Abstract: Previously recorded personal video recorder (“PVR”) content may be managed using electronic programming guide (“EPG”) metadata. According to an embodiment, a PVR may download EPG metadata corresponding to previously broadcast programs. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the EPG metadata corresponding to the previously broadcast programs comprises only metadata pertaining to programming changes. This change metadata may be compared against a previously recorded content list to determine whether previously broadcast content was changed. If the change metadata matches an item on the previously recorded content list, the item is identified as a changed item, and the PVR may be programmed to take action to manage this changed item.

Abstract: A requesting device sends a request, intended to read one or more device addresses on a line of a bus. One or more sets of commands are then sent by the requesting device, where each set of commands is intended to read one device address. If, while a first device is writing its device address, the line fails to display any of the driven bit values of the first address, because the second device is simultaneously writing a second address on the line in response to the request, then the first device stops writing the first address. The first device does not write the first address again until after the second device has finished writing the second address. The first and second addresses uniquely identify the first and second devices.

Abstract: A watchdog timer monitors a personal computer (“PC”) power down process. In one embodiment of the present invention, when a user issues a command (via the operating system) to power down the PC, the system firmware activates a watchdog timer. If the watchdog timer expires prior to the successful shutdown of the PC, the watchdog timer may cause the PC to power down.

Abstract: In an extended application network, where a server may execute applications on behalf of a user at a “dumb” client device, operation continuity is maintained through use of a state token. The server periodically provides to the client device one or more “state tokens,” which are stored at the client device. If, at some later time, the client device is commanded by the same or another server to furnish the state token, the stateless device does so. Typically, such commands will be received when communication between the client and the first server is lost due to equipment malfunction or other cause. The state token permits the second server to identify an application that had been executing on behalf of the thin client device and to resume its execution at the point where the first server left off.

Abstract: A content decoder is split into a decoder core and remaining portions. The decoder core implements decryption of encrypted content according to a selected encryption scheme, and the remaining portions provide an interface between the decoder core and content presentation systems/devices. Isolating the selected encryption scheme within the decoder core allows the content decoder to be produced and delivered to end users before the encryption scheme has been selected or developed. A logical separation of the content decoder from the decryption core allows the decryption core software to be updated and/or changed as needed.

Abstract: A fuel cell powered system includes a fuel cell. A water-holding device is included to receive a water byproduct from the fuel cell. A heat-generating device is in close proximity to the water-holding device to facilitate evaporation of the water byproduct.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating information between a utility metering device, such as a water meter, and a remote location, such as inside a residence or a service provider.

Abstract: An electronic device is presented that is capable of being connected to a bus. The electronic device has a memory device. The memory device contains a remote location's destination information. Control or characteristic information for the electronic device is stored at the remote location. Also presented is a system. In the system, many electronic devices are each connected to a memory device. Each memory device contains a remote location's destination information. Control or characteristic information for the electronic device is stored at the remote location. Many device specific buses are connected to the many electronic devices. Many device specific network bridge devices are connected to the many device specific buses and a home network. Also, a device for communicating with a remote network is included.

Abstract: A device is presented including a processor. A user interface is connected to the processor. A receiver is connected to the processor for receiving current location information from an external source. Also, a transmitter is connected to the processor for transmitting the current location information and command data to an external receiver. Also presented is a system including a processor connected to a transmission medium. A first receiver is connected to the processor. A first transmitter is also connected to the processor. A second transmitter transmits location data. A remote control (RC) including a RC receiver and a RC transmitter is included. The RC receives location data and sends command data and the location data to the first receiver. The first transmitter sends control information for at least one device located in a specific location according to the location data received by the RC.

Abstract: A first device and a second device may be coupled to a bus. The first and second devices drive signals on the bus to establish a bus speed for a given message and to arbitrate for bus access.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating information between a utility metering device, such as a water meter, and a remote location, such as inside a residence or a service provider.

Abstract: A data bus system with data integrity verification is arranged so that a bus device receiving a message always responds by sending a check sequence back to the message originating device; i.e., a check sequence is automatically returned to a message originating device as part of every bus transaction. The originating device reads the returned check sequence and uses it to verify the integrity of the data transferred between the two devices. The check sequence can be created by the receiving device based on the data conveyed, or the receiving device can simply echo back a check sequence that is appended to the incoming data.

