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: 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: 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 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 method, system, and computer program enabling a client device to transfer a network configuration from a broadband modem to a residential gateway in a simple, user friendly process. This provides a simple installation procedure for a user. A different network switch such as a router, bridge, or brouter may be used instead of a residential gateway. The method may be implemented through a single command or single small set of user commands, such as through a pull down menu or an icon on the graphical user interface.

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.

Abstract: A convergence system suitable for accepting inputs from several television or personal computing sources is disclosed. The sources can be output on a display. The convergence system is controlled by a multi-function controller suitable for providing a set of function commands. A processor is coupled to the inputs, display and operably coupled to the controller wherein the processor responds to the function commands provided by the controller. The processor also creates for output on the display a set of channel banners. At least one of the channel banners provides information on available processor functions and provides video feed-back when the processor is responding to the function commands.

Abstract: The phone number or other identifying information of an incoming phone call or other network communication is optionally stored, and a call-back is optionally scheduled. The user is prompted whether to schedule a call back, and if so, a call-back sequence is initiated at an appropriate time. When a call-back sequence is initiated, the scheduled call-back number or address may be automatically dialed, or alternatively the user selects whether to go forward with the call-back routine, at which time the call-back continues if the user selects an affirmative response. As an option, the user can delay the call-back to a predetermined time in the future, or the call-back can be rescheduled or canceled. Associated notes or other text can be saved in a calendar along with the scheduled call-back event to remind the user the reason and subject matter of the call back. The invention provides integrated communications and calendaring features.

Abstract: A system that includes an electronic device (such as a portable computer), a writing instrument, and a receptacle located on the device for removably receiving the writing instrument. The receptacle includes an opening on the device and a channel in communication with the opening and extending inwardly with respect to the device. The system further includes an adapter structure configured to change an effective width of the channel between at least two widths to thereby hold writing instruments of different widths in the receptacle.

Abstract: A display and scanning assembly is disclosed wherein light reflected from or transmitted through an image being scanned is transmitted to an optical sensor through an optical shutter assembly via a light guide assembly. The optical shutter assembly is made substantially opaque except for one or more selected optical shutter elements that are made substantially transparent or opened. Light is then reflected from or transmitted through the medium containing the image to be scanned through substantially transparent shutter element or elements and transmitted to the optical sensor via a light guide assembly. The image may then be scanned by advancing selection of shutter element or elements that are opened across the medium.

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: A traffic control system and method, for expediting traffic flow across international border crossings, includes a traffic control center and a virtual traffic lane. The traffic control center is spaced apart from the border crossing, and monitors traffic flow through a border zone. The traffic control center receives border-bound traffic, or electronic information from such traffic, and evaluates it to determine a vehicle's preparedness level. The traffic control center includes facilities for temporarily holding vehicles, and assists vehicles preparing to cross the border. The virtual traffic lane is a preferred route between the traffic control center and the border crossing, and is changeable depending upon traffic conditions. The virtual traffic lane is selected from a number of available monitored routes. The traffic control center monitors traffic conditions in the border zone, and determines which preferred travel route is most appropriate for selection as the virtual lane at any given time.

Abstract: A method is provided for manually synchronizing the playback of a digital audio broadcast on a plurality of network output devices. The method is applicable for use with methods such as those that use a time code, insert a control track pulse, or use an audio waveform sample for synchronization. The manual adjustment method relies on a graphical user interface for adjustment and audible pulses from the devices which are to be synchronized. The digital audio broadcast from multiple receivers does not present to a listener any audible delay or echo effect.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting a connection associated with a display and a system having a first and second video output port. Data channel information associated with the first video output port and the second video output port are read using DDC instructions and the absence of a connection between the display and the first video output port is detected. Information associated with the absence of the connection is transferred to the display which is connected to the second video output port such that the transferred information associated with the absence of the connection can be displayed to a user in the form of an error message.

Abstract: A user interface and software for enabling or performing functions on programs contained within program scheduling information. The user selects a program from the program scheduling information, and the system determines if a function can be enabled for the selected program by determining the differences between the recurring periods of the selected program and the function.

Abstract: A method is provided for synchronizing the playback of a digital audio broadcast on a plurality of network output devices using a microphone near a source, embedded control codes, and the audio patterns from the network output devices. An optional, additional manual adjustment method relies on a graphical user interface for adjustment and audible pulses from the devices which are to be synchronized. Synchronization of the audio is accomplished with clock synchronization of the network output devices. The digital audio broadcast from multiple receivers does not present to a listener any audible delay or echo effect.

Abstract: A computer has at least one input device. The input device includes at least one RF transponder that is configured as part of an RFID device, the at least one RF transponder being controllable by a user to be selectively capable or incapable of transmitting a signal. The computer also includes a computing arrangement including a reader and a microprocessor, the computing arrangement being adapted to receive and decode the signal from the at least one RF transponder.

Abstract: A method of restoring a computer system to a state it was in when it left the factory starts with receiving a request for a new disk drive for the system. An extended parts list for the computer system is retrieved from a database or other data repository and written on the new disk drive. Software to restore the system, including operating system software and application software is also provided on the new disk drive. When the new disk drive is installed, the restoration software uses the extended parts list to select operating system software and application software to restore the computer and reboot the computer with the restored software.