Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for authenticating jobs submitted to a computing grid. The method may comprise receiving a grid job for performing on the computing grid, authenticating the grid job for performing on the computing grid, marking the grid job as authentic for acceptance by grid computers of the computing grid, and distributing the grid job marked as authentic to the grid computers. Additionally, a method and system is disclosed for screening jobs on the computing grid. The method may comprise receiving a grid job from a grid customer, deriving a pilot task from the grid job, executing a pilot run of the pilot task on a subset of grid computers on the computing grid, checking for successful performance of the pilot task on the subset of grid computers, and submitting the grid job to grid computers for performance if the pilot run of pilot task is successful.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for determining a temperature of a component that requires a maximum level of cooling apparatus operation. The system monitors the component's temperature, then may add a compensation offset to account for variations in the manufacture of the component, and then adds a compensation offset to account for variation in the system in which the component is installed. The result is used to determine when the system's cooling apparatus needs to be operated at a maximum level of operation. The sum may be compared to a threshold to make this determination. This same mechanism may be used to determine various other cooling system trigger points, both when to increase cooling as well as decrease cooling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that interactively determine which data is exchanged between two networks or devices operating on the networks and the order in which the data is transferred. One of the networks can be a vehicle area network. The determination is capable of being based on one or more data criteria, including file size, user access, device interaction, user preferences, history of use, and so on. The available time in which to communicate is forecasted so that the appropriate data can be transmitted. It is emphasized that this abstract is being provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow examiners and other searchers to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, as promised by the rules of the Patent Office.

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: Autophase adjustment is initiated in a display device that digitally displays analog video signals. The autophase adjustment is initiated based on monitoring of at least one of the horizontal and vertical synchronization signal pulse rates and polarity. When a change is detected in either of the horizontal and vertical synchronization pulses, an autophase adjustment is automatically initiated. Correct phase settings are obtained from a table of settings cross referenced by the horizontal and vertical synchronization pulse rates and polarity.

Abstract: A method of integrating setting up a residential gateway or access point and setting up a client network adapter into a single software process. The method eliminates inconsistent and confusing terminology and methods of interfacing different client adapter setups with different residential gateways and access points by using a common user interface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for encoding a series of still images. The first image is captured and stored, then for each subsequent image of the series, that image is captured and compared to the first image or the previous image and difference information between the first or previous image and each subsequent image of the series is stored, resulting in one output file that contains the base image and difference information for each subsequent image, thereby reducing the amount of storage needed to store a series of images.

Abstract: A system, software and method capable of communicating with a device coupled to the system via a network such that the tuning capabilities of the device can be made available for access and control via the system's program guide through placement of the device's tuning capabilities as a channel selection on the system's program guide.

Abstract: A computer subassembly aspect is disclosed comprising a case defining an interior, a primary circuit board located in the interior of the case, and a BIOS chip socket mounted on the primary circuit board. The case has an opening formed therein that is aligned with a position of the BIOS chip socket on the primary circuit board to permit insertion of a BIOS chip into the BIOS chip socket through the opening. A method of assembling a computer is also disclosed that comprises assembling a subassembly of a laptop computer in a first location, with the subassembly including a BIOS chip socket for receiving a BIOS chip but lacking a BIOS chip, transporting the subassembly from the first location to a second location, and installing a BIOS chip into the BIOS chip socket of the subassembly when the subassembly is in the second location.

Abstract: A powerline network device includes both power suppression and networking functions, and passes through power and data signals. The networking functions can include one or more of hub, router, and/or switch function, and therefore can form a subnet of devices plugged into the outlets of the device.

Abstract: A method, signal, system, software, and user interface for selecting command sequences and saving the sequences as a macro. The invention includes sourcing input devices and graphical user interfaces for both input commands and referencing macro elements. Macro elements consist of macro keys such as hard keys and soft keys. The command sequence may be automatically detected, saved, and evaluated for both economy and threshold.

