Abstract: A system and method for rendering a virtual model employs construction elements capable of identifying themselves that are assembled together to form a physical model. At least one controller, which may be disposed within a construction element of the assembled physical model, obtains the identities of at least a portion of the assembled construction elements and detects connections between these identified elements. The controller then communicates the identities of the construction elements and their associated connections with each other to an information handling system suitable for executing a program of instructions for rendering the virtual model corresponding to the assembled physical model.

Abstract: Systems and methods for leveraging resources on a computer network to view a file on a client computer written in a format unreadable by the client computer are provided. According to one method, the client computer receives a file in a source format unreadable by the client computer. The client computer broadcasts the format of the received file to a plurality of File Viewing Servers (FVSs) in the network. In response, the client computer receives from at least one of the FVSs a conversion rating, which indicates the respective FVS's ability to convert the source format of the file into a conversion format readable by the client computer. Upon receiving the conversion ratings from the FVSs, the client computer selects the FVS transmitting the highest conversion rating to convert the received file from the source format unreadable by the client computer into the conversion format readable by the client computer.

Abstract: An entertainment system has a personal computer as the heart of the system with a large screen VGA quality monitor as the display of choice. The system has digital satellite broadcast reception, decompression and display capability with multiple radio frequency remote control devices which transmit self identifying signals and have power adjustment capabilities. These capabilities are used to provide context sensitive groups of keys which may be defined to affect only selected applications running in a windowing environment. In addition, the remote control devices combine television and VCR controls with standard personal computer keyboard controls. A keyboard remote also integrates a touchpad which is food contamination resistant and may also be used for user verification. Included in the system is the ability to recognize verbal communications in video signals and maintain a database of such text which is searchable to help identify desired programming in real time.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method of providing instruction and support for a user regarding components and products of a multi-component system. A browsing interface may provide a means for providing instruction and support with regards to component and product selection. A relational database may store information on each available component and product for a multi-component system. Another advantage of the invention is the ability to develop a personal history file, thus providing customized support for each individual user in the selection of products and components.

Abstract: An angle-mounted fan sink for an electronic device, such as the processor of a computer system, or the like includes a heat sink coupled to a surface of the electronic device for conducting heat away from the electronic device. A fan assembly is mounted in an oblique orientation to the base of the heat sink. The fan assembly circulates a cooling medium such as air over the heat sink at an angle that is generally oblique to the surface of the electronic device for dissipating heat from the heat sink.

Abstract: A ring-ordered dynamically reconfigurable computer network utilizing an existing communications system. The network comprises a plurality of nodes. Each node is coupled to the existing communications system by two data channels and a control channel. The network is established by each data channel of each node connecting operably to a data channel of another node. All the nodes are ordered in a ring. The control channel of each node is operably connected to the switch of the existing communications system. The network also comprises a network manager to establish the network, facilitate communication among the nodes, and dynamically reconfigure the network without disturbing communication among the nodes. Optionally, each node connects to the network only when it actually needs to communicate with another node.

Abstract: A system for actively cooling an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may be divided into a plurality of regions each containing one or more electrical or electronic components. A temperature sensor is positioned in each region to sense the temperature of the components contained in that region. Similarly, a temperature regulating device is positioned in each region. A controller monitors the temperature of each region as sensed by the temperature sensor and adjusts the amount of cooling provided to that region by the temperature regulating device, accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an accent panel incorporated with an aperture in the panel that allows access to a support member attached to a bezel. A person's hand may fit within the aperture and grasp the support member to allow easy transport of the computer. The panel may be installed and removed easily without the need for tools. A user of a computer equipped with an accent panel of the present invention may be able to match the color of the front of his or her computer to his or her surroundings while still allowing access to a support member to allow easier transport of a computer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for predicting network performance. A method of predicting network utilization of a network system may include monitoring actions occurring on a plurality of nodes communicatively coupled over a network. Actions occurring on the plurality of nodes are identified which indicate a likelihood of future network utilization and performance of the network based upon the determined indication of future network utilization based upon the monitored actions is predicted.

Abstract: A standalone kiosk accepts photographic data from a customer for printing one or more photographs from that photographic data. The kiosk may estimate the amount of time required to generate physical prints of the photographic data and display that time estimate to the customer. The kiosk establishes a connection with a wireless communications device carried by the customer and notifies the customer when the printed photographs are complete. The kiosk may dispense a wireless communications device; such as a pager, to the customer to allow for such a connection.

