Abstract: A multi-port data storage device that can be used simultaneously by both a direct-attached device and a network-attached device, comprising a hard disk drive (HDD), a DAS port, an NAS port, and a controller for controlling access to the HDD by the DAS port and the NAS port.

Abstract: A direct attached storage (DAS) system configurable to simultaneously implement a plurality of data storage schemes, comprising one or more storage devices, a controller coupled to the storage devices for implementing and managing a plurality of data storage schemes on the storage devices, an I/O port for inputting data to and outputting data from the storage devices, and an apportionment selector coupled to the controller for selecting a portion of the storage devices to be allocated to a determined data storage scheme.

Abstract: One embodiment of a system for rendering media files comprises a computer configured to determine media file formats that are used by media rendering devices connected to a network and to determine media files available on the network. The computer generates media shadow files of media file formats used by the media rendering devices to accompany existing media files available on the network in alternative formats.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention arc directed to video display systems. In one embodiment, a video display system comprises a display screen; and a video capturing system. The video capturing system is configured to capture line-of-sight video images of a video display user's face and eyes while the display user looks at the display screen, enabling establishment of eye contact between the video display user and the person exhibited on the display.

Abstract: A computer includes an enclosure, an internal mass storage device within the enclosure, and a redundancy controller within the enclosure. At least one port enables direct connection of the computer to at least one external mass storage device. The redundancy controller is configured to provide data redundancy using the internal mass storage device and the at least one external storage device if the at least one external mass storage device is connected to the at least one port.

Abstract: In one example a method is provided. The method includes (i) discovering, by a gateway router, a server in a local area network, wherein the gateway router discovers the server by sending a universal plug and play (UPnP) message identifying the gateway router as a gateway router with access configurable by the server; (ii) receiving, by the gateway router, a response from the server, wherein the response identifies the server as a server that desires to establish external access; (iii) determining, by the gateway router, whether the server is a trustworthy server, wherein determining comprises comparing information received by the server with a stored list of trustworthy servers; (iv) configuring, by the gateway router, a logical port to forward incoming connection requests to the server; and (v) forwarding, by the gateway router, incoming connection requests to the server.

Abstract: A method of migrating a legacy server to a new server over a high-speed connection is provided. Programs to effect the migration over the high-speed connection include programs operating to configure the new server as a disk drive to receive file and settings transfer before configuration of the new server as a server.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention arc directed to video display systems. In one embodiment, a video display system comprises a display screen; and a video capturing system. The video capturing system is configured to capture line-of-sight video images of a video display user's face and eyes while the display user looks at the display screen, enabling establishment of eye contact between the video display user and the person exhibited on the display.

Abstract: A hard-disk drive insertion mechanism includes carrier mechanism that moves longitudinally with the hard-disk drive as it is being inserted toward said electrical connector. The carrier mechanism includes engagement features for engaging the hard-disk drive as it is being inserted. The insertion mechanism also includes a clamping mechanism that gradually clamps the hard-disk drive with elastomeric material before it engages an electrical connector.

Abstract: A multi-port data storage device that can be used simultaneously by both a direct-attached device and a network-attached device, comprising a hard disk drive (HDD), a DAS port, an NAS port, and a controller for controlling access to the HDD by the DAS port and the NAS port.

Abstract: A direct attached storage (DAS) system configurable to simultaneously implement a plurality of data storage schemes, comprising one or more storage devices, a controller coupled to the storage devices for implementing and managing a plurality of data storage schemes on the storage devices, an I/O port for inputting data to and outputting data from the storage devices, and an apportionment selector coupled to the controller for selecting a portion of the storage devices to be allocated to a determined data storage scheme.

Abstract: One embodiment of a gateway router is equipped to recognize a trustworthy local server automatically, and to accept certain incoming connections to a local server that the router has recognized as trustworthy.

Abstract: A computer includes an enclosure, an internal mass storage device within the enclosure, and a redundancy controller within the enclosure. At least one port enables direct connection of the computer to at least one external mass storage device. The redundancy controller is configured to provide data redundancy using the internal mass storage device and the at least one external storage device if the at least one external mass storage device is connected to the at least one port.

Abstract: In one embodiment a network attached storage device comprises at least one storage media, a storage controller to manage input/output requests directed to the at least one storage media, and a RAID interrogation module to receive a RAID configuration query, wherein the RAID configuration query includes a volume identifier that identifies a storage volume, accesses a RAID configuration table in a memory module coupled to the network attached storage device, and presents RAID configuration data obtained from the RAID configuration table.

Abstract: Embodiments for electro-optical identification are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments for active electro-optical identification are disclosed.