Abstract: Described is a technology by which a memory controller is a component of a hybrid memory device having different types of memory therein (e.g., SDRAM and flash memory), in which the controller operates such that the memory device has only a single memory interface with respect to voltage and access protocols defined for one type of memory. For example, the controller allows a memory device with a standard SDRAM interface to provide access to both SDRAM and non-volatile memory with the non-volatile memory overlaid in one or more designated blocks of the volatile memory address space (or vice-versa). A command protocol maps memory pages to the volatile memory interface address space, for example, permitting a single pin compatible multi-chip package to replace an existing volatile memory device in any computing device that wants to provide non-volatile storage, while only requiring software changes to the device to access the flash.

Abstract: Described is a technology by which a computer display may quickly resume outputting video data following its awakening from a deep sleep state. Displayed settings are maintained in a memory, such as a memory of the display, while the display is in a sleep state. The settings are associated with a token maintained by a host computer system and display. Upon a need to awaken the display to output video data, the host computer system and the display communicate the token, whereby the display may confirm whether maintained settings are still valid for actual use with the host's video signals. If still valid, the display restores the maintained display settings as actual display settings. The restoring of previously maintained display settings is ordinarily significantly faster than conventional mechanisms that are presently used to configure a display upon wakeup, resulting in the user perceiving a near-instantaneous wakeup of a display.

Abstract: A computer is modified to add a memory management module between a memory controller and memory. The module may control or intercept signals between the memory controller and the memory to disable a portion or all of the computer's normal function. The memory management module may be a discrete device or may be part of the memory controller itself.

Abstract: A device includes a control configured to provide 5-way navigation. The control includes a fingerprint sensor with a platen that is coupled to an actuation sensor. A user can navigate by sliding a finger across the platen so as to provide direction input. In addition, the user can make a selection by applying a center press to the platen. In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor is a sweep sensor and is rotatably mounted to the device. The device may include a display that is configured for a first orientation that matches the orientation of the control. The display and the control may be switched to a second orientation so that the user can more efficiently use the device in the second orientation.

Abstract: Described is a technology by which a memory controller is a component of a hybrid memory device having different types of memory therein (e.g., SDRAM and flash memory), in which the controller operates such that the memory device has only a single memory interface with respect to voltage and access protocols defined for one type of memory. For example, the controller allows a memory device with a standard SDRAM interface to provide access to both SDRAM and non-volatile memory with the non-volatile memory overlaid in one or more designated blocks of the volatile memory address space (or vice-versa). A command protocol maps memory pages to the volatile memory interface address space, for example, permitting a single pin compatible multi-chip package to replace an existing volatile memory device in any computing device that wants to provide non-volatile storage, while only requiring software changes to the device to access the flash.

Abstract: Described is a technology by which a computer display may quickly resume outputting video data following its awakening from a deep sleep state. Displayed settings are maintained in a memory, such as a memory of the display, while the display is in a sleep state. The settings are associated with a token maintained by a host computer system and display. Upon a need to awaken the display to output video data, the host computer system and the display communicate the token, whereby the display may confirm whether maintained settings are still valid for actual use with the host's video signals. If still valid, the display restores the maintained display settings as actual display settings. The restoring of previously maintained display settings is ordinarily significantly faster than conventional mechanisms that are presently used to configure a display upon wakeup, resulting in the user perceiving a near-instantaneous wakeup of a display.

Abstract: A computer is modified to add a memory management module between a memory controller and memory. The module may control or intercept signals between the memory controller and the memory to disable a portion or all of the computer's normal function. The memory management module may be a discrete device or may be part of the memory controller itself.

Abstract: A user is identified and/or authenticated prior to starting or resuming an installed operating system (OS). The user may rapidly and visually navigate operating systems, user identities, workspaces, and application choices that are valid for the identified user. Moreover, a user may visually navigate the operating systems, user identities, workspaces, applications, and information valid for this user with a single device.

Abstract: A device includes a control configured to provide 5-way navigation. The control includes a fingerprint sensor with a platen that is coupled to an actuation sensor. A user can navigate by sliding a finger across the platen so as to provide direction input. In addition, the user can make a selection by applying a center press to the platen. In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor is a sweep sensor and is rotatably mounted to the device. The device may include a display that is configured for a first orientation that matches the orientation of the control. The display and the control may be switched to a second orientation so that the user can more efficiently use the device in the second orientation.