Abstract: Implementations disclosed herein relate to waking an electronic device 107. In one embodiment, an electronic device 107 detects a person within a particular proximity of the electronic device 107 and wakes the electronic device 107 while suppressing an outward indication of the operation of the electronic device 107. The electronic device 107 may then detect a person intending to use the electronic device 107 and therefore exhibit the outward indication of the operation of the electronic device 107.

Abstract: According to an example, a data storage apparatus may include a non-volatile primary storage medium, a coupling interface to removably receive a non-volatile solid state device, a communication line connected to the non-volatile primary storage medium and the coupling interface, and a storage controller connected to the communication line. The storage controller may determine a memory type of the non-volatile solid state device, cache a first type of data in the non-volatile solid state device in response to a determination that the non-volatile to solid state device is of a first memory type, and cache a second type of data in the non-volatile solid state device in response to a determination that the non-volatile solid state device is of a second memory type, in which the second type of data differs from the first type of data.

Abstract: Positional input systems and methods are provided. A positional input method can include passing (210) a polarized light generated by a source through a predetermined pattern of visibly transparent polarizing elements disposed on the surface of a display device. The method further includes detecting (220) a change in the polarization state of the polarized light corresponding to a location on the display device.

Abstract: A data storage apparatus includes a non-volatile hard disk drive platter, a coupling interface for removably receiving a non-volatile solid state device operable as a cache. The data storage apparatus also includes a communication line functionally connected to the hard disk drive platter and the coupling interface and a storage controller are connected to the communication line to control operations of the hard disk drive platter and the solid state device, in which the storage controller is to determine whether the solid state device is coupled to the coupling interface and to modify operations of the hard disk drive platter based upon whether the solid state device is coupled to the coupling interface.

Abstract: A data storage apparatus includes a non-volatile hard disk drive platter, a coupling interface for removably receiving a non-volatile solid state device operable as a cache. The data storage apparatus also includes a communication line functionally connected to the hard disk drive platter and the coupling interface and a storage controller are connected to the communication line to control operations of the hard disk drive platter and the solid state device, in which the storage controller is to determine whether the solid state device is coupled to the coupling interface and to modify operations of the hard disk drive platter based upon whether the solid state device is coupled to the coupling interface.

Abstract: Interface adapter systems and methods are provided. An adapter means can be provided for coupling a first interface to a second interface, the second interface configured to accommodate the coupling of a peripheral device. A detector means can be provided for detecting the peripheral device. A means can be provided for communicating a first signal to a first bus when the peripheral device is not detected. A converting means can be provided to convert a first signal to a second signal having a protocol different than the first and a communications means for communicating the second signal to a second bus can be provided when the detecting means has detected the peripheral device.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to conducting surveillance using a digital picture frame. A digital picture frame may comprise a sensor and a storage medium. The digital picture frame may receive surveillance information from the sensor and store the surveillance information in the storage medium. A second electronic device may receive the surveillance information from the digital picture frame via a network.

Abstract: Interface adapter systems and methods are provided. An adapter means can be provided for coupling a first interface to a second interface, the second interface configured to accommodate the coupling of a peripheral device. A detector means can be provided for detecting the peripheral device. A means can be provided for communicating a first signal to a first bus when the peripheral device is not detected. A converting means can be provided to convert a first signal to a second signal having a protocol different than the first and a communications means for communicating the second signal to a second bus can be provided when the detecting means has detected the peripheral device.

Abstract: Embodiments for electro-optical identification are disclosed.

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: Embodiments for active electro-optical identification are disclosed.

Abstract: A disk drive has an improved system for detecting the presence of a data-storage cartridge inserted into the drive. The improved system uses a source of polarized light and a detector of polarized light. The detector is optically coupled to the source by a reflective marker on the data-storage cartridge when the data-storage cartridge is inserted into the drive. The reflective marker rotates the polarization angle of the light which is incident upon its reflective surface. The detector is adapted to respond maximally to light that has been phase-rotated in a manner characteristic of the reflective marker. The detector acts in conjunction with an electrical circuit to allow the read/write heads of the disk drive to interface with the data-storage cartridge when the detector registers a maximal response.