Abstract: A projection system is configured to activate a backup light source in the event that a primary light source is non-operational. The backup light source provides a light that allows a message to be projected indicating the primary light source has failed.

Abstract: Multiple touch entries on an input device are recognized. Upon a user selecting a first key, the first key is recognized based on first detected values. The first detected values are mapped to the first key based on a first mapping of detected values to keys. When the first key supports at least one secondary key, upon a user selecting a second key while continuing to select the first key, the second key is recognized based on second detected values. The second detected values are mapped to the second key based on a second mapping of detected values to keys. The second mapping of detected values to keys is different than the first mapping of detected values to keys.

Abstract: A computing system responds to an event that wakes the computing system from a sleep mode. The computing system recognizes the event and responds to the event. The response includes generating an event notification message that is transmitted to an external device separate from the computing system. The transmission is performed via wireless communication. The computing system then returns to the sleep mode.

Abstract: An electronic device has a case and a screen attached to the case. The screen indicates a cursor position. The electronic device further has an input device mounted to the case. The input device includes a curved surface for detecting an object disposed on the curved surface using a light path that transfers an image of the object to an optical sensor. The optical sensor detects the movement of the object across the curved surface and in response, the input device manipulates the cursor position.

Abstract: An electronic device has a case and a screen attached to the case. The screen indicates a cursor position. The electronic device further has an input device mounted to the case. The input device includes a curved surface for detecting an object disposed on the curved surface using a light path that transfers an image of the object to an optical sensor. The optical sensor detects the movement of the object across the curved surface and in response, the input device manipulates the cursor position.

Abstract: A sound system includes a plurality of computing systems distributed within a performance area. Each computing system includes a speaker, and a processor. The processor oversees audio data being played as sound on the speaker. A controller provides coordination of the performance of the audio data on the computing systems. Audio effects are achieved by varying timing and/or content of audio data played as sound on the speakers as overseen by the processor within each computing system.

Abstract: An accessory for transmitting signals, includes a receptacle that accepts signals of a first format from a computing unit. The accessory also includes a converter, coupled to the receptacle, which converts the signals of a first format to signals of a second format. The accessory also includes an aperture, coupled to the converter, which transmits the signals of the second format. The aperture is also coupled to a resilient element that extends the accessory from a compressed state, wherein the extension influences transmission of the signals of a second format. The accessory may also receive signals as well.

Abstract: A product under test is tested remotely. A network accessible site receives input for the product under test from a remote user connected to a network accessible site. The input for the product under test is forwarded to a process that presents the input to the product under test as if the input came from an input device directly connected to the product under test. Display information from the product under test is intercepted. The display information describes a current display generated by the product under test. The intercepted display information is displayed on the network accessible site.

Abstract: This abstract has been included pursuant to Section 1.72(b) of the Rules for Patent and Trademark Cases, Title 37 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This abstract is intended only to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public to generally determine the nature of the technical disclosure. This abstract is not intended to aid in the interpretation of the scope of any claim.

Abstract: In a product order, delivery, management (ODM) system, a system provides a client with remote access to current information on product orders being processed on production lines in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partner production facilities located virtually anywhere in the world. The system also provides access to product data at OEM associated product centers, such as product refurbishment, service, and shipping centers, enabling the tracking of production failure issues and the generation and comparison of production performance parameters within and amongst client OEM partners. The system includes a host server that serves an interactive Web page over a network to a client accessing the server using a browser. The server renders the interactive Web page after receiving valid client identification. It then receives client query input via the interactive Web page. The server forms a proper query based on the client input and sends the query to remote computer databases at the OEM facilities.

Abstract: A computing device has a housing supporting multiple electronic components. The device housing has peripheral openings to facilitate the operation of internal components (cooling fan, audio speaker, etc.) and to facilitate coupling to external devices (second display, mouse pointing device, printer unit, etc.). To prevent liquids from entering into the housing, the openings are covered with a liquid-resistant, heat-permeable material, thereby creating a liquid-resistant barrier to prevent liquids from penetrating into the device's housing. Further, the liquid-resistant, heat-permeable material is breathable to allow heat dissipation from the electronic components.

