Abstract: A variable function assembly having a power source, a computer coupled to the power source and including a power switch for allowing operative power to be provided to the computer when in an “on” position and for terminating operative power to the computer when in an “off” position, and a variable function device (e.g. a device having a microprocessor) having a generally fixed circuitry and receiving operative power from the computer when the power switch is in the “off” position. The variable function assembly also has at least one module coupled to the generally fixed circuitry so that the variable function device may provide at least one function. A method of providing a function in a variable-function device. The method comprises providing a variable-function device, transmitting operative power from a function-producing device (e.g. a computer) to the variable-function device when the function-producing device is in an “off” mode, removing a function (e.g.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for a universal remote control system for controlling entertainment-related functions, includes: a remote control device configured to transmit a control signal with a command; a computer configured to translate the command into a modified command and to transmit the modified command in a modified control signal; and an electronic device configured to perform a device function, in response to the modified command. In another embodiment of the invention, a method for a universal remote control system for controlling entertainment-related functions, includes: transmitting a control signal with a command from a remote control device; translating, by a computer, the command into a modified command and transmitting, by the computer, the modified command in a modified control signal to an electronic device; and performing a device function by the electronic device, in response to the modified command.

Abstract: A computer system is provided which includes a computer configured to detect for the occurrence of an event. The computer is also configured to determine whether content related to the event should be generated by a device coupled to the computer and to provide a signal to the device if it determines that the device should generate the content related to the event. The device includes a first module which is configured to generate the content related to the event.

Abstract: A cover plate for a rear panel of a personal computer (PC) is disclosed. The cover plate has openings for connectors and ports found on the rear panel of the PC. Another portion of the cover plate conceals a portion of the rear panel from view. The portion of the cover plate that conceals the rear panel of the PC has text-labels identifying the openings in the cover plate. The cover plate is removably coupled with the rear panel of the PC.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of interacting with another device, includes: a module configured to provide a functionality, where the apparatus is configurable to support a second module for providing an additional functionality in order to permit variable functionality by the apparatus. The functionality may relate to an input-function and/or an output function. A method of providing functionality in a variable-function device, includes: removing a functionality from another device that can communicate with the variable-function device; and providing the removed functionality in the variable-function device.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of interacting with another device, includes: a module configured to provide a functionality, where the apparatus is configurable to support a second module for providing an additional functionality in order to permit variable functionality by the apparatus. The functionality may relate to an input-function and/or an output function. A method of providing functionality in a variable-function device, includes: removing a functionality from another device that can communicate with the variable-function device; and providing the removed functionality in the variable-function device.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for obtaining an atomic clock signal broadcast, includes: a tuner configured to receive a broadcast transmission signal including an atomic clock signal; a decoder coupled to the tuner and configured to separate the atomic clock signal from the broadcast transmission signal; a logic circuit coupled to the decoder and configured to generate a control signal based upon a time value of the atomic clock signal; and an internal computer clock coupled to the logic circuit and configured to synchronize a clock time output with the time value of the atomic clock signal, in response to the control signal from the logic circuit.

Abstract: A variable function assembly having a computer configured to be coupled to a power source, and a variable function device having a microprocessor assembly including a generally fixed circuitry, a microprocessor, and a remote control receiver. A method of providing a function in a variable-function device comprising providing a variable-function device having a remote control receiver for receiving a wireless signal for changing an operative mode of a function-producing device (e.g. an entertainment computer) at a desired time, removing a function (e.g. an entertainment function) from the function-producing device, and providing the removed function in the variable-function device.

Abstract: A variable function assembly having a computer configured to be coupled to a power source, and a variable function device having a microprocessor assembly including a generally fixed circuitry, a microprocessor, and a variable-function clock. The variable function assembly may also have at least one module coupled to the microprocessor assembly so that the variable function device may provide at least one function. A method of providing a function in a variable-function device comprising providing a variable-function device having a variable-function clock for changing an operative mode of a function-producing device (e.g. an entertainment computer) at a desired time with the assistance of the variable-function clock, removing a function (e.g. an entertainment function) from the function-producing device, and providing the removed function in the variable-function device.

Abstract: A variable function assembly having a power source, a computer coupled to the power source and including a power switch for allowing operative power to be provided to the computer when in an “on” position and for terminating operative power to the computer when in an “off” position, and a variable function device (e.g. a device having a microprocessor) having a generally fixed circuitry and receiving operative power from the computer when the power switch is in the “off” position. The variable function assembly also has at least one module coupled to the generally fixed circuitry so that the variable function device may provide at least one function. A method of providing a function in a variable-function device. The method comprises providing a variable-function device, transmitting operative power from a function-producing device (e.g. a computer) to the variable-function device when the function-producing device is in an “off” mode, removing a function (e.g.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for providing entertainment functions to multiple users, includes: a computer configured to receive audio data, and process the audio data for subsequent transmission as a streaming audio data, the computer configured to provide an entertainment function to a first user; and a variable function device configured to receive the streaming audio data from the computer and output the streaming audio data as an entertainment function for a second user.