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 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 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 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 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 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.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for preventing battery rundown. The system includes an output device for presenting a media data stream, a communication port for linking to the output device, and a controller coupled to the port. The controller is programmed to detect the existence or absence of a link between the output device and the port, pause output of the media data stream if no link is detected within a first time period, and shut down operation of an electronic device after a second time period of longer duration than the first, if no communication link is detected.

Abstract: A cellular telephone having a transceiver for making cellular telephone calls is equipped with a second transceiver for establishing communication with other devices having similar capabilities. The cellular telephone uses the second transceiver to establish a local voice channel with another communication device, and combines it with a cellular call to create a multiparty conference call. A mixer mixes voice from the call and local voice channel. The second transceiver implements a local area wireless protocol.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for determining the software load process. In an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a method for determining computer system software load process may start with loading computer system software on a computer. Then a marker file may be provided in the loaded computer system software. The marker file may indicate whether the loaded computer system software was loaded in a computer manufacturer's factory, loaded by a system restoration CD (SRCD), or loaded by downloading an image. When a program running on the computer abnormally terminates and the computer is able to send the marker file to a central authority, the marker file may be sent to the central authority by the computer. When a program running on the computer abnormally terminates and the computer is not able to send the marker file to a central authority, the marker file may be sent to the central authority by the computer after the computer reboots.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus for defining and redefining adynamic 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 method, apparatus, and signal-bearing medium that presents a station list of sources of audio in a user interface from which the user may select. The station list may include attributes of the audio, such as a channel and description. The station list may be kept on a per-user basis, so that all users may have their own list. Further, the users may access and select audio to be played from their station list anywhere in a network, regardless of where the list was created.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for furnishing a user with notification of events occurring within an computer-based information handling system, convergence system, or the like is disclosed. Multiple software applications executing within the system are monitored for the occurrence of selected events, whereupon a notification of the event may be generated and displayed to the user via a single integrated user interface. The user may take action on the event by selecting the displayed notification whereupon the system communicates the desired action to the application for execution.

Abstract: A PXE boot extension is requested from a PXE boot extension server from a computer. A BIOS identifier corresponding to a desired PXE boot extension is stored on the computer, and is provided to a PXE boot extension server. The PXE boot extension server determines from the BIOS identifier which of a plurality of PXE boot extensions to provide to the computer, and provides the determined PXE boot extension to the computer.