Patents by Inventor Howard Locker

Howard Locker has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AGGREGATING AUDIO INFORMATION FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES
    Publication number: 20120311090
    Abstract: Described herein are methods, systems, apparatuses and products providing an audio stream generated on a central information handling device from mixing a collection of audio streams captured at external audio capturing devices. An aspect provides for running a host audio aggregation application on an information handling device, the host audio aggregation application being configured to obtain audio transmitted by at least one secondary audio device external to the information handling device; generating at least one central audio stream via the host aggregation application by mixing the audio transmitted by the at least one secondary audio device and obtained by the host audio aggregation application; wherein the host aggregation application is configured to send the at least one central audio stream to one or more audio receivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Howard Locker, Jay Wesley Johnson, Masayuki Kumagai
  • Method, apparatus, and system of forward caching for a managed client
    Patent number: 8285821
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed of forward caching for a managed client. A storage module stores a software image on a storage device of a backend server. The backend server provides virtual disk storage on the storage device through a first intermediate network point for a plurality of diskless data processing devices. Each diskless data processing device communicates directly with the first intermediate network point. The storage module caches an image instance of the software image at the first intermediate network point. A tracking module detects an update to the software image on the storage device. The storage module copies the updated software image to the first intermediate network point as an updated image instance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: David Carroll Challener, Richard Wayne Cheston, Howard Locker, Randall Scott Springrield, Rod D. Waltermann
  • Secure Boot With Minimum Number of Re-Boots
    Publication number: 20120239917
    Abstract: Systems, methods and products are described that provide secure boot with a minimum number of re-boots. One aspect provides a method including receiving an indication to boot from a power off state at a computing device; responsive to authenticating a user at one or more input devices, releasing a value derived from authenticating the user at the one or more input devices; responsive to releasing the value, unlocking one or more encrypted drives with a previously established alternate credential; and thereafter proceeding to boot from the power off state. By not having to call the non-BIOS software each boot, this minimizes the number of reboots for each boot cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Randall S. Springfield, Joseph M. Pennisi, Howard Locker, Kenneth S. Seethaler
  • Secure Resume for Encrypted Drives
    Publication number: 20120239939
    Abstract: Systems, methods and products are described that provide secure resume for encrypted drives. One aspect provides a method including: receiving an indication to resume from a suspended state at a computing device; responsive to authenticating a user at one or more input devices, accessing a value in a BIOS derived from authenticating the user at the one or more input devices; responsive to accessing the value, releasing a credential for unlocking one or more encrypted drives; and thereafter proceeding to resume from the suspend state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Seethaler, Randall S. Springfield, Howard Locker, Joseph M. Pennisi
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GESTURE INPUT IN A DYNAMICALLY ZONED ENVIRONMENT
    Publication number: 20120169618
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for dynamically zoning a touch screen environment. The apparatus includes an identification module detecting a number of users around a perimeter of a display, a zoning module generating, via a processor, a plurality of user zones in response to the number of users detected, and a positioning module orienting a gesture zone, within each of the plurality of user zones, in relation to a corresponding user. The method includes detecting a number of users around a perimeter of a display, generating, via a processor, a plurality of user zones in response to the number of users detected, and orienting a gesture zone, within each of the plurality of user zones, in relation to a corresponding user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: LENOVO (Singapore) PTE, LTD.
