Abstract: The present apparatus and method provides a programmable remote control having a definable and redefinable user interface for control of multiple applications or applets loaded on a computer. The user interface of the remote control may be controlled by assigning specific functionality to events or commands issued by a user using the remote control. The events or commands are delivered to the computer and to the specific applications or applets which have registered to receive that specific command or event.

Abstract: A display device is described which provides a self generated diagnostic image to help determine the functionality of the display device, and to assist in the isolation of problems causing faulty images on the display. The display may be decoupled from an external video source for relocation and testing with out the need for an external video source. Existing circuitry and software providing on screen display functions are enhanced to provide for display of a predetermined pattern of geometric shapes and colors. Segments of lines making up selected geometric shapes are formed with alternating color guns to provide a simple diagnostic for correct alignment of the color guns.

Abstract: A display apparatus and computer system employing the same comprise a dual mode television/monitor display which is operable to provide television display output in an interlaced mode of operation and computer output in a noninterlaced computer graphics mode of operation a visually detectable manner and further comprises a communication channel for transmitting commands from the host computer system to the display apparatus. The display apparatus contains a microprocessor for receiving commands from the host computer system for switching the display between the interlaced and noninterlaced modes of operation. In a further aspect, a method of transitioning the dual mode display between the television and computer graphics modes of operation via a host computer system is provided.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing an electronic book is disclosed, comprising generating a first label capable of being utilized to indicate a relationship with a first element of an electronic book and generating a second label capable of being utilized to indicate a relationship with at least one of the first element and a second element of an electronic book. The first label and second label are capable of being utilized to access at least one of the first element from the first label and at least one of the first element and the second element from the second label. In an exemplary embodiment, a user may specify a label to correspond with an element of an electronic book. Additionally, labels may be utilized to access the element of the electronic book by the user. Labels may also be modified by size, shape, text, color, apparent texture, and the like. Furthermore, labels may be utilized to indicate a relationship with an element.

Abstract: A non-linear digital video compression circuit and method. The video compression circuit includes a source of digital video data signal, wherein the digital video data has M-bits of information for each of a Y, U, and V value per pixel. Y represents a luminance component, and U and V each represent portions of a two-dimensional chromaticity component. The circuit also includes a compression lookup table having an M-bit input coupled to the source of digital video data, and an N-bit compressed digital video data output, where N is less than M. The compression lookup table includes a non-linear compression transformation for at least one of Y, U and V. In one embodiment, the compression lookup table includes a non-linear compression transformation that provides a different conversion for Y than for U or that provides a different conversion for Y than for V.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus for defining and redefining a dynamic graphical user interface, which can control multiple applications or applets with one graphical user interface. As new applications or applets are launched, the graphical user interface determines the functionality of the newly added application. Existing functions are used if they are equal to functions required of the new application or applet. New functionality is added if required.

Abstract: A programmable cellular telephone activates selected functions based on a user modifiable schedule, The user stores schedule information in a schedule table for automatic function activation/deactivation. A controller controls all cellular telephone functions, and comprises a memory and a clock. The controller also comprises an automatic scheduler which activates and deactivates cellular telephone functions according to the entries in the schedule table. Cellular telephone functions are activated and deactivated either manually or when the automatic scheduler is enabled and the real time corresponds with the scheduled time in the schedule table. By using the scheduler, a user can select time periods when calls are receivable without having to remember to turn on the cellular phone, extending battery life and minimizing unwanted interruptions.

Abstract: An input device for a computer detects movement of an object, such as a finger, within a selected field of space, and across the boundaries of the selected space. The input device is used to input commands into a computer, such as to control movement of a cursor over a display device or to mark certain portions of information displayed on the computer monitor. Directional transducers receive reflections of transmitted energy from an object in the field, and provide signals to an interpreter which maps the signals to control movement of the cursor or other device on the computer monitor. The input device includes an interpreter for detecting movements within the selected input space. Certain or selected detected movements within or through the input space are interpreted as input commands for controlling aspects of the computer.

Abstract: A circuit card guide comprising a base defining at least one base slot for placement in alignment over a corresponding expansion slot on a computer system motherboard, incorporates one or more insert guides positioned in cooperation with the base slot such that when a user attempts to insert a circuit card by feel, due to partial or complete visual obstruction of the expansion slot by other computer system components, a connector edge of the circuit card can be received by the circuit card guide within a greater range of tolerance than the width of the expansion slot alone, and the connector edge can be guided by the one or more insert guides through the base slot and into the desired expansion slot.