Abstract: Digitally encoded content (e.g., music) is provided in a protected mode, along with a player that can unlock and/or decode this music on a user's personal computer (PC) for enjoyment only at their PC. Since the music is in a proprietary, protected form, the user cannot download to players for other formats, e.g., MP3 players, nor can a CD be burned for use external to the PC. If the user decides that they like the content and wants to use it on another playback device, e.g., a MP3 player, or copy it onto a CD-R for use in a standard audio player, the user can initiate a transaction for payment through the player. Once the transaction is completed, the player either converts or transforms the content into a format usable by the, e.g., MP3 player, or converts or transforms the content into wave format and writes it to a CD-R.

Abstract: A device retention mechanism suitable for mounting a device in a chassis of an information handling system may include a chassis and a retention member. The chassis is suitable for receiving a device and has a first side and a second side, the first side being generally perpendicular to the second side. The retention member is configured as a cam assembly and is mounted to the first side of the chassis, thereby enabling the retention member to exert a force against a device to secure the device to the chassis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a universal information appliance management system capable of executing transactions, including financial transactions, across a distributed network. The present invention allows content/service providers to control distribution of the content or services they furnish, and provides novel business process features such as automatic micro-billing of events and instances wherein minuscule requests and tasks of very low value may be billed and monies collected where doing so was otherwise impractical. The information appliance management system also provides dynamic support for multiple simultaneous payment algorithms and for easily modifying or updating the payment algorithms as desired.

Abstract: A method is provided for synchronizing the playback of a digital audio broadcast on a plurality of network output devices by inserting an audio waveform sample in an audio stream of the digital audio broadcast. The method includes the steps of outputting a first unique signal as part of an audio signal which has unique identifying characteristics and is regularly occurring, outputting a second unique signal so that the time between the first and second unique signals must be significantly greater than the latency between sending and receiving devices, and coordinating play of audio by an audio waveform sample assuring the simultaneous output of the audio signal from multiple devices. An algorithm in hardware, software, or a combination of the two identifies the audio waveform sample in the audio stream. The digital audio broadcast from multiple receivers does not present to a listener any audible delay or echo effect.

Abstract: An information handling system for utilizing an electronic program guide and a method for generating a future program guide are disclosed. A processor executes a program of instructions for the information handling system, and a memory stores the program of instructions that comprises a program guide for causing the information handling system to obtain current program guide information, to compare the current program guide information to previous program guide information, to thereby generate future programming information, and to generate a future program guide based upon the future programming information. The current program guide information is obtained from a program information source, and the previous program guide information is stored in an information storage medium of the information handling system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for testing the operation of a cooling apparatus of an information handling system. The method may include determining a first rotational speed for operating a fan of the cooling apparatus, with the first rotational speed being less than a maximum rotational speed of the fan. The method includes signaling the fan to rotate at the first rotational speed, and detecting a current rotational speed of the fan. The method includes comparing the detected current rotational speed of the fan to the first rotational speed of the fan, and if the detected current rotational speed is substantially equal to or greater than the first rotational speed of the fan, continuing an initialization process of the information handling system; and if the detected current rotational speed of the fan is less than the first rotational speed, causing further testing of the fan.

Abstract: A public telephone device includes a high speed data connection controller for communicating with an attached peripheral such as a digital camera. The high speed data connection controller is electrically connected to the telephone controller. A high speed data connection hub also provides connectivity to the attached peripheral via a high speed data connection, the high speed data connection hub being electrically connected to the high speed data connection controller. The high speed data connection is accessible through an outer housing of the telephone device such that data is capable of being transferred from the attached peripheral via the high speed data connection hub and the high speed data connection controller over the telephone network.

Abstract: A system for facilitating transport of a computer and monitor as a unit is disclosed, and comprises a computer case having an exterior, a support located on the computer case for supporting the monitor on the computer case, and a binder for removably binding the monitor to the computer case when the monitor is positioned on the support. The system may also include a handle located on the exterior of the computer case for being gripped by a hand of a user.

Abstract: A portable computer system with a battery and a processor, a memory, a display and storage device; all powered by the battery which includes a power management circuit configured to control the operation of the processor and memory in order to vary an amount of power consumed. The power management circuit is configured to accept a requested operating time and is configured to signal the power management circuit to modify the operation of the processor, memory, storage device and display so that the portable computer system can operate from the battery for said requested operating time.