    Inventors: James Stephen Rutledge, Howard Locker, Kenneth Scott Seethaler, Randall Scott Springfield
  • Apparatus, system, and method for power management utilizing multiple processor types
    Patent number: 8214675
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for computer system power management. A control module 602 is activated on a computer 200 in response to an event and enters 818 a standby state if the computer 200 is not already 814 in the standby state. A policy module 604 detects 904 a power source of a predetermined type connected to the computer 200 and dictates 908 one or more processors 302 of higher power consumption for a more abundant type of power source such as an AC adapter 314, or one or more processors 304 of lower power consumption for a less abundant type of power source such as a battery 318. A configuration module 606, activated by the control module 602, switches 1004 the computer 200 to one or more processors 302 and 304 of a predetermined power consumption as dictated and exits 1016 the standby state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: David Carroll Challener, Daryl Cromer, Howard Locker, Randall Scott Springfield
  • Selective Transmission of Voice Data
    Publication number: 20120166184
    Abstract: Systems and methods that provide for voice command devices that receive sound but do not transfer the voice data beyond the system unless certain voice-filtering criteria have been met are described herein. In addition, embodiments provide devices that support voice command operation while external voice data transmission is in mute operation mode. As such, devices according to embodiments may process voice data locally responsive to the voice data matching voice-filtering criteria. Furthermore, systems and methods are described herein involving voice command devices that capture sound and analyze it in real-time on a word-by-word basis and decide whether to handle the voice data locally, transmit it externally, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Howard Locker, Daryl Cromer, Scott Edwards Kelso, Aaron Michael Stewart
  • Local verification of trusted display based on remote server verification
    Patent number: 8205248
    Abstract: In a system with a main memory, a network adapter, and a display, a transaction security module in communication with the network adapter. The transaction security module acts to: establish a secure identification item with an entity which positively identifies the entity; accept an application OS of the entity; and initiate a guest OS with the entity; the network adapter acting to connect with the entity subsequent to initiation of a guest OS; and the display acting to display the secure identification item subsequent to connection with the entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: David C. Challener, Daryl Cromer, Howard Locker, Randall S. Springfield
  • Systems and methods for discontinuous multi-media content transfer and handling
    Patent number: 8205006
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention broadly provide systems, methods and devices for discontinuous multi-media content transfer and handling. Various embodiments of the invention also provide for multi-media content management such that various policies (for example, DRM policies of multi-media content providers) are efficiently adhered to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael T. Vanover, Peter G. Gaucher, James A. Hunt, Howard Locker
  • Method, apparatus, and system for quiescing a boot environment
    Patent number: 8151101
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for quiescing a boot environment. A reservation module reserves a portion of a first storage device. A store module stores an update boot image to the reserved portion. A detection module detects the update boot image stored on the first storage device when the computer boots and executes the update boot image in place of a standard boot image in response to detecting the update boot image. The update boot image places a computer in a known quiescent state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: David Carroll Challener, Howard Locker, Joseph Michael Pennist, Randall Scott Springfield
  • Establishing user-defined management engine default settings stored in a system memory
    Patent number: 8151104
    Abstract: The employment of a process of applying user-defined defaults to a management engine or analogous arrangement, wherein a system BIOS calls or recalls such defaults, as needed, from NVRAM responsive to the need for a reset of defaults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Randall S. Springfield, Howard Locker, David C. Challener, Joseph M. Pennisi
  • Slate wireless keyboard charging and connection
    Patent number: 8129939
    Abstract: An approach is provided that determines whether keyboard power connection points included in a wireless keyboard are connected to system power connection points in a computer system. Power is sent from the computer system to the wireless keyboard. The power is transmitted through the system power connection points to the keyboard power connection points. Keyboard components included in the wireless keyboard are also powered using the power sent from the computer system. If the keyboard power connection points are not connected to the system power connection points, the keyboard components are powered included in the wireless keyboard by using a keyboard battery that is included in the wireless keyboard. One of the keyboard components that receives power is a wireless interface that connects the wireless keyboard to the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Howard Locker, Daryl Cromer, Qian Ying Wang
  • ASSISTED ZOOM
    Publication number: 20120038675
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a planar display defining an outward pointing normal vector and an inward pointing normal vector; sensor circuitry configured to sense an initial relative position of the planar display and configured to sense a change in relative position of the planar display; and zoom circuitry configured to zoom an image presented on the planar display responsive to a change in relative position of the display sensed by the sensor circuitry where the change in relative position has a vector component along one of the normal vectors. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Jay Wesley Johnson, Axel Ramirez Flores, Hariss Christopher Neil Ganey, Howard Locker, Aaron Michael Stewart