Abstract: A computer system having a housing including an option bay into which a modular option device may be removably inserted is disclosed. The option bay includes a secondary access port providing access to the modular option device for uncluttered connection of lines and easy access to control functions. The secondary access port may be covered by a sliding door which opens automatically upon insertion of selected modular option devices into the option bay.

Abstract: A presentation system, method and software for displaying an image on a screen and correcting image keystoning caused by a projection lens of a projector not being centered on the screen. The presentation system comprises a computer including a processor and memory and a projector interfaced with the computer to project an image A stored in the computer's memory. A program of instructions stored in the computer's memory includes instructions configured to correct keystoning of the image projected by the projector without centering the projector on the screen. The program provides a software solution to avoid hardware modifications to the computer or projector to correct keystoning. The program also includes instructions configured to input right/left and upward/downward projection angles to correct keystoning caused by some combination of the angles being greater than or less than 90°.

Abstract: A power adapter for a digital information appliance includes an integral thermal cooling assembly for providing supplemental cooling to electronic components within the digital information appliance. The power adapter is comprised of a power supply suitable for conditioning electrical power supplied to the digital information appliance from an external source, a thermal cooling assembly and a coupling assembly capable of operably coupling power adapter to the digital information appliance. The thermal cooling assembly is suitable for providing cooling to the digital information appliance while the power adapter is operably coupled thereto by the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A system for effecting a shutdown of a networked information handling system automatically determines the time interval required for the information handling system to reach a safe shutdown by continually calculating the time interval necessary to store all volatile information to non-volatile locations and shut down the system. In order to calculate the time interval, heuristics may be determined for various operating systems, applications, application environments, etc. Integration of the system of the present invention may be determined by a particular condition, configuration, and/or environment at any given period of time, and may, for example, be incorporated in environments such as a UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) environment or a fault tolerant CPU (Central Processor Unit) shutdown environment.

Abstract: A media scanner scans information disposed on a media such as a business card or envelope. The media scanner requires no moving parts and may be incorporated in a portable, hand held, battery powered information handling system such as an electronic address book or personal digital assistant. The scanner includes a scanning element such as a linear CCD element for scanning the information stored on the medium, which is converted into a graphical image or text file. As the medium is fed past the scanning element, a detector detects the movement of the medium as the medium is fed through the scanner. Any variation of the movement of the medium, for example due to inconsistent movement or pausing caused by hand scanning, etc., is detected by detector, and scanning is executed according to the detected movement so that optimal scanning is maintained.

Abstract: A device cage assembly for retaining a device such as a drive or the like within the chassis of an information handling system is described. The device cage assembly includes a device cage disposed within the chassis so as to be capable of being moved between a retracted or closed position, wherein the device cage is fully contained within the chassis, and an extended or open position wherein the device cage assembly is positioned at least partially outside of the chassis. A device retention assembly is attached to the device cage for retaining the device in the device cage. The device retention assembly is comprised of a body suitable for attachment to the device cage within the chassis of the information handling system. An appendage, such as an appendage, post, or the like is mounted to the body and extends into the device cage for engaging the device.

Abstract: A notebook computer incorporating a fold out port group incorporating a plurality of I/O ports is herein provided. The port group is hingedly attached to the computer and pivots between a first, stored position and a second, extended position. In the second, extended position, the port group permits convenient access to the ports thereon and further defines a leg to elevate one end of the computer. Ports may be accessible while the port group is in the first, stored position as well. In one embodiment, the port group, while in the first position, is stored within a slot on the bottom of the computer housing. In another embodiment, the port group selectively covers the rear surface of the computer in the stored position and pivots to expose the rear surface when placed in the extended position. The port group may be interchangeable with other port groups to customize the computer for a particular market or particular application.

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 display apparatus is provided having a back light generated by waste heat of a system. A thermally illuminated strip is disposed on a surface of the display apparatus. The system has heat generating components, such as a CPU, which produce excess waste heat. A heat pipe conveys the heat from the heat generating components to the thermally illuminated strip. Once the heat generating component warms up, the thermally illuminated strip is illuminated by the conveyed heat and provides back lighting for the display apparatus. Although several other applications are appropriate, one particular application for the display apparatus is for a status LCD within a computer.

Abstract: A keypad assembly for an information processing apparatus such as a portable computer or the like is disclosed. The keypad assembly comprises a keypad disposed in the housing of the information processing apparatus and a cover for covering the keypad and providing a palm rest for the user. The cover is movable between a closed position wherein the keypad is at least partially enclosed by the cover and an opened position wherein the keypad is accessible by a user of the information processing apparatus.