Abstract: A modified Series A universal serial bus (USB) receptacle connector is equipped with the functionality to allow the electronic system in which it resides to be configured either as a host device or a peripheral device. The modified USB Series A receptacle connector, according to one embodiment of the invention may include a mechanism such as an additional pin or a mechanical switch to detect the presence of a standard USB Series A plug being inserted into it. Upon detection of a plug, an algorithm may allow the system to determine whether it is to act as a host device or a peripheral device and to determine which device supplies power.

Abstract: Solar power tracking techniques are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, a solar power tracking apparatus includes, but is not limited to, a voltage converter and a controller coupled to the voltage converter. The voltage converter includes an input capable of being coupled to a solar power source and an output capable of being coupled to an electronic load, such as, for example, a portable electronic device. The voltage converter is configured to monitor or detect an amount of power drawn by the electronic load at the output of the voltage converter. In response to the monitored power drawn, the controller is configured to control the voltage converter to reduce amount of power to be drawn subsequently if the monitored amount of power exceeds a predetermined threshold. As a result, the output voltage from the solar power source is maintained within a predetermined range. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Wireless electronic devices such as cellular telephones may communicate with computing equipment such as servers over a network. Voice telephone calls may be routed over voice links in a voice network and data may be conveyed over data links in a data network. The voice network may be formed using the public switched telephone network. The data network may be formed using the Internet. Cellular base stations may form wireless links with the wireless devices. A server may store information on the current internet protocol address of a wireless device user. The user may place a voice telephone call to an organization. In response to receiving the voice telephone call, a server may automatically transmit information such as web pages or other data that includes interactive on-screen options to the wireless device using the current internet protocol address of the device.

Abstract: A modified Series A universal serial bus (USB) receptacle connector is equipped with the functionality to allow the electronic system in which it resides to be configured either as a host device or a peripheral device. The modified USB Series A receptacle connector, according to one embodiment of the invention may include a mechanism such as an additional pin or a mechanical switch to detect the presence of a standard USB Series A plug being inserted into it. Upon detection of a plug, an algorithm may allow the system to determine whether it is to act as a host device or a peripheral device and to determine which device supplies power.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for a distributed data environment in which data can be seamlessly accessed from remote computing devices are disclosed. For a given user having multiple computing devices, a personal distributed data bank can be formed from data storage capacities resident at the multiple computing device. The given user can access data on any of the multiple computing devices without knowing on which of the multiple computing devices the data resides. In one embodiment, an index for the user's data within the personal distributed data bank can be provided to facilitate searching, browsing and accessing of user data by the given user.

Abstract: A modified Series A universal serial bus (USB) receptacle connector is equipped with the functionality to allow the electronic system in which it resides to be configured either as a host device or a peripheral device. The modified USB Series A receptacle connector, according to one embodiment of the invention may include a mechanism such as an additional pin or a mechanical switch to detect the presence of a standard USB Series A plug being inserted into it. Upon detection of a plug, an algorithm may allow the system to determine whether it is to act as a host device or a peripheral device and to determine which device supplies power.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for operating a portable device based on an accelerometer are described. According to one embodiment of the invention, it is determined whether a portable device is moving using an accelerometer. It is determined a moving pattern of the portable device based on movement data provided by the accelerometer. A media content is selected based on the moving pattern of the portable device. The selected media content is played via the portable device. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for operating a portable device based on an accelerometer are described. According to one embodiment of the invention, a movement of a portable device is detected using an accelerometer attached to the portable device. An orientation of the portable device after the movement is determined based on movement data provided by the accelerometer. It is determined whether the portable device is held by a user after the movement based on the movement data provided by the accelerometer. Locations of the hands of the user for holding the portable device are determined based on the orientation of the portable device. At least one interface that is not within the predicted locations of the hands of the user is activated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for operating a portable device based on an accelerometer are described. According to one embodiment of the invention, an accelerometer attached to a portable device detects a movement of the portable device. In response, a machine executable code is executed within the portable device to perform one or more predetermined user configurable operations. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Computer systems and methods may provide a projection display as a primary visual output. In particular, a computer system may include an integrated projector output. Such a computer system may be substantially or even entirely externally wire-free. Methods of image processing may involve a computer system with an integrated projector output. Such methods may involve using raw presentation data for image processing, including adjustment and/or correction for brightness, color and/or geometry artifacts generated from aspects of the projection surface (such as geometry, texture, color or the like), the surroundings (such as ambient light), the relation of the computer system (or integrated projector output) to the projection surface (such as distance, orientation or the like), and/or the relation of a user/viewer to the projection surface (such as viewing angle, distance or the like).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for operating a portable device based on an accelerometer are described. According to one embodiment of the invention, an accelerometer attached to a portable device detects a movement of the portable device. In response, a machine executable code is executed within the portable device to perform one or more predetermined user configurable operations. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: A method for depth sensing keystoning. The method of depth sensing keystoning may include an optical system and electrical devices. The method of depth sensing keystoning may correct for image distortion using depth measurements.