  • GESTURE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20120038546
    Abstract: An apparatus includes sensor circuitry configured to sense spatial phenomena; application circuitry configured to respond to sensation of a spatial phenomenon by the sensor circuitry where a pre-existing relationship exists between the spatial phenomenon and the response of the application circuitry; and regulation circuitry configured to regulate the response of the application circuitry to the spatial phenomenon based at least in part on sensation of a different spatial phenomenon by the sensor circuitry. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Daryl Cromer, Axel Ramirez Flores, Harriss Christopher Neil Ganey, Jay Wesley Johnson, Howard Locker, Aaron Michael Stewart
  • Slate wireless keyboard connection and proximity display enhancement for visible display area
    Patent number: 8089468
    Abstract: An approach is provided that identifies when a wireless keyboard unit is connected to an information handling system that includes a display screen that is partially blocked when the keyboard is attached. A determination is made as to the size of the visible portion of the display screen. Items are displayed on the visible portion of the display screen. The approach refrains from displaying items on the blocked portion of the display screen. The user is able to move the wireless keyboard, the movement of the keyboard resulting in a changed size of the visible portion of the display screen. After the keyboard is repositioned, the visual items are re-displayed on the visible portion of the display screen so that the items fit in the changed size of the visible portion of the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Howard Locker, David Carroll Challener, Daryl Carvis Cromer, Qian Ying Wang
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INPUT DEVICE AUDIO FEEDBACK
    Publication number: 20110320204
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses and computer program products configured to provide sound feedback for input devices are described. Embodiments take input from a digitizer, such as input using as stylus/pen, and produce sound feedback to enhance the user's input interface experience. Embodiments thus provide a user with a more realistic interface with an electronic device, emulating use of conventional writing implements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Howard Locker, Harriss Christopher Neil Ganey, Jay W. Johnson, Aaron M. Stewart
  • Apparatus, system, and method for improving user boot via a storage area network
    Patent number: 8086840
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for remotely booting a client from a storage area network (“SAN”). A connection module enables a client, such as a diskless client, to connect to two or more storage area networks (“SANs”), the SANs belonging to a group of redundant SANs, each SAN in the group redundantly storing at least a portion of substantially identical operating system data for the client. The boot module enables the client to remotely boot an operating system from the two or more redundant SANs. The boot module makes at least one read request to each of the two or more connected SANs, each read request configured to retrieve a disparate portion of the operating system data for loading the operating system onto the client. The boot module loads the operating system onto the client using a combination of data retrieved from the two or more connected SANs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Wayne Cheston, Mark Charles Davis, Howard Locker, Rod D. Waltermann
  • Systems and Methods for Determining Intentional Touch Screen Contact
    Publication number: 20110291948
    Abstract: A device configured to distinguish between intentional and inadvertent input is provided. Input may be in the form of touch screen or on-screen keyboard input. Such input is examined such that a device may ignore unintentional and resting contact while reacting only to purposeful contact. The characteristics of unintentional and resting device contact are ascertained and differentiated from the contact characteristics of intentional device input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Aaron M. Stewart, Harriss Christopher Neil Ganey, Jay W. Johnson, Howard Locker
  • Computer patch management in “road warrior” contexts
    Patent number: 8065428
    Abstract: Methods and arrangements for facilitating and streamlining patch management in “road warrior” and analogous contexts. Particularly, there are broadly contemplated herein, in accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, methods and arrangements for facilitating determinations of suitable times for enabling system updates and/or downloads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Daryl Cromer, Richard W. Cheston, Howard Locker, Randall S. Springfield
  • Techniques for booting a stateless client
    Patent number: 8055893
    Abstract: A technique for booting a stateless client includes booting a virtual machine (VM) monitor on the client. The VM monitor is stored in a non-volatile memory area of a memory subsystem (of the client) and a first portion of an operating system (which does not include any state information for the operating system) is stored in the non-volatile memory area of the client. Booting of the operating system for the client is initiated and a remote storage (that stores a second portion of the operating system that includes state information for the operating system) is accessed via a communication link. Booting of the operating system for the client is completed using the second portion of the operating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Howard Locker, Richard Wayne Cheston, Mark Charles Davis, Rod D. Waltermann