Abstract: The plug of the connector mainly contains a plug assembly formed by joining two plug pieces, each providing a number of terminals arranged along two major sides of a blade. A conducting plate is sandwiched between the two plug pieces and contacts a metallic casing housing said plug assembly. The casing also contacts an EMI shielding wall enclosing the blades of terminals. The socket of the connector mainly contains a socket assembly formed by interleaving a number of insulating pieces and shielding pieces. Each insulating piece houses four L-shaped terminals and has L-shaped shielding plates positioned in the areas between the L-shaped terminals. The shielding plates contact a metallic plate embedded inside the insulating piece and/or the adjacent shielding piece and the metallic plates in turn contact a metallic casing housing the socket assembly. The casing also contacts an EMI shielding wall enclosing the slots of terminals.

Abstract: A low-power compact computer comprises a processor having relatively low-power consumption, a supporting chipset having conventional power consumption, and a conventional random access memory storage circuit.

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 low-power compact computer comprises a processor having relatively low-power consumption, a supporting chipset having conventional power consumption, and a conventional random access memory storage circuit.

Abstract: An electronic device for reading data from a removable storage medium includes a switch to generate a signal that circuitry of the device receives. The switch is connected to the circuitry and disposed outside a housing of the device. Or, in another embodiment, the switch is connected to a circuit board of the device and disposed in the interior of the device, but not mounted to the circuit board. The circuitry of the device can read data stored on a removable storage medium. The housing protects the circuitry and has a plurality of sides that define an interior in which the circuitry is disposed. With the switch disposed outside the housing, the switch may be located where it will be easier to see and reach. Thus, one can more easily avoid damaging the device when one inserts and removes storage media from the device.

Abstract: A remote control comprises a receiver operable to receive a data set, a presentation device coupled to the receiver and operable to present information derived from the data set, and a transmitter coupled to the presentation device and operable to transmit a signal operable to control an electronic device.

Abstract: A computer system having a noise cancellation module and a method of canceling noise using a noise cancellation module in a computer system are described. The computer system includes a processor for controlling operation of the computer system, a noise cancellation module coupled to the processor, and a memory coupled to the processor and storing operating instructions and at least one sequence of noise cancellation instructions. The noise cancellation instructions cause the processor to generate cancellation audio signals responsive to receipt of audio signals from the noise cancellation module, and transmit the generated cancellation audio signals to the noise cancellation module. The method includes sensing, by the noise cancellation module, an audio signal generated by the noise-generating source and causing the processor to generate a noise cancellation signal responsive thereto. The noise cancellation module generates an audio signal based on the generated noise cancellation signal from the processor.

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: 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: 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: One or more openly visible indicators of a digital media receiver display a wireless network signal strength.