Abstract: An alignment device eases installation of computer assemblies, such as drives, into a corresponding chassis. The alignment device includes one or more planar areas located and oriented so as to be substantially alignable with one or more computer assemblies to be mounted to the chassis. The computer assembly has a user-visible surface which is moved until it is co-planar with a corresponding planar area of the alignment device. When positioned in this co-planar configuration, the computer assembly is correctly positioned relative to the chassis to be mounted thereto. The alignment device can be located on the computer chassis between mounting locations for two computer assemblies, such as a 5¼-inch drive and a 3½-inch drive and, in such application, can be provided with two planar areas at two different heights, one corresponding to the alignment position for one of the computer assemblies, the other corresponding to the alignment position for the other of the computer assemblies.

Abstract: A robust intuitive latching mechanism for securing an access panel to a chassis of an electronic device comprises a hook engagement member for engaging a hook coupled to the chassis to secure the access panel to the chassis. A spring member couples the hook engagement member to the access panel. The spring member is capable of flexing between a first position wherein the hook engagement member is engaged with the hook and a second position wherein the hook engagement member is disengaged from the hook. A handle assembly is mounted to at least one of the hook engagement member and the spring member for flexing the spring member. The handle assembly is actuated for flexing the spring member from the first position to the second position for disengaging the hook engagement member from the hook to allow the access panel to be removed from the chassis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing a device with protection from a weather event. A method for providing a device with protection from weather events may include receiving a notification of a weather event. At least one weather characteristic of the weather event is determined and whether at least one device of a plurality of devices is ascertained as susceptible to the determined weather characteristic. Protective action is taken to protect the at least one device susceptible to the determined weather characteristic from the notified weather event.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a local network comprising a plurality of interconnected computing devices that dynamically assigns a new Internet gateway server for the local network when the currently assigned Internet gateway is not connected to the local network and the Internet. Each one of the computing devices capable of connecting to the Internet is given a different connection priority, which indicates the desirability of assigning the respective computing device as the Internet gateway server. When a computing device in the local network is unable to access the Internet through the currently assigned Internet gateway server, the computing device broadcasts a message to the entire local network requesting to become the new Internet gateway server. The request to become the gateway includes the connection priority of the computing device.

Abstract: An optical media drive contains light reflective surfaces positioned about a transparent center portion of the optical media. The light reflective surfaces reflect laser light from a laser unit of the drive which is directed toward the transparent center portions of the optical media. Defects such as cracks in the optical media disturb the reflection. The disturbance is detected by a laser lens and represented by a signal corresponding to the size of the defect. Information about the cracks is used to determine a safe spin rate for the optical media.

Abstract: A disk drive system includes a control bus, a processor and a controller attached to the control bus. An error table and an audio signal table are in communication with the controller and processor. An audio output device is attached to the bus of the disk drive. The audio signal table outputs information to the audio output device to produce an audible output in response to the controller detecting a particular error in the error table. The audio output can be digital and may be directed to an interface with a computer system such as a SPDIF output. The audio output can also be converted to an analog signal and directed to a component on the motherboard of a computer system. The disk drive system can also include a software instruction set for changing the error status of an error message to the status associated with a compact disk.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and signal-bearing medium for determining that a tablet electronic device is docked to a docking station. Upon detection, a scratchpad application is started. When a telephone call occurs, a telephone message pad application is started. In this way, an application is automatically selected for the tablet electronic device.

Abstract: A pointing device of a computer having absolute and relative positioning capability is disclosed. In a mouse pointing device embodiment, the mouse is movable over a mouse pad having a surface having a plurality of uniquely coded positions. The mouse includes a mechanism to detect the position over which it has been moved, and conveys this information to the computer to which it is coupled. Specifically, the surface having a plurality of uniquely coded positions in one embodiment is a two-color gradient in which each color goes from maximum to minimum intensity level over an axis perpendicular to that of the other. The mechanism includes sensors to detect the intensity levels of the colors. In another embodiment, a joystick pointing device having absolute and relative positioning capability is disclosed.

Abstract: A modular information handling system includes an upper chassis having a display and a power supply, and a lower chassis having a motherboard, memory, a processor, and a number of drive bays. The upper and lower chassis are interdependent, neither capable of functioning without the other. The upper and lower chassis are separately manufacturable, separately serviceable, and separately shippable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a quicker boot for computer systems is provided. The hibernation state file content of a similar computer system is captured and sent to a unit being manufactured. As a result, the unit being manufactured may operate according to the hibernation state. When the unit is operating in such a fashion, the time required for a reboot is reduced which may provide for more efficient software installation for build to order computer systems.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which meaningful or semantic portions of displayed visual information, are modified in order to improve their visual perception by a user. In some embodiments, the meaningful portion is limited to a word, a plurality of words, a phrase, a sentence, or a paragraph of text of the information. In some embodiments, the meaningful portion is predefined. In some embodiments, the meaningful portion is dynamically modified based on context of the text, and/or prior use. In some embodiments, the modification includes modifying an attribute of the text, such as size, color, and/or font.

