Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing user dynamically definable centralized notification between portable devices. A system for providing centralized notification of receipt of data over networks may include a plurality of electronic devices suitable for communicating data directly between the plurality of portable devices utilizing a first network connection. At least one of the plurality of electronic devices is suitable for communicating over additional network connections for receiving data. In which, a device of the plurality of devices is specified to receive notifications over the first network connection of data received by the at least one of the plurality of portable electronic devices, so that notifications indicating data received by the plurality of portable electronic devices are sent to the specified portable electronic device.

Abstract: A computerized system for integrating internet sources and television sources in a convergence system is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the system integrates both television channels and internet channels in a single list of channels available on the system. The lists of channels are stored in an electronic program database. The system solves the problem of managing multiple channels from multiple sources by seamlessly integrating channels from the television with channels from the internet in a single channel list.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a circuit board within a computer chassis is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a standoff support mounted in a channel so that the standoff can be positioned along the length of the channel by moving or sliding the standoff within the channel. This movable standoff facilitates the mounting of a variety of circuit boards within the same computer chassis.

Abstract: Multiple audio digital to analog converters (DACs) are provided to convert multiple digital audio streams to analog audio signals concurrently in a personal computer. Different digital audio streams are routed to each DAC and audio output device depending on priority, desired quality and the source of the audio stream.

Abstract: A surge suppressor includes a high-pass filter configured to pass signals in the range suitable for use in a powerline network.

Abstract: A data storage device activity state is sampled and used to control a remote data storage device activity indicator. A disk drive activity signal is sampled by hardware either based on an edge transition of the activity signal, or on a periodic basis. If the state of the activity signal changes, state change data is sent via a controller to a keyboard. A disk drive status light on the keyboard is controlled by the change data. The controller is a USB host controller that sends the state change data to a USB function that controls the status light.

Abstract: A multiaxial hinge assembly that enables rotation about a first axis between a clockwise limit and a counterclockwise limit and also enables rotation about a second axis that is orthogonal to the first includes a rotational direction indicator to provide an indication of a direction of rotation about the first axis to reduce the likelihood of rotation against the clockwise or counterclockwise limits and possible damage to the hinge assembly, or connected apparatus, or both. In one example, the multiaxial hinge assembly may be used for mounting the display of a hybrid notebook/tablet PC to provide an indication to a user of the direction in which the display may be counter-rotated when the hinge is positioned at either the clockwise or counterclockwise limits.

Abstract: A method and system divides a media space, such as found in a hard drive or other mass storage device, into a portion directly accessible by all software and a portion inaccessible by all software except host Basic Input Output System (BIOS) code. A special procedure to access media space may include a special instruction or instruction set with or without a password to allow hard drive support for READ ONLY partitions, READ ONLY CD-ROM emulation, and other READ ONLY hard drive access requirements. The special procedure may user an expanded ATA command set, an expanded BIOS command set with System Management Mode, or code to temporarily unprotect at least a portion of the portion normally inaccessible by the software other than host BIOS code.

Abstract: A powerline networking adapter attaches to a power brick and includes a network data connection and two AC power connections. In another embodiment, a hybrid power brick includes both AC-DC power conversion elements and powerline networking adapter circuits in the brick.

Abstract: A method, system and software for broadcasting, receiving, providing and/or configuring an electronic program guide (EPG). A broadcast station broadcasts a template to a system where program information is inserted into the broadcasted template, thereby creating a station specific EPG. The template accesses program information, service information, event information, user interface information, etc., for configuration and presentation of the EPG to the user. User interface assets and other associated information such as program information, tuning information, etc., may be accessed through a local data base or even through a broadcast signal containing the desired information. Event handling instructions are provided for selecting programs and events and accessing service information, tuning information, etc., for selected programs and events. Additionally, application program interfaces are accessible for execution, tuning, program, and scheduling information, etc.

Abstract: A user interface, system, method and software for displaying a simulated three-dimensional display of menu options to a user, thereby maximizing use of a display's real estate by presenting all available options at once while at the same time presenting certain options in a more pronounced manner. The system monitors for running applications, polls the running applications for any available options, and displays the options in the simulated three-dimensional format. With this type of dynamic menu, standard means for bringing focus to a selectable target create complexities, and are thus avoided by designing the system's cursor to duplicate the appearance of the selected target's shape, preferably in a smaller size.

