Abstract: An asymmetrically scaling multiple GPU graphics system wherein the multiple GPUs are asymmetric, meaning that their rendering capabilities and/or rendering power is not equal. The asymmetric scaling multiple GPU graphics system includes a plurality of GPUs configured to execute graphics instructions from a computer system. A GPU output multiplexer and a controller unit are coupled to the GPUs. The controller unit is configured to control the GPUs and the output multiplexer such that the GPUs cooperatively execute the graphics instructions from the computer system.

Abstract: A scalable discrete graphics system (DGS) is disclosed. The DGS includes a serial bus bridge configured to couple a plurality of GPUs to a serial bus. A serial bus connector is coupled to the serial bus bridge. A system chassis coupled to the serial bus bridge and the serial bus connector and configured to house the GPUs. The serial bus connector is configured to removably connect to a computer system. The GPUs access the computer system via the serial bus bridge and the serial bus connector to cooperatively execute 3-D graphics instructions from the computer system.

Abstract: A method of authorizing access to content, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, includes receiving a request to access an instance of content. A key registry server may provide user accounts, which identify an authorized user of the instance of content and a parameter for accessing the instance of content. A determination is then made that accessing the instance of content is within the parameter and authorized for the user and access to the instance of content is allowed. The content may be local to the use system or accessed remotely (e.g., over a network). Also, the registry may be remote to the user system or local or both (e.g., with updates periodically made).

Abstract: A graphics system and a multi-user computer system are disclosed. The graphics system comprises a graphics processing unit (GPU) for processing pixels. It further includes a multi-user manager for allocating pixel processing capability for each one of a plurality of users, wherein each user uses a display and an input device. Moreover, the graphics system has a plurality of user attributes for each user. The multi-user computer system comprises a central processing unit (CPU) and a disk drive configured to support a plurality of users. Further, the multi-user computer system includes the graphics system.

Abstract: A method of presenting content, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, includes receiving a request for an item of content and selectively verifying ownership of the requested content. If verification of ownership is not to be performed for the particular request, the item of content may be served. If ownership is substantiated for the particular request, the content may also be served. If ownership is not substantiated for the particular request, the content may be purged. Ownership verification may be by access to a physical copy of the content (e.g., DVD, CD or the like).

Abstract: The present invention systems and methods enable configuration of functional components in integrated circuits. A present invention system and method can flexibly change the operational characteristics of functional components in an integrated circuit die based upon a variety of factors. In one embodiment, manufacturing yields, compatibility characteristics, performance requirements, and system health (e.g., the number of components operating properly) are factored into changes to the operational characteristics of functional components. In one exemplary implementation, the changes to operational characteristics of a functional component are coordinated with changes to other functional components. Workflow scheduling and distribution is also adjusted based upon the changes to the operational characteristics of the functional components. For example, a functional component configuration controller changes the operational characteristics settings and provides an indication to a workflow distribution component.

Abstract: A method and system for accessing content on demand are described. In one embodiment, upon receiving a user request to access an instance of content (e.g., information that is independent of a particular physical medium), the identity of the user is authenticated. The request conveys a unique identifier of the instance of content and a key for activating the content corresponding thereto according to an instance of ownership stored therewith. The instance of ownership corresponding to the user in that instance of content is ascertained. Upon associating the instance of ownership corresponding to the user in the instance of content, the instance of content is activated to allow the user to access the instance of content according to the corresponding instance of ownership. Where access is demanded in excess of the instance of ownership, a transaction is initiated with which the instance of ownership can be upgraded.

Abstract: The present invention systems and methods enable configuration of functional components in integrated circuits. A present invention system and method can flexibly change the operational characteristics of functional components in an integrated circuit die based upon a variety of factors including manufacturing defects, compatibility characteristics, performance requirements, and system health (e.g., the number of components operating properly). Functional component operational behavior is tested and analyzed at various levels of configuration abstraction and component organization (e.g., topological inversion analysis). The testing and analysis can be performed in parallel on numerous functional components. Functional component configuration related information is presented in a graphical user interface (GUI) at various levels of granularity and in real time.

Abstract: The present invention systems and methods facilitate configuration of functional components included in a remotely located integrated circuit die. In one exemplary implementation, a die functional component reconfiguration request process is engaged in wherein a system requests a reconfiguration code from a remote centralized resource. A reconfiguration code production process is executed in which a request for a reconfiguration code and a permission indicator are received, validity of permission indicator is analyzed, and a reconfiguration code is provided if the permission indicator is valid. A die functional component configuration process is performed on the die when an appropriate reconfiguration code is received by the die. The functional component configuration process includes directing alteration of a functional component configuration. Workflow is diverted from disabled functional components to enabled functional components.

Abstract: A method of storing content, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, includes receiving an item of content in a protected format and a key corresponding to the item of content. The item of content in its protected format may be stored on a mass storage device. The key may also be stored in a safeguarded format on the mass storage device.