Abstract: An integrated circuit having at least one micromechanical element thereon is described comprising a support substrate, a sensor element electrically connected to a logic circuit, and the logic circuit electrically connected to a semiconductor visual display element. The integrated circuit may be manufactured by a process which comprises providing a support substrate, forming at least two elements selected from a first group consisting of a micromechanical sensor element, a logic circuit and a semiconductor visual display element on said support, and manufacturing at third element on said support substrate, said third element selected from a second group consisting of a micromechanical sensor element, logic circuit and a semiconductor display element, which was not selected from the first group. In one embodiment of the process of manufacture, all three of at least three elements are constructed on the support itself, preferably by a microlithographic process.

Abstract: Many home entertainment systems include a video cassette recorder or other recording device that has an automatic recording feature. The automatic recording feature, which automatically starts a scheduled recording without user intervention, may start recording without enough recording tape to complete the scheduled recording or may inadvertently over-record a one-of-a-kind recording of a birth, marriage, or graduation. Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention includes a receiver for receiving a channel signal which carries a plurality of programs; a recording device for recording one of the programs; and an output device for outputting a reminder signal before the recording device begins recording the one program. In preferred embodiments, the output device includes a reminder database for storing a remind time that determines when the reminder signal is output, and the reminder signal provides a message concerning recording media.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing a data backup to an information handling system using software updates. The information handling system has one or more applications included thereon and is capable of being communicatively coupled to a remote server through a network connection. A data package is created based upon configuration data and application data stored on the server. The configuration data includes data previously obtained from the information handling system, such as settings and user data. The application data includes data corresponding to the applications included on the information handling system. The data package is formatted into a software update format and transmitted over the network connection to the information handling system. The data package is suitable for restoring the information handling system after failure, and may be utilized by the information handling system as a software update to restore itself.

Abstract: An attenuator for fiber optic cable has a device for receiving a length of the cable. A series of attenuation structures is defined on the device, the attenuation structures being located proximate to each other. Each of the attenuation structures is adapted to bend the cable through a corresponding arc to alter the path of the fiber optic cable so that a signal traveling through the fiber optic cable is attenuated. Additionally, the attenuation structures are individually accessible to select a desired amount of attenuation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for classification of media content based upon user-defined classifications. A compilation of media content in conformity with the user-defined classifications and desired criteria may be automatically produced in accordance with the present invention. The system and method of the present invention may also be capable of selecting pieces of media content depending upon the user's mood and current activity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing securing/unsecuring of an access panel from a generally opposing side of a chassis. The apparatus includes a latch for securing the panel disposed on a side of the chassis. A locking mechanism extends from the latch to a side opposite the latch. The locking mechanism provides a locking bar which may be manipulated to either positively secure the panel, via a screw or lock, or release the panel from the side opposite the latch.

Abstract: A device mounting and retention mechanism is disclosed, comprising a guide disposed on a device so that the guide is capable of slidably moving along a guide channel so that a retention mechanism may engage the guide thereby providing a restraining force and ground for the device. A device retention assembly is also disclosed, comprising a guide mounted on a device so that the guide is capable of slidably moving along a guide channel disposed on a housing so that the retention mechanism is capable of flexibly engaging the guide, thereby providing a restraining force. A device mounting assembly is also disclosed, comprising a first guide mounted on a device and a second guide mounted on a device wherein a guide channel is formed so as to selectively accept the first guide and exclude the second guide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a universal information appliance management system capable of executing transactions, including financial transactions, across a distributed network. Additionally, the present invention provides central authentication of objects of the system such that one object may verify the validity of any other object.

Abstract: A drive is capable of printing a label on a unit of optical media. The drive includes a first head optically communicating with the media on a first side and a second label printing head for applying a visual label associated with the unit of optical media on a second side while the media is in an operational position. The first head includes an optical read-only head or read-write head. The second label printing head includes a fixed or movable print head, thermal, ink jet, or laser print head. The second head can communicate through electrical contacts or a wireless interface with a circular film having addressable elements capable of being addressed and providing a visual display via liquid crystal elements.