Abstract: A controller capable of being located in a peripheral device or host, is capable of engaging in data communications with a host or peripheral device over a power line. A power line interface provides a first data communications interface over the power line. An interface controller connects peripheral device and host using the first and a second data communications interface having a protocol. A power supply supplies power associated with the second interface. The controller appears to the peripheral device as the host or as the host to the peripheral. In accordance with the protocol the power supply supplies power such that the interface is fully compliant with the protocol.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling access to information based on content of the information and user identity. The apparatus includes a video display that displays the information to be viewable by one or more users. A user-recognition input device determines that an additional user is newly present in a given area having access to the display. A blocking device coupled to the user-recognition input device selectively blocks display of the information based on whether the additional user is newly present. In one embodiment, the user-recognition input device includes a video input device, and a feature recognition device operable to distinguish between two or more users based on one or more video features of the users. In another embodiment, the user-recognition input device includes an audio input device, and an audio feature recognition device operable to distinguish when an additional user arrives.

Abstract: This invention describes a method and apparatus to determine a safe rotational speed for a CD/DVD drive by detecting the amount of vibration of the disk by measuring the operating conditions of the spindle motor. A disk drive includes a motor for rotating the disk and an apparatus for monitoring the current or back emf in the windings of the motor. When the current or the back emf varies from a normal level, the disk is vibrating and a signal indicating a vibration condition is sent to the spindle motor driver. The maximum speed that the disk rotated is slowed until a vibrating condition is no longer detected and the rotational speed associated with a particular disk is based dynamically on the amount of vibration detected. Disks may also be identified that cannot spin a minimum rate of speed.

Abstract: Personal information is transferred between an old appliance and a new appliance by use of communication capabilities of the appliances. A transfer facility on the old appliance is used to select the information to transfer. A receive facility on the new appliance is provided to verify the information prior to finalizing the transfer. The personal information is translated by either facility as desired, and the information is optionally encrypted, compressed and verified. The facilities are downloaded from a network and are modified based on characteristics of the appliances exchanging personal information. The personal information includes preferences for operation of the appliance. Telephony and wireless communication methods such as cellular are employed for the exchange in various embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable user interface. A method of configuring a user interface of an information handling system based on utilization of ports included with the information handling system may include monitoring a plurality of ports included on the information handling system. Utilization by a device of a port of the plurality of ports is monitored, the device communicatively coupled to at least one port of the plurality of ports. A user-interface operating on the information handling system is configured based on the determined utilization by the device of the port of the plurality of ports.

Abstract: Foldout tabs for assisting with the removal of contents from a carton. When extended, the foldout tabs provide a leverage point on which a user may place one or both feet so that while pulling the contents from within the carton, the carton does not exhibit its normal tendency to follow the contents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for securing an electronic component in a chassis. The apparatus includes a frame including a pair of spaced apart brackets for accepting a component therein. A securing device is mounted to at least one of the frame and a cover for providing access to the internal components. Suitable securing devices include a biased pin, and a generally arcuate lever including a pin or protrusion extending therefrom. The securing device and cover are arranged and configured such that the securing device engages an accepted component when the cover is secured to the frame and the device is released from the component when the cover is opened, therefore facilitating manufacture and repair.

Abstract: A system and a method generate a device user interface executable by an information handling system. A device database includes a list of devices for which user interface components are available to implement functions for controlling the devices, and a resource database includes the user interface components. The device to be controlled by the user interface is identified and compared to a database of devices for which user interface resource components are available. A user interface generator determines whether the device is included in the device database and retrieves the user interface components from the resource database. A layout manager assembles the user interface components into a user interface. If the device is not listed, generic device user interface components are retrieved, otherwise device specific user interface components are retrieved, and assembled into a layout matrix. The user interface is created from the layout matrix.

Abstract: The present invention assigns appropriate IP addresses to hosts in a local network depending upon the desired features for each host. A list of hosts in the network along with features available for each host may be generated, for example, by a graphical user interface displayed to a user. The user may select a desired feature for a specific host in the network. The selected feature may be analyzed to determine if it requires a static IP address for the host, and if required, a static IP address may be assigned to the host. If the specified feature requiring the static IP address is subsequently disabled, the static IP address may be returned to a pool of available IP addresses, and a dynamic IP address may be assigned to the host. The IP addresses are preferably assigned to the host in accordance with the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.