Abstract: A convertible hanging support or mount for a flat panel display monitor is disclosed. The mount is capable of allowing the monitor to be hung from an object such as a cubical wall, a door, a tower or mini-tower computer case, an automobile or aircraft seat back, or the like while retaining the ability to support the monitor on a generally horizontal surface such as a table or desk top surface.

Abstract: The invention is a system method for providing extended functionality for a HAVi compatible device. The HAVi compatible device is connectable to a HAVi network. The extended functionality is defined by control data stored on a remote server external to the HAVi network. The remote server is connected to an external network. The external network comprises a network external to the HAVi network. The HAVi network comprises several other HAVi compatible devices. The system comprises an external network connection device for providing data communications between the HAVi network and the remote server. The external network connection device is connectable to the external network. The external network connection device is for receiving the control data from the remote server. The system further includes a control module, comprising a device control module (DCM) containing a special functional control module (FCM).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling provision of a call return service is disclosed. The apparatus utilizes a method of generating telephone numbers from voice messages. The method includes the step of using speech recognition to isolate a spoken number in a voice message, and confirming to a high degree of accuracy that the spoken number represents a telephone number. The method further includes the step of converting the spoken number into a data sequence representing the telephone number. This data sequence is then made available for immediate or later use.

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 and system for storing and automatic retrieval of data is provided. A “registry” is one way a computer system manages personal preference data such as configuration preferences and other data that users may want specific devices, applications and/or users to access. The present invention enables computer users to use a number of computer devices under essentially any circumstance and allows users and/or applications to provide individualized preference data for each situation. The registry is n-dimensional and data is stored using, for example, an identifier having three or more keys. Other features of the invention, such as wild cards and times tamps, result in a flexible robust registry system.

Abstract: A portable phone is adapted to attach to a user and has primary and auxiliary displays angled with respect to each other. The auxiliary display is oriented so that, when the phone is attached to the user, the auxiliary display is readable to the user. When the phone receives a call, the auxiliary display preferably shows caller ID information for the call. In another embodiment, a portable phone has a primary display and an auxiliary display, and the phone has two sections that fold together. When the phone is closed, the auxiliary display is readable to the user and preferably displays caller ID information of incoming calls. Preferably, the primary display is covered by the two sections of the phone when it is folded. In another embodiment, a portable phone has a display that comprises two portions that are angled with respect to each other, the display oriented on the phone so that when the phone is attached to a user, one of the portions of the display is readable to the user.

Abstract: A system for organizing elongated objects (such as wires, cables, pipes, hoses, ducts, tubing, and other similar items) into bundles to create a more uniform, neat and functional arrangement is disclosed. The system includes a fastener adapted to extend along the length of an elongated object. The fastener provides a continuous attachment to another elongated object or to another object for a distance along the length of the elongated object. The fastener is preferably integrated with the structure of the elongated object, or alternatively, it may be applied as a wrap around the elongated object.

Abstract: A communication device (such as a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, portable computer, or other similar device) is provided with a special privacy mode for use when a user desires privacy. Upon receiving a call from a caller, the communication device immediately provides to the caller a greeting, indicating that a user of the communication device desires privacy. However, if the caller needs to immediately contact the user, the caller enters a privacy mode code to override the privacy mode, and the call is then completed and the user is signaled (e.g., the communication device rings or vibrates). Otherwise, if the caller enters no privacy mode code, the call is then routed to a message system and the caller is allowed to leave a message for the user.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for automatically correcting an incorrectly recognized or converted character of text input onto a display screen of a computing device (e.g., a pen-based computer system such as a personal digital assistant) with a next most likely intended character upon actuation of a correction key. The next most likely intended character is preferably determined by ranking a plurality of potential intended characters, and then selecting a highest ranking character from the ranked plurality of potential intended characters as the next most likely intended character. The plurality of potential intended characters may be ranked based on statistical probabilities that one character will be incorrectly converted as another character, common sense that one character will be incorrectly converted as another character, and prior handwriting data choices collected for a user of the computing device.

Abstract: A method and device for temporarily storing data received from a server in a distributed system. A minimum storage time for the stored data is designated by a user, and the stored data may be deleted only after the specified storage time ends. The stored data may be then retrieved during the storage time without the client being in communication with the server.

Abstract: A method and a system for broadcast advertising to a mobile communication device are disclosed. The mobile communication device receives a broadcast advertisement from an advertisement broadcasting system or source, preferably through a wireless communication channel, and selects that advertisement based on stored user profile or acceptance data, thereby providing broadcast advertising that is filtered by the communication device. If the communication device selects the advertisement, the advertisement may be displayed or stored.

Abstract: A keyboard support apparatus comprises a storage compartment adapted to be mounted to the undersurface of an overhead cabinet, a low ceiling, and the like. The keyboard support apparatus further comprises at least one extendable support arm pivotally coupled at one end to the storage compartment, and a keyboard platform pivotally coupled at opposite sides to the other end of the support arms. Each support arm is adapted to extend downwardly from the storage compartment to position the keyboard platform below the storage compartment in an operational configuration. Each support arm is also adapted to contract upwardly to position the keyboard platform inside the storage compartment in a storage configuration.

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: A communication system includes a central processor operable to transmit data packets and control packets. A communication bus couples the central processor to a transmit/receive module, for communicating the data packets and control packets between the central processor and the transmit/receive module. In a particular embodiment, a plurality of terminal unit control modules are coupled with the central processor, and each terminal unit control module is operable to control at least partially the operation of a respective one of the terminal units.

Abstract: A method for providing and updating customized health care based, at least in part, on the genome of an individual is provided, wherein the genome is extracted from a biological sample of the individual. The method comprises the following steps: sequencing the genome into its DNA sequence; interpreting the DNA sequence to identify medical conditions or diseases associated with the genome; archiving the conditions or diseases in a storage device; informing the individual of the conditions or diseases for which he or she has genetically tested positive; tracking health and medical information related to the conditions or diseases; and providing this information to the individual. Preferably, this method is implemented electronically. A server receives certain data items, e.g., the individual's DNA sequence, associated conditions or diseases and related health and medical information, and archives at least one of these data items.

Abstract: A computer having an emergency protection program is disclosed. The emergency protection program turns off the computer in response to receiving a notification of an impending potential local emergency. In one embodiment, the program receives the notification from an external network site over an external network connection. In one embodiment, the program waits a predetermined amount of time prior to shutting down the computer, and also is responsive to an abort-shut down input to not shut down the computer, or an immediate-shut down input to immediately shut down the computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing several applications to share a single video overlay resource via multiplexing are disclosed. The multiplexing is accomplished from the application end through a multiplexing abstraction layer provided to the developers of end applications as an application program interface. Through the application program interface, each application may, at any time, request, release, or modify the attributes of the video overlay device such as picture quality, tuning, source, etc. The application program interface provides all basic functionality of the hardware as accessible through other means including normal operating system support and device driver services.

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: 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: 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.