Abstract: Methods and systems for providing embedded user authentication and/or providing computing services using an information handling system configured as flexible computing node, and which may be implemented to perform preboot authentication of users. The flexible computing node may also be configured to provision the appropriate work environment for a given user based on one or more user parameters (e.g. entitlements, location, network connection, and/or other parameters).

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing embedded user authentication and/or providing computing services using an information handling system configured as flexible computing node, and which may be implemented to perform preboot authentication of users. The flexible computing node may also be configured to provision the appropriate work environment for a given user based on one or more user parameters (e.g. entitlements, location, network connection, and/or other parameters).

Abstract: Hardware component performance in an information handling system is detected with an integrated acoustic power spectra sensor that can be used for diagnostics analysis. The acoustic power spectra data is compared to acoustic models for operative drives to determine an acoustic pass/fail criteria, or to provide more sophisticated analysis of the drive performance, including specific drive failure conditions or impending drive failure conditions.

Abstract: A modular display system and method assembles an external interface module with a display module to support built-to-order display configurations. The display module has display panel, timing controller and speaker components assembled in a display module housing that accepts a single LVDS and a single audio interface. The external interface module couples to the display module housing to form an integral display system. Selective assembly of the display system from plural types of external interface modules allows selective configuration of the display system with various television and information handling system display functionalities, such as to fill a purchaser order in a build-to-order manufacturing process.

Abstract: An information handling system (IHS) is provided which includes a portable portion which is connectable to a docking station. The portable portion and the docking station include respective connectors which connect the portable portion to the docking station. These connectors together form a docking interface. The portable portion includes an audio CODEC having an S/PDIF digital audio output which provides a Sony-Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) digital audio signal that is sent across the docking interface to a digital receiver in the docking station. The S/PDIF digital audio signal is converted to analog audio signal by the digital receiver.

Abstract: A speakerphone of a system with a digital signal processor, such as a computer, uses a filter set or network to provide acoustic coupling loss at a microphone to offset acoustic coupling gain produced by sound reflections resulting from various conditions in the system. The filter network processes an acoustic signal before the signal is provided to a digital signal processor to eliminate acoustic coupling gain that the digital signal processor is unable to cancel or offset. The filter network detects when the acoustic coupling gain in the acoustic signal at the microphone exceeds the maximum amount of acoustic coupling loss supplied by the digital signal processor. Alternatively, if acoustic coupling gain is desirable at the frequency location of the anomaly caused by the sound reflections, the filter network is used to boost the acoustic coupling gain produced by the anomaly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling acoustic gain during a non-speakerphone audio mode of computer system independent of acoustic gain during a speakerphone mode of the computer system is provided. The BIOS code of the computer system detects whether the computer system is in a speakerphone mode or a non-speakerphone audio mode. If the computer system is in a speakerphone mode, an upper gain limit is not applied to the microphone path of the computer system. If the computer system is in a non-speakerphone audio mode, a predetermined upper gain limit is applied to the microphone path of the computer system. The predetermined upper gain limit is preferably applied to the microphone path at either a microphone pre-amplifier or an audio mixer chip in the microphone path of the computer system.

Abstract: A stereo speaker system for portable computers which maximizes spatial impression by using rearward-firing speakers, mounted in the back of the display, in combination with forward-firing speakers mounted on the chassis or in the front side of the display.