Abstract: An electronic device has a case enclosing at least one heat producing component. The at least one heat producing component is capable of transmitting heat energy outside of the case. The electronic device further has a thermal sensor connected to control logic that is capable of sensing the heat energy outside of the case. The control logic is coupled to the at least one heat producing component such that it is capable of regulating the heat energy from the at least one heat producing component in response to the sensed heat energy from the thermal sensor.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for docking a piece of portable equipment, such as a portable computer, with another device, such as a peripheral device. In particular, there are a plurality of different pieces of equipment, essentially similar in function but different in design particulars, such as a manufacturer's line of different portable computer models. The docking apparatus includes a first module which has standard interfaces for peripheral devices, and is designed to couple with one of a set of second modules. Each one of the second modules is customized for a respective one of the pieces of equipment.

Abstract: A docking station is provided for coupling one of a set of differently configured portable computers to stationary peripheral devices, and for charging a respective battery pack for the portable computer. A battery receptacle is provided so that, while the user docks and uses the computer, he/she can insert the battery into the battery receptacle and charge the battery. This conveniently allows the user to charge up an extra battery pack while using the docked computer, even while a battery pack inside the computer is charging from AC power provided through the docking station to the computer. In a preferred embodiment, the docking station includes a standard module having all standard peripheral interfaces, AC power couplings, etc., and also includes a set of computer-specific second modules which accommodates the physical size and electrical characteristics of the different portable computers used.

Abstract: Software metering is implemented within a computing system. Using a communication path, contact with the computing system is established and terms of the software metering are agreed upon. The software within the computing system is then activated via the communication path. The activation includes specification to the computing system of parameters for the software metering.

Abstract: Remote installation of an update of software is forwarded by a management information system into a remote computer. When a primary communication path between the management information system and the remote computer is unavailable and an alternate communication path is available, a connection is established between the management information system and the remote computer using the alternate communication path. The management information system requests from the remote computer the current version information about the software within the remote computer. When the management information system determines the current version of the software within the remote computer needs to be updated, the management information system determines whether the alternate communication path is adequate for downloading the update of the software.

Abstract: Information about shortcuts available from a keyboard is provided to a user of a computing system. When a user selects a special key sequence and the special key sequence remains selected for a predetermined length of time, information on shortcuts available for key combinations which include the special key sequence is displayed. While the special key sequence remains selected for the predetermined length of time and the user presses an additional key, forming a new key combination, a help note for the new key combination is displayed. When the user places a cursor over a button for a history stack, the history stack is displayed. When the user places the cursor over an entry within the history stack or over an entry within the information originally displayed on shortcuts, a help note for the entry is displayed. Thus an entry for a particular function can simultaneously be displayed in a help note, a history stack and/or within the information on shortcuts originally displayed.

Abstract: An enhanced desktop management interface within a computing device interfaces with a management information system. The enhanced desktop management interface includes a service layer which has a management interface and a component interface. A plurality of management applications interact with the management interface of the service layer. Also, a plurality of manageable elements interface with the component interface of the service layer. When a primary communication path interface is available, the enhanced desktop management interface communicates with the management information system through the primary communication path. When the primary communication path interface is not available and an alternate communication path interface is available, the enhanced desktop management interface communicates with the management information system through the alternate communication path.

Abstract: A docking station for a portable computer includes a wireless transceiver for wireless communication with the portable computer. The docking station also includes a plurality of ports. Each port includes a physical connector for connection to, for example, one or more peripheral devices, a network or a monitor. A translation manager within the docking station manages translation of information transferred between the wireless transceiver and the plurality of ports.

Abstract: Remote installation of an update of software is forwarded by a management information system into a remote computer. When a primary communication path between the management information system and the remote computer is unavailable and an alternate communication path is available, a connection is established between the management information system and the remote computer using the alternate communication path. The management information system requests from the remote computer the current version information about the software within the remote computer. When the management information system determines the current version of the software within the remote computer needs to be updated, the management information system determines whether the alternate communication path is adequate for downloading the update of the software.