Abstract: Marker commands are added to a stream of commands that are executed by a graphics processing unit (GPU) in a computing system. While the GPU executes the commands, information is written to a memory location each time a marker is reached in the pipeline. The memory location is accessible to the central processing unit (CPU), and the information identifies a command executed by the GPU. If the CPU receives an indication that the GPU is in an invalid state, then the CPU responds by accessing the memory location to identify the command executed in the pipeline of the GPU. Consequently, a command that was executing when the GPU entered the invalid state can be identified. This information can be used to pinpoint the cause of the invalid state.

Abstract: A reconfigurable pallet includes outer panels, a plurality of longitudinal members, a frame, and a compartment disposed within the reconfigurable pallet. The compartment is configured to store components that may be used to disassemble and reassemble the reconfigurable pallet for a different use, purpose or function, including as sporting equipment.

Abstract: A reconfigurable pallet includes outer panels, a plurality of longitudinal members, a frame, and a compartment disposed within the reconfigurable pallet. The compartment is configured to store components that may be used to disassemble and reassemble the reconfigurable pallet for a different use, purpose or function, including as sporting equipment.

Abstract: A computing system, driver and method for inserting an extra visual effect into a rendering pipeline of an application are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: 1) loading into a driver a state machine that is customized for a particular application being rendered at a rendering pipeline; 2) identifying a point in the rendering pipeline to insert an extra visual effect using the state machine; and 3) inserting the extra visual effect into the rendering pipeline at the point.

Abstract: A computing system, driver and method for inserting an extra visual effect into a rendering pipeline of an application are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: 1) loading into a driver a state machine that is customized for a particular application being rendered at a rendering pipeline; 2) identifying a point in the rendering pipeline to insert an extra visual effect using the state machine; and 3) inserting the extra visual effect into the rendering pipeline at the point.

Abstract: The disclosed herein is a method of using radio frequency identification (RFID), in is described, which keeps pets from accessing household objects. The pet wears a device on neck which is preferably powered by the animal's own activity, converted to electrical power by a motion harvesting system to recharge a battery or standard lithium battery Because the RFID tags are individually identifiable, the forbidden area alarm can be configured to the pet, allowing use in a multiple-pet household.

Abstract: A plenum for guiding a flow of cooling air through the interior of a computer is designed to maximize the airflow over those electrical components within the computer which are most sensitive to temperature, and/or which require the greatest amount of cooling. The plenum is designed to be mounted over top of a computer motherboard which includes a plurality of electrical components mounted thereon. One or more apertures are formed in the lower wall of the plenum so that electrical components mounted on the computer motherboard can protrude through the apertures and into the interior of the plenum. The lower surface of the plenum is designed to prevent the flow of cooling air passing through the plenum from escaping through the apertures on the lower wall. Also, upper and lower protrusions on the plenum can extend into the interior of the plenum to concentrate the flow of cooling air onto the electrical components which are protruding through the apertures and into plenum.

Abstract: A plenum for guiding a flow of cooling air through the interior of a computer is designed to maximize the airflow over those electrical components within the computer which are most sensitive to temperature, and/or which require the greatest amount of cooling. The plenum is designed to be mounted over top of a computer motherboard which includes a plurality of electrical components mounted thereon. One or more apertures are formed in the lower wall of the plenum so that electrical components mounted on the computer motherboard can protrude through the apertures and into the interior of the plenum. The lower surface of the plenum is designed to prevent the flow of cooling air passing through the plenum from escaping through the apertures on the lower wall. Also, upper and lower protrusions on the plenum can extend into the interior of the plenum to concentrate the flow of cooling air onto the electrical components which are protruding through the apertures and into plenum.