Abstract: A method for providing distributed computing services via a network is disclosed wherein an organization, in particular a manufacturer, distributor, or the like, leases computing resources on information handling systems (e.g., personal computers, network servers, information appliances, and the like) purchased or upgraded by customers. The leased computing resources are then utilized to provide distributed computing services to users of such services via a network such as the Internet or the like.

Abstract: Downloading of Internet files is optimized based on which of multiple locations is most efficient in providing the files. Identical or contiguous portions of a file are downloaded from different servers, and performance data such as a bit rate for each site is used to then select the optimal server to complete the download. An applet intercepts the request for the file from a web browser and determines the best server to provide the file. When the request is intercepted, it reads a list of available file transfer protocol (ftp) locations from which to download the file. The applet or other type of program pings each site to prioritize the list based on shortest response time. The throughput of the finally selected server is tracked as the file is downloaded.

Abstract: A single storage device includes both a data storage unit and a power supply. The storage device is adapted to connect to a portable device to which data is sent and/or from which data is received, such as a digital camera or a personal digital assistant. The storage device preferably provides primary power to the portable device to which it is connected. A reader is provided for connecting to the storage device and reading data from and/or transmitting data to the data storage unit of the storage device. The reader is also adapted to recharge the power supply of the storage device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and a system of automatically configuring a network, a device connected to the network, and an information handling system connected to the device through the network so that the device is able to access shared data on the information handling system. For example, a device such as a music player is able to access shared music files stored on the information handling system through the network, and then play such files on speakers or a stereo system attached to the music player. The configuration method may be implemented as a set of instructions or software executed by the information handling system, which provides a graphical user interface such as a setup wizard. Portions of the configuration method may also be implemented as software or firmware executed by the music player, which operates in a non-interactive format such as a hidden daemon.

Abstract: A lockout apparatus for a number of expansion slots in a printed circuit board includes a lockout mechanism for the expansion slots. Each lockout mechanism includes a lockout member movable between a first position in which its respective expansion slot is blocked, and a second position in which its respective expansion slot is open. Only a single expansion slot is available for use at any one time. In another embodiment, add-on card installed into expansion slots may be retained in the expansion slot when the next expansion slot is filled.

Abstract: A spring-loaded disk drive retention tray comprises a first and a second plate moveably engaged to each other. The plates are kept in a closed position relative to each other via tension from a spring. A hard disk drive housing can be inserted into a first edge of the tray, and pressure to insert a second edge results in the opening of the first and second plate relative to each other such that the disk drive housing can be fully inserted into the retention tray. Once fully inserted, the two plates return to their closed position, and posts integral to the retention tray mechanically lock the hard disk drive housing to the retention tray via insertion of the posts into screw holes located on the hard disk drive housing. The disk drive assembly comprising the disk drive housing and the retention tray can then be inserted into receiving rails in a computer system chassis, and locked into place via mechanical abutments.

Abstract: A computer executable program manager is provided which simplifies activating programs from multiple programming sources. Each program identified as a favorite program, regardless of its source, is included in a hierarchy which is organized by program subject matter. The program manager displays a single presentation of the hierarchy of the diverse programs selected from the variety of programming sources. A user is able to easily activate a program included in the hierarchy either manually or automatically. Programs are added to and removed from the hierarchy either manually or automatically based on activation patterns.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying a remote device of a low battery capacity condition in a wireless communications system is disclosed. A detector monitors the capacity of the battery in a wireless device receiving operational power from the battery for a low capacity condition. A control system coupled to the detector sends a low battery capacity status signal to the remote device upon detection a low battery capacity condition. While the battery is in a low capacity condition, communications between the wireless device and the remote device may be maintained until the low battery capacity condition is corrected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device retention apparatus. A device retention apparatus includes a housing suitable for mounting an information handling system device and a retaining portion disposed on the housing, the retaining portion suitable for engaging an information handling system device when disposed in the housing. A selection mechanism suitable for securing the information handling system device to the housing is slideably connected to the housing so as to be capable of moving between a first position and a second position. Therefore, as the selection mechanism is moved from the first position to the second position, the selection mechanism contacts the retaining portion thereby securing an information handling system device to the housing.

Abstract: A modular floppy disk drive is designed to stand alone as an external drive or to be combined with a carrier to fit into a computer peripheral option bay configured for removable CD ROM drives. When used as an external floppy disk drive, the modular unit is connected to the personal computer through a connector and cable assembly. The carrier adapts the modular drive to the size and mechanical requirements of the peripheral option bay so that the modular unit can be inserted into the computer and used as an internal floppy disk drive.