Abstract: A display system, display device and add-on for a display device are disclosed to provide for viewing a three-dimensional image using polarization. The image is separated into first eye and second eye components. In one embodiment, a system comprises a computer-driven display device and a pair of viewing glasses. The display device is adapted to display the first eye and second eye components in alternating refreshes of the display device, the alternating refreshes polarized substantially perpendicular to one another. The pair of viewing glasses has two lenses. Each lens is polarized substantially particular on one another, in accordance with the alternating refreshes.

Abstract: The prohibition of screen saver computer program activation based on storage device activity is disclosed. The screen saver program is activated by the operating system of the computer after a period of inactivity of at least one storage device (such as a hard disk drive) has been detected. In an alternative embodiment, the screen saver program is activated by the operating system of computer after both a period of inactivity of at least one storage device and at least one input device (such as a keyboard) have been detected.

Abstract: Retractable speakers for use in a housing coupled to a computer, such as a portable computer or docking bar, which allow for sound quality optimization by being positionally adjustable relative to the computer housing. Retractable speaker locations relative to the computer housing include the top surface, side surfaces or front surface. Speakers are rotatable about a hinge relative to the housing surface, or emerge from the surface, such that the speaker is rotatable about an axis in order to direct the sound output toward a user. Alternatively, speakers disengage from the computer housing for placement on a surface in an optimum sound quality arrangement. Retracted speakers are substantially internal to the computer housing allowing for ease of transport and use in remote locations.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an optical storage disc having a first side having at least one data encoded layer, wherein the at least one data encoded area contains a digital asset in at least one format not readable by all conventional optical disc readers or reader/writers, and a second side having at least one data encoded layer, wherein the at least one data encoded area contains a digital asset in at least one format not readable by all conventional optical disc readers or reader/writers.

Abstract: A wireless communications system for enabling an information handling system to wirelessly couple to a network is disclosed. A peripheral communications device for communicating information is sent to and by the information handling system via a wireless transmission medium. A base station couples to the peripheral communications device via the wireless transmission medium. The information handling system is enabled to communicate over a network via the network communications device. A method for communicating between an information handling system and a network via a wireless transmission medium is disclosed. Information to be transmitted is sent from the information handling system to a peripheral device, translated into a wireless data transmission format, transmitted via a wireless transmission medium to a remote device, converted into a network communications format, and sent to a modem connected to the network for transmission via the network.

Abstract: An information handling system capable of being utilized in an environment having a low level of ambient light is disclosed. The information handling system includes a housing having upper and lower sections, a display disposed on the upper section of the housing for displaying information, and a reflective material disposed on the upper section of the housing for reflecting light emanating from the display onto the lower section of the housing. The reflected light illuminates the lower section of the housing. The reflective material may include a reflective material such as a mirror, paint, or tape and may be disposed on a position proximal to the display for optimally redirecting light emanating from the display onto a portion of the housing requiring illumination such as a keyboard or a pointing device.

Abstract: A method for scheduling an operational setting of a computer-based information handling system or electronic device is described. An event is scheduled to occur at a predetermined time, and a determination is made from the scheduled event an optimal operational setting at which to set the computer-based information handling system or electronic device during the scheduled event. At the predetermined time, the computer-based information handling system or electronic device is operated at the optimal setting. A method and system for scheduling the power mode operation of a computer-based information handling system wherein the computer based-information handling system is capable of operating at a first power level for maximizing performance while receiving power from an external power source, and is capable of operating at a second power level for minimizing power consumption while receiving power from a battery is further described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively sending a first signal or a second signal to an output signal are described. An electrical characteristic of a device coupled to the output is determined, and, in the event the electrical characteristic is determined to be a predetermined value, the first signal to the output, otherwise, the second signal is sent. A detector coupled to the output of an information handling system detects a characteristic of a device coupled to the output. The characteristic is indicative of the type of signal sent to the output. A first type of signal is sent to the output when the characteristic has a predetermined value and a second type of signal is sent to the output when the characteristic does not have the predetermined value. Whether a speaker is an analog speaker or a digital speaker may be automatically determined, and an appropriate analog or digital signal is sent to the speaker depending upon its type.

Abstract: A keyboard scan code snooper device comprises a microcontroller, a display, and an oscillator. The scan code snooper may be attached to the data and clock lines of a keyboard serial interface connecting a keyboard with a computer in a pass through configuration. The firmware in the microcontroller processes the snooped data transmission from the keyboard to the computer and vice versa, and generates signals appropriate to drive the display.

Abstract: A spring-biased latching mechanism eliminates the use of brackets and screws to retain expansion cards or electronic circuit boards in computers or similar information handling systems. The spring-biased latching mechanism has a latching member that is cammed out of the path of a computer expansion card as the card is inserted into the computer housing; the latching or retention member may be pushed to a fully retracted or withdrawn position and latched, thus removing the latching member from interference with the expansion card and permitting easy removal of the expansion card. The spring-biased latching member is provided with a groove to provide guidance to the expansion card during insertion and may stabilize the card whenever the latching member is extended to retain the expansion card in position relative to a computer motherboard.

Abstract: A pair of risers are mounted on a mother or circuit board and trap one or two electronic circuit modules in an upstanding disposition and a bridging member extends between the risers. The bridging member forms a channel on its underside which engages a rail on a heat sink on one surface of the electronic module. The trappings of the rail by the bridging member positively restrains the module against movement away from the circuit board.

Abstract: A method and management system for locating game files on a computer-based information handling system is disclosed. A storage medium is searched for game files until a file is found. Whether the file is a game file is determined. If the file is not a game file, the search is continued. If the file is a game file, whether the file executes a game application is determined. If the file does not execute a game application, the search is continued. If the file executes a game application, whether an icon is associated with the file is determined. If no icon is associated with the file, an icon is assigned to the file, a copy of the icon is placed into a games file, and the copy of the icon is linked to the file. The management method and system may be embodied on a computer readable medium containing computer readable code for causing a computer-based information handling system to execute the disclosed method.

Abstract: An image viewing system to permit viewing of three-dimensional images, wherein users wear a pair of eyeglasses to view displayed images. The pair of eyeglasses include lenses having LCD polarizing filters and a LCD controlling unit configured to adjust the polarization of the lenses based upon the orientation of the glasses. A sensing unit, located on the glasses, monitors the orientation of the glasses and when the orientation is skewed from a default orientation, the sensing unit notifies the controlling unit of the new orientation. Upon receipt of the new orientation, the controlling unit then initiates a change in the polarization of the LCD filters. Adjustment of the polarization allows users of 3-D viewing glasses to freely adjust head position relative to the displayed images without compromising the integrity of the viewed image.

Abstract: A peripheral input device having a retractable cord operably coupling the device to a computer system is disclosed. A reel assembly disposed within the body of the peripheral input device allows the cord to be alternately extended and retracted as desired by the user. The reel assembly may include a stop mechanism for limiting tension on the cord while the device is being manipulated by the user.