Abstract: A user who is currently unauthorized to access a resource sends a request to access the resource. It is determined whether a number of authorized users of the resource who have indicated that the user should be permitted to access the resource satisfies the threshold condition. If the number of authorized users who have indicated that the user should be permitted access satisfies the threshold condition, the user is permitted to access the resource. The threshold condition can be based on replies received responsive to messages sent to the authorized users of the resource asking whether the user should be permitted to access the resource. The threshold condition can be based on public digital keys of the authorized users from the user.

Abstract: A peer-to-peer wireless connection is established between a mobile client computing device and a server computing device, and information is communicated between the mobile client computing device and the server computing device over this connection. The information is sufficient for the server computing device and/or the mobile client computing device to authenticate the mobile client computing device with the server computing device. After the mobile client computing device has been authenticated with the server computing device, a user of the mobile client computing device is permitted to perform management tasks on the server computing device using the mobile client computing device, such as over the peer-to-peer wireless connection. For example, license keys can be moved from the mobile client computing device to the server computing device to upgrade the server computing device, and from the server computing device to the mobile computing device to downgrade the server computing device.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for deliberately preventing unauthorized access to data stored in a non-volatile memory device are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus is configured to destroy the data stored on the memory device. The apparatus may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB), a non-volatile memory circuit electrically connected to the PCB, and a housing of the PCB. The non-volatile memory circuit may be scored to facilitate deliberately breaking the non-volatile memory circuit in response to an external force. In a further embodiment, the apparatus may comprise an electrical erase circuit powered by a power source connected to a switch. The electrical erase circuit may be configured to non-destructively erase the non-volatile memory circuit in response to activation of the switch. The system may further include a leverage tool configured to provide leverage to a non-volatile memory device affected by an external force.

Abstract: Re-arranging data handling in a computer-implemented system that comprises a plurality of existing physical entities. At least one reliability rating is assigned to each of various existing physical entities of the computer-implemented system; and in response to change. Reverse predictive failure analysis uses the assigned reliability ratings to determine cumulative reliability rating(s) for at least one arrangement of the system. Data handling is re-arranged with respect to at least a portion of the existing computer-implemented system to provide a designated cumulative reliability rating.

Abstract: Method, computer program product and apparatus for physically securing a server in response to detecting an unauthorized intrusion event. The method comprises detecting an unauthorized physical intrusion event to a data center, rack or chassis including a plurality of servers, communicating the detected unauthorized intrusion event to a management module that manages the plurality of servers, and automatically physically securing one or more of the plurality of servers against manual removal. Optionally, the step of physically securing may include disabling one or more front panel controls on the plurality of servers, such as a physical power switch. In a further option, the step of physically securing may include disabling one or more external ports on the plurality of servers, such as a keyboard-video-mouse port. A preferred method allows the one or more physically secured servers to continue to operate.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a flow meter including an airfoil movably secured in the airflow path of a fan in an electronic system. The airfoil is configured to generate a lift component in response to the airflow. A sensor engages the airfoil and generates a signal in relation to the movement of the airfoil. Airflow parameters such as volumetric airflow rate and turbulence may be identified by an analysis of the movement of the airfoil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing evaluation of digital content stored on a computer readable medium without unsealing an enclosure containing the medium. The storage medium containing this first digital content is disposed within an enclosure along with non-volatile memory hardware containing second digital content preferably related to the first digital content. The enclosure is sealed to prevent access to the first digital content. However, the non-volatile memory hardware may communicate with the external device without breaking the seal on the enclosure, such as through a communication port or via wireless transmission. Accordingly, the consumer may access the second digital content as a preview of the first digital content prior to unsealing the enclosure or package.

Abstract: Method and computer program product for recommending cost effective upgrades for a computer system. At least one performance parameter is determined for an existing computer system. Up to date performance specifications for available upgrade components are obtained. A variety of potential systems are modeled utilizing at least one upgrade component, and at least one component from the existing system to create upgrade scenarios. At least one performance parameter is predicted for each upgrade scenario. The performance parameters for the upgrade scenarios are compared to the performance parameters of the existing computer system. The cost-effectiveness is determined for each upgrade scenario, and upgrade recommendations are made when the cost-effectiveness meets or exceeds a target value.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a flow meter including an airfoil movably secured in the airflow path of a fan in an electronic system. The airfoil is configured to generate a lift component in response to the airflow. A sensor engages the airfoil and generates a signal in relation to the movement of the airfoil. Airflow parameters such as volumetric airflow rate and turbulence may be identified by an analysis of the movement of the airfoil.

Abstract: Method, computer program product and apparatus for physically securing a server in response to detecting an unauthorized intrusion event. The method comprises detecting an unauthorized physical intrusion event to a data center, rack or chassis including a plurality of servers, communicating the detected unauthorized intrusion event to a management module that manages the plurality of servers, and automatically physically securing one or more of the plurality of servers against manual removal. Optionally, the step of physically securing may include disabling one or more front panel controls on the plurality of servers, such as a physical power switch. In a further option, the step of physically securing may include disabling one or more external ports on the plurality of servers, such as a keyboard-video-mouse port. A preferred method allows the one or more physically secured servers to continue to operate.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for deliberately preventing unauthorized access to data stored in a non-volatile memory device are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus is configured to destroy the data stored on the memory device. The apparatus may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB), a non-volatile memory circuit electrically connected to the PCB, and a housing of the PCB. The non-volatile memory circuit may be scored to facilitate deliberately breaking the non-volatile memory circuit in response to an external force. In a further embodiment, the apparatus may comprise an electrical erase circuit powered by a power source connected to a switch. The electrical erase circuit may be configured to non-destructively erase the non-volatile memory circuit in response to activation of the switch. The system may further include a leverage tool configured to provide leverage to a non-volatile memory device affected by an external force.

