Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (100 or 200) for aligning a programmable clock or strobe. The system (100 or 200) comprises a first programmable delay unit (1a) for receiving the programmable clock or strobe, characterized by a second programmable delay unit (1b) connected in parallel to the first programmable delay unit (1a) for receiving the programmable clock or strobe, a switch (2) for switching one of the two programmable delay units (1a or 1b) to service the programmable clock or strobe so as to allow the other programmable delay unit (1a or 1b) to adjust the other programmable clock or strobe, and a control logic component (3) for handling the switching of the switch (2), in which the switch (2) swaps in the adjusted programmable clock or strobe to service a downstream clocktree or strobe path after the programmable clock or strobe is adjusted. The present invention also relates to a method for aligning a programmable clock or strobe.

Abstract: An optical encoder utilizes a photodetector array having at least two photodetectors with different surface areas that generate different amounts of photocurrent when they are simultaneously lit by an LED. Because the photodetectors generate different amounts of photocurrent when simultaneously lit, the photodetectors produce unambiguous results that can be used to index a coding element such as a codewheel. Another optical encoder utilizes one index photodetector that is aligned with an index track and another index photodetector that is aligned with a position track of a coding element to index the coding element.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method, device, and system for the automated determination of output media characteristics, and for the further automatic adjustment of an application to most efficiently use the determined output media type.

Abstract: A print mechanism and method for printing are disclosed. The print mechanism includes a print head assembly, an actuator for moving the same, and a controller. The print head assembly includes a position detector and a marking device. The position detector includes an imaging device for periodically forming an image of a portion of a print medium. The actuator moves the print head assembly relative to the print medium in a predetermined direction. The controller compares first and second images formed by the imaging device at first and second times, respectively, while the print head assembly moves relative to the print medium and determines a displacement of the print head assembly between the first and second times from the images. The controller causes the marking device to mark the print medium at locations determined by the determined displacement.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for selectively providing telephone service that is either PSTN-based on Internet-based using a standard analog telephone circuit. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hardware module and associated software for coupling a personal computer or Internet appliance and a standard analog telephone. The apparatus includes a DTMF interface circuit, a subscriber line interface circuit, a ring detection circuit, and an interface circuit for interfacing with the PC or Internet appliance. The apparatus permits the analog telephone to be toggled between an Internet-based telephone mode and a PSTN-network mode by inputting a predetermined sequence of DTMF digits. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus comprises a processor, modem and optionally, analog telephone circuit, to provide a stand-alone or partially-integrated device capable of selectively switching between PSTN-based and Internet-based telephony services.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for selectively providing telephone service that is either PSTN-based or Internet-based using a standard analog telephone circuit. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hardware module and associated software for coupling a personal computer or Internet appliance and a standard analog telephone. The apparatus includes a DTMF interface circuit, a subscriber line interface circuit, a ring detection circuit, and an interface circuit for interfacing with the PC or Internet appliance. The apparatus permits the analog telephone to be toggled between an Internet-based telephone mode and a PSTN-network mode by inputting a predetermined sequence of DTMF digits. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus comprises a processor, modem and optionally, analog telephone circuit, to provide a stand-alone or partially-integrated device capable of selectively switching between PSTN-based and Internet-based telephony services.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for selectively providing telephone service that is either PSTN-based on Internet-based using a standard analog telephone circuit. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hardware module and associated software for coupling a personal computer or Internet appliance and a standard analog telephone. The apparatus includes a DTMF interface circuit, a subscriber line interface circuit, a ring detection circuit, and an interface circuit for interfacing with the PC or Internet appliance. The apparatus permits the analog telephone to be toggled between an Internet-based telephone mode and a PSTN-network mode by inputting a predetermined sequence of DTMF digits. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus comprises a processor, modem and optionally, analog telephone circuit, to provide a stand-alone or partially-integrated device capable of selectively switching between PSTN-based and Internet-based telephony services.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamically selecting a computer on a local area network to become a server providing shared access to a wide area network, such as the Internet, to all of the computers on the local area network is disclosed. A server may be selected from among any of the computers on the local area network that is currently available (i.e. powered on), and capable of establishing a connection to the wide area network. If the current server shuts down, a new server may be selected and started with only minimal impact on the other computers on the local area network, which are automatically reconfigured to use the new server to route network traffic to the wide area network.