Abstract: The present invention systems and methods enable configuration of functional components in integrated circuits. A present invention system and method utilizes micro electro-mechanical switches included in pathways of an integrated circuit to flexibly change the operational characteristics of functional components in an integrated circuit die based upon a variety of factors including power conservation, manufacturing defects, compatibility characteristics, performance requirements, and system health (e.g., the number of components operating properly). The micro electro-mechanical switches are selectively opened and closed to permit and prevent electrical current flow to and from functional components. Opening the micro electro-mechanical switches also enables power conservation by facilitating isolation of a component and minimization of impacts associated with leakage currents.

Abstract: A die micro electro-mechanical switch management system and method facilitate power conservation by selectively preventing electrical current from flowing in designated components. A present invention semiconductor die comprises a block of transistors for performing switching operations, a bus (e.g., a power bus, a signal bus, etc.) for conveying electrical current and a micro electro-mechanical switch that couples and decouples the block of transistors to and from the bus. The micro electro-mechanical switch is opened and closed depending upon operations (e.g., switching operations) being performed by the block of transistors. Electrical current is prevented from flowing to the block of transistors when the micro electro-mechanical switch is open and the block of transistors is electrically isolated. The micro electro-mechanical switch can interrupt electrical current flow in a plurality of the bus lines and/or can be included in a relay array.

Abstract: A die micro electro-mechanical switch management system and method facilitate power conservation by selectively preventing electrical current from flowing in designated components. A present invention semiconductor die comprises a block of transistors for performing switching operations, a bus (e.g., a power bus, a signal bus, etc.) for conveying electrical current and a micro electro-mechanical switch that couples and decouples the block of transistors to and from the bus. The micro electro-mechanical switch is opened and closed depending upon operations (e.g., switching operations) being performed by the block of transistors. Electrical current is prevented from flowing to the block of transistors when the micro electro-mechanical switch is open and the block of transistors is electrically isolated. The micro electro-mechanical switch can interrupt electrical current flow in a plurality of the bus lines and/or can be included in a relay array.

Abstract: One embodiment of a field changeable rendering system includes an output device interfaced to a motherboard, a fixed rendering device mounted to the motherboard for generating information to be output on said output device, a connector for attaching a field-changeable rendering card to the motherboard, said field-changeable rendering card capable of housing a discrete rendering device for generating information to be output on said output device and detection circuitry for detecting that a field-changeable rendering card housing a discrete rendering device is coupled to said connector and causing information from said field-changeable rendering card housing a discrete rendering device to be output on said output device. One advantage of the disclosed edge connector is that it is compatible with a plurality of graphics cards and systems, thereby enabling a computing device user to upgrade the existing device's graphics system.

Abstract: A DGS (discrete graphics system) unit is disclosed. The DGS unit includes a system chassis configured to house a GPU, the GPU for executing 3-D graphics instructions, and a GPU mounting unit coupled to the system chassis and configured to receive the GPU. A serial bus connector is coupled to the chassis and is coupled to the GPU mounting unit, wherein the serial bus connector is configured removably connect the GPU to a computer system to enable the GPU to access the computer system via the serial bus connector and execute the 3-D graphics instructions for the computer system. A power supply coupled to the system chassis for supplying power to the GPU independent of the computer system.

Abstract: A discrete graphics system (DGS) for executing 3D graphics instructions for a computer system is disclosed. The discrete graphics system includes a GPU for executing 3D graphics instructions and a DGS system chassis configured to house the GPU. A serial bus connector coupled is to the GPU and the DGS chassis. The serial bus connector is configured to removably connect the DGS and the GPU to the computer system. The GPU of the DGS accesses the computer system via the serial bus connector to execute the 3D graphics instructions for the computer system.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates convenient and secure distribution of proprietary content. A present secure content enabled drive system and method permits flexible use of storage medium for both protected distribution of information and user definable storage use. In one embodiment, a computer readable storage medium includes an unprotected information portion, a protected information portion and a protection interface. The unprotected portion stores unprotected information. The protected content portion stores protected information. The protection interface protects information in the protected content portion from unauthorized access.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates convenient and secure distribution of proprietary content. A present secure content enabled drive system and method permits flexible use of storage medium for both protected distribution of information and user definable storage use. In one embodiment a digital right management method includes creating a secure content enabled drive with protected storage locations and unprotected storage locations. Initial digital rights authorization is established to access secure content stored in said protected storage locations. The initial digital rights authorization to access secure content stored in said protected storage locations can be revised.

Abstract: A method and system for registering and activating content are described. Ownership of instances of content is registered in a registry of accounts associated with various users. Responsive to a user selecting an instance of content from a content distributor, the user's account is updated by adding therein an identifier uniquely associated therewith. Responsive to the user requesting access to an instance of content, the identity of the user is authenticated. The request conveys a unique identifier of the instance of content and a key for activating the content. The content activating key is compared with the registry to identify the user's ownership level in the instance of content. Upon associating the user identity with the user's ownership level, the instance of content is activated to allow the user to access the instance of content according to the corresponding ownership level.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates convenient and secure distribution of proprietary content. A present secure content enabled drive system and method permits flexible use of storage medium for both protected distribution of information and user definable storage use. In one embodiment, a computer readable storage medium includes an unprotected information portion, a protected information portion and a protection interface. The unprotected portion stores unprotected information. The protected content portion stores protected information. The protection interface protects information in the protected content portion from unauthorized access.