Abstract: A ballistic logic gate is disclosed. The ballistic logic gate may include an etched silicon substrate with a pair of etched silicon triangular baffles defining input channels. An electron may travel through the input channels toward a nano-deflector with a parabolic deflection surface. The parabolic deflection surface may guide electrons into a fixed path of an output channel toward an output terminal for performing a logic function.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for correlating a cost of receiving media to a user's exposure to advertising. A media display system including a media recorder detects and reports that a media display system user has skipped over an advertising program without watching or listening to the advertising program. A fee is calculated and charged to the user in lieu of the user's watching or listening to the advertising program. Alternatively, a user may subscribe to a service that allows the user to skip over some or all advertising programs displayed on the media display system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing evaluation of digital content stored on a computer readable medium without unsealing an enclosure containing the medium. The storage medium containing this first digital content is disposed within an enclosure along with non-volatile memory hardware containing second digital content preferably related to the first digital content. The enclosure is sealed to prevent access to the first digital content. However, the non-volatile memory hardware may communicate with the external device without breaking the seal on the enclosure, such as through a communication port or via wireless transmission. Accordingly, the consumer may access the second digital content as a preview of the first digital content prior to unsealing the enclosure or package.

Abstract: Method and computer program product for recommending cost effective upgrades for a computer system. At least one performance parameter is determined for an existing computer system. Up to date performance specifications for available upgrade components are obtained. A variety of potential systems are modeled utilizing at least one upgrade component, and at least one component from the existing system to create upgrade scenarios. At least one performance parameter is predicted for each upgrade scenario. The performance parameters for the upgrade scenarios are compared to the performance parameters of the existing computer system. The cost-effectiveness is determined for each upgrade scenario, and upgrade recommendations are made when the cost-effectiveness meets or exceeds a target value.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for playing a series of discrete digital selections, such a MP3 files, from a selection database selected at least in part on user preference ratings, receiving user preference feedback for a particular selection while the particular selection is playing, and altering the user preference rating for the particular selection based upon the user preference feedback received. The user preference feedback may be provided in the form of a new user preference rating or an instruction to increment or decrement the current user preference rating. Alternatively, the user preference feedback may be determined by user interaction with standard controls, such as an increase in a user preference rating for a selection upon determining that a user has replayed the selection.

Abstract: Regulating the temperature of a heat-generating device within a desired range using shape memory materials disposed on a heat sink. According to one embodiment, cooling fins are placed upon a heat-generating device. Fluid flows through the cooling fins to remove heat from the device. A shape memory material is placed within the path of fluid flow to regulate the amount of fluid flow in response to stimuli at desired low and high operating temperatures of the heat-generating device. At the low desired device operating temperature, the shape memory material restricts the amount of fluid flow through the cooling fins. At the high desired device operating temperature, the shape memory material does not restrict fluid flow through the cooling fins.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for generating an alternative form of transmitted environmental data, e.g., scent information, air temperature settings, air humidity settings, triggering of infrared devices such as to create tactile warmth. Upon identifying one or more environmental data files in a received file, e.g., HTML file, environmental data associated with the data files may be read and interpreted. If there are no environmental devices, e.g., smell-generating device, configured to emit a response to the environmental data or if the environmental devices are disabled from emitting a response to the environmental data, then the environmental data may be translated into a form a computer may be capable of reproducing. The translated form may then be outputted in a variety of forms such as: pictorial data (e.g., picture of a pine tree substituting a pine smell), graphical effects (e.g., screen-flashing effect may substitute a strobe-light trigger).

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for cross-fading digital audio files. The method includes determining a plurality of characteristics for a first and a second digital audio files; associating the plurality of characteristics with the first and the second digital audio files; automatically, i.e., without user input, determining an appropriate cross-fading method for the first and the second digital audio files based upon the plurality of characteristics when the first and the second digital audio files are to be cross-faded; and automatically cross-fading the first and the second digital audio files in accordance with the cross-fading method. In this manner, digital audio files are more appropriately cross-faded without the need for cumbersome user input.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for collaborative speech recognition in a network. The method includes: capturing speech as at least one audio stream by at least one capturing device; producing a plurality of text streams from the at least one audio stream by at least one recognition device; and determining a best recognized text stream from the plurality of text streams. The present invention allows multiple computing devices connecting to a network, such as a Small Area Network (SAN), to collaborate on a speech recognition task. The devices are able to share or exchange audio data and determine the best quality audio. The devices are also able to share text results from the speech recognition task and the best result from the speech recognition task. This increases the efficiency of the speech recognition process and the quality of the final text stream.