract: A system and method of eliminating static while utilizing pre-programmed tuner buttons on a radio is disclosed. The system of the present invention mutes a pre-programmed tuner button frequency when the radio signal for the pre-programmed frequency is below a threshold value. Further the system of the present invention may automatically tune to an alternate frequency when radio signal strength of the pre-programmed tuner button frequency is below a threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing a self-ejecting cover for externally accessible electronic components. The system of the present invention includes a panel with an aperture for accepting an externally accessible component such as a communication connection. A self-ejecting cover with an engaging tab is disposed in the aperture. Upon connecting the panel to a device with a corresponding component the cover is ejected, if an external component is not included the cover remains in place.

Abstract: A speaker system that detects what type of audio signal is supplied to it and automatically adjusts to reproduce sound from either an analog audio input signal or a digital audio input signal. The speaker system has one or more converters to convert each form of digital audio into analog audio, a detection means to detect whether an analog audio input signal or one of the possible digital audio signals is present and a multiplexer to switch between either the analog audio input signal or one of the outputs of the digital audio converters. Amplifier and speaker drivers are shown for completeness.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying event related program content and program guide data are disclosed. Upon the occurrence of an event such as a channel selection or change input, event related program content is displayed on a display coupled to an information handling system that functions as a host device and a tuning device for tuning to channels on which program content is broadcast. The information handling system further includes electronic program guide (EPG) data that includes program information for available programs. A portion of the EPG data that is related to the event being displayed is transmitted to a remote device that is capable of displaying the event related program guide data on a display of the remote device.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for multiple computer storage drives mounts at least one drive so that it may be swung out for easy access to the drive and to its cable connectors. The mechanism comprises a drive cage mounting bracket, a hinge, and appropriately adapted chassis, so that the mounting bracket is hingeably connected to the chassis to swing open for access and to swing closed for operation. The bracket is adapted so that, when in the open position, the cable connector of at least one mounted drive is distal from the hinge and chassis and thus easily accessible. A preferred embodiment provides for releaseably locking the bracket in the closed position. Furthermore, the bracket preferably mounts a hard drive so that it is suspended within the airspace above the computer motherboard for easier cooling.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for multiple display devices are described. A display apparatus includes a primary display device for a computer. The display apparatus also includes at least one secondary display device for the computer with the at least one secondary display device being operatively coupled to the primary display device. Moreover, the at least one secondary display device is stored in a housing behind the primary display device, such that the at least one secondary display device can be extended from the housing and used to display information for the computer.

Abstract: A system and method employing a virtual restore disk, such as a vendor supplied CD-ROM, allows software restoration from the vendor's software library. The customer's original software configuration is archived and the customer may use the virtual restore disk for restore purposes as necessary, e.g., to restore a deleted file, replace a suspected corrupted file, etc. The vendor maintains updated versions of the software so that unlike a static restore disk, the customer is not limited to the releases available at the time of system purchase. The virtual restore disk can also be used to update a user's system, even in the absence of system malfunction.

Abstract: Computer keyboard control of the characteristics of a display device coupled to a computer through the basic input/output system (BIOS) of the computer is disclosed. In one embodiment, a computerized system includes a computer, a display device, and a keyboard. The display device is responsive to at least one display control command, each command associated with a characteristic of the display device, such as contrast or brightness. The BIOS, in response to detecting a predetermined sequence of keystrokes entered by the user on the keyboard, operatively sends the display device a corresponding display control command.