Abstract: A modified Series A universal serial bus (USB) receptacle connector is equipped with the functionality to allow the electronic system in which it resides to be configured either as a host device or a peripheral device. The modified USB Series A receptacle connector, according to one embodiment of the invention may include a mechanism such as an additional pin or a mechanical switch to detect the presence of a standard USB Series A plug being inserted into it. Upon detection of a plug, an algorithm may allow the system to determine whether it is to act as a host device or a peripheral device and to determine which device supplies power.

Abstract: A modified Series A universal serial bus (USB) receptacle connector is equipped with the functionality to allow the electronic system in which it resides to be configured either as a host device or a peripheral device. The modified USB Series A receptacle connector, according to one embodiment of the invention may include a mechanism such as an additional pin or a mechanical switch to detect the presence of a standard USB Series A plug being inserted into it. Upon detection of a plug, an algorithm may allow the system to determine whether it is to act as a host device or a peripheral device and to determine which device supplies power.

Abstract: A control device for controlling operation of a controlled apparatus is disclosed. The control device may include a sensor configured to acquire a first biometric signal, a second biometric signal, and a third biometric signal. A difference between the first biometric signal and the second biometric signal may be utilized to determine movement of a controlled object. The controlled object may pertain to the operation of the controlled apparatus. At least one of the first biometric signal, the second biometric signal, and the third biometric signal may be utilized to initiate performance of a first function of the controlled apparatus. Further, one or more of the first biometric signal, the second biometric signal, and the third biometric signal may be utilized to determine an identification of a user.

Abstract: Solar cells are integrated into a portable device. Multiple cells are arranged on the surface of the device such that a number of solar cells may always be functional and produce a desired voltage even if the rest is obstructed. Information regarding solar cells' functions or performances can be displayed either on the device's main display or on top of the solar cells. Solar cells are typically stacked with other layers made of transparent or semi-transparent materials. These layers are glued with shock absorbent materials. Some of these layers may be used for display or input purposes, and some layers may be coated with various materials or they may be etched with product logos or other patterns. This stack of layers may be attached to the device's frame through a shock absorber.

Abstract: Solar power tracking techniques are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, a solar power tracking apparatus includes, but is not limited to, a voltage converter and a controller coupled to the voltage converter. The voltage converter includes an input capable of being coupled to a solar power source and an output capable of being coupled to an electronic load, such as, for example, a portable electronic device. The voltage converter is configured to monitor or detect an amount of power drawn by the electronic load at the output of the voltage converter. In response to the monitored power drawn, the controller is configured to control the voltage converter to reduce amount of power to be drawn subsequently if the monitored amount of power exceeds a predetermined threshold. As a result, the output voltage from the solar power source is maintained within a predetermined range. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: An integrated connector in accordance with the present invention is disclosed which can be connected to two separate data and power plugs or to one integrated data and power plug. Although the connector visually appears to the end user as two distinct ports (data and DC power), it is a single, unified connector from the system's perspective. This design facilitates precise mechanical alignment when a single integrated plug, with both data and DC power, is interfaced with the connector. However, since the single integrated connector presents two ports to the user, it also allows the individual interfaces to be utilized with their own respective plug.

Abstract: A temperature sensing apparatus (10) and associated method (60) wherein a temperature sensor (22) or a plurality of temperature sensors (22) is placed in or in near proximity to a liquid crystal display module (12) of a computer system (11, 11a, 11b). The temperature sensor(s) (22) are placed on, or in near proximity to the liquid crystal display module (12) at positions determined according to the requirements of a particular application. Temperature of the liquid crystal display module (12) is communicated digitally to an associated computer (14) by, for example, a bus such as an inter-integrated circuit interface bus (26). When the temperature exceeds a predetermined limit, remedial action, such as increasing fan speed, reducing speed and or power consumption of other components, or the like, is taken to reduce the temperature.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for operating a portable device based on an accelerometer are described. According to one embodiment of the invention, an accelerometer attached to a portable device detects a movement of the portable device. In response, a machine executable code is executed within the portable device to perform one or more predetermined user configurable operations. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.