Abstract: A computer system that provides device specific power characterizations for power control and budgeting functions is disclosed. The device driver programs of the computer system or a power characterizer of the system determines device specific power characterizations for corresponding devices under device specific controlled conditions. The device specific power characterizations are stored in persistent storage for subsequent use by power control and budgeting functions.

Abstract: A computer system with system power consumption tracking and reporting is disclosed including a background task that determines a hardware configuration of the computer system and that detects new or novel hardware configurations. The background task updates data sets in the system power table that correspond to previously logged hardware configurations and creates new data sets in the system power table for the new or novel hardware configurations. The system power table logs indications of system power consumption for the corresponding hardware configurations as well as related information.

Abstract: A smart battery having programmable remaining capacity and run-time alarm values based on battery-specific characteristics. A memory stores battery-specific characteristics, such as charge characteristics, discharge characteristics, capacity characteristics, and self-discharge characteristics. One circuit measures the environmental conditions of the battery, such as temperature. Another circuit measures the current (charge or discharge) of the battery. A microcontroller periodically determines an incremental self-discharge of the battery based on the measured environmental conditions and the self-discharge characteristic of the battery. The microcontroller increases or decreases a remaining capacity value, representing the remaining capacity of the battery, according to the amount of the incremental self-discharge and the battery current. The microcontroller sends a capacity alarm signal if the remaining capacity value is less than a programmable capacity alarm value.

Abstract: A smart battery charger system including a smart battery charger that responds to charging instructions of a smart battery. The smart battery includes a memory that stores battery-specific charging characteristics. The smart battery determines a desired charging voltage and desired charging current based on measured environmental conditions, such as battery temperature, and the charging characteristics. A bus allows the smart battery to communicate the desired charging voltage and charging current to the smart battery charger. The smart battery charger generates the actual charging voltage and charging current in response to the desired charging voltage and charging current. In this manner the smart battery can control its own charging. Charging can be optimized according to a particular smart battery's charging characteristics and requirements.

Abstract: A smart battery that can predict the remaining life and recharge time of the battery based on battery-specific characteristics. A memory stores battery-specific characteristics, such as charge characteristics, discharge characteristics, capacity characteristics, and self-discharge characteristics. The environmental conditions of the battery, such as temperature, and battery current (charge or discharge) are measured. A microcontroller periodically determines an incremental self-discharge of the battery based on the measured environmental conditions and the self-discharge characteristic of the battery. The microcontroller predicts the remaining battery life of the battery based on the remaining capacity of the battery, the environmental conditions of the battery, and a selected discharge rate of the battery. The discharge rate can be selected by a user, a power management system or by other means. A charge rate of the battery can also be selected.

Abstract: A power management system and interface providing a flexible and uniform protocol for controlling power management within a computer system including various software layers and add-in components. Clients (registered system elements) requiring power management notification and control become registered (via an associated software component) with a power management coordinator (PMC). The PMC provides information routing functions and address translations to facilitate communication (including power consumption information) between clients at registered identifiers. A programmable power policy manager allows a user to define a performance/economy setting for the system that is communicated to all registered devices so that dwell and decay times are appropriately set by the device. A programmable event sequencer maintains an event notification sequence and control sequence for power events. A programmable power budgeter maintains and allocates power on a request basis for system elements.

Abstract: A smart battery that predicts whether or not a battery can provide a requested amount of additional power based on battery-specific capacity, self-discharge, and discharge characteristics. A non-volatile memory stores the battery-specific characteristics which are functions of the environmental conditions of the battery and/or the battery current. One circuit measures the environmental conditions of the battery, such as temperature. Another circuit measures the battery current (charge or discharge). In response to a request, the smart battery determines whether or not the additional power can be provided based on the present battery capacity, the present discharge rate of the battery, the environmental conditions of the battery, and the battery characteristics. A user or power management system can use such power availability information to tune the power consumption and performance of an electronic system powered by the battery.