Abstract: Described is a technology by which an owner node in a server cluster maintains ownership of a storage mechanism through a persistent reservation mechanism, while allowing non-owning nodes read and write access to the storage mechanism. An owner node writes a reservation key to a registration table associated with the storage mechanism. Non-owning nodes write a shared key that gives them read and write access. The owner node validates the shared keys against cluster membership data, and preempts (e.g., removes) any key deemed not valid. The owner node also defends ownership against challenges to ownership made by other nodes, so that another node can take over ownership if a (formerly) owning node is unable to defend, e.g., because of a failure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically switching the operation mode of a switching circuit in a portable terminal are provided. If an external device is connected to a connector interface unit, a signal is detected from the connector interface unit. The type of external device is identified by the detected signal. If the identified external device is a communication device, a communication mode is activated and a signal path is established between an internal module and the external device during the communication mode. A determination is made as to whether an internal event occurs in the portable terminal and an external event occurs in the external device, during the communication mode. The mode of the connector switching circuit is switched to a sleep mode if the internal and external events have not occurred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described to provide shared switch and cache memory. The apparatus may comprise a message switch module, a cache controller module, and shared switch and cache memory to provide shared memory to the message switch module and to the cache controller module. The cache controller module may comprise pointer memory to store a plurality of pointers, each pointer pointing to a location in the shared switch and cache memory (e.g., point to a message header partition in the shared switch and cache memory). If there is a corresponding pointer, a memory read response may be sent to the requesting agent. If there is no corresponding pointer, a write data request may be sent to a corresponding destination agent and, in response to receiving the requested data, a pointer to the stored data in the pointer memory may be provided.

Abstract: A method to transmit data using a device having a plurality of physical input/output (I/O) interfaces is provided. The method comprises receiving data and determining a topology according to which data is to be transmitted. Data is transmitted in sequential order via a single physical interface for a first topology and in random order via a plurality of physical interfaces for a second topology. A System On Chip (SOC) unit enabled to transmit data via one or more physical interfaces is provided. The SOC comprises a processor and a network interface including multiple physical input/output (I/O) interfaces coupled to the processor. In response to receiving data for transmission, the processor is enabled to select a single I/O interface for sequential data transmission according to a first topology or select multiple physical I/O interfaces for random order data transmission according to a second topology.

Abstract: An electronic Input/Output Interface and device abstraction system used in gaming machines includes: a game central processing unit (game “CPU”); an intelligent input/output controller board (“IOCB”); an Industry Standard Architecture PC bus (“ISA” bus); and a framed message transport protocol. The IOCB facilitates communications between the game CPU and virtual device services, which are peripheral devices associated with the gaming system. The game CPU communicates to gaming peripherals by sending virtual device messages across the ISA bus to the IOCB. The IOCB routes virtual device messages to appropriate virtual device services. Virtual device services are responsible for handling specific hardware, and include virtual device drivers on the game CPU that communicate with virtual devices on the IOCB. Use of the IOCB and the high speed interface enables the game CPU to use more of its available functions for controlling gaming functions rather than one operation of its associated peripheral devices.

Abstract: Apparatuses having variable communication speeds are disclose. In one example, an apparatus may comprise a controller configured to: receive a signal from a host, the signal being compatible with a data communication protocol at a first data communication speed; selectively implement a first data communication protocol from a plurality of data communication protocols to communicate with a first memory or implement a second data communication protocol from the plurality of data communication protocols to communicate with a second memory based on the data communication speed; store data in the first memory via the first data communication protocol when the data communication speed is a first speed; and store data in the second memory via the second data communication protocol when the data communication speed is a second speed that is different than the first speed.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to fast enumeration of a device in a USB system including a USB device and a USB host. The USB device includes two device descriptors, a memory for holding firmware for operation of the USB device, and a controller for executing the firmware. A first device descriptor is for enumerating the USB device in a firmware-loading mode and a second device descriptor is for enumerating the USB device in an operational mode. The USB host controls a first enumeration of the USB device using the first device descriptor. After the first enumeration, the USB host receives a re-enumerate indicator from the USB device and controls a second enumeration of the USB device using the second device descriptor.

Abstract: The present invention permits an I/O port to be used with a variety of different I/O devices, regardless of their device type implementation. Thus, one set of pins may be used for various different I/O devices.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first module including a bus port for coupling the first module to a bus; a first configuration port receiving an input indicating whether address assignment is enabled/disabled for the first module; a second configuration port providing an output indicating whether address assignment is enabled/disabled for a second module; a memory to store a unique address, wherein the unique address identifies the first module; and a controller coupled to a central management unit (CMU) via the bus, the controller to receive the unique address from the CMU, determine whether address assignment is enabled for the first module and store the unique address in the memory if address assignment is enabled, enable/disable address assignment for a second module when the second module is coupled to the first module, and the controller to enable/disable address assignment for the second module based on a message from the CMU.

Abstract: Various aspects are disclosed herein for bounding the behavior of a non-privileged virtual machine that interacts with a device by creating a description of the device which indicates to a privileged authority (1) which operations on the device may have system-wide effects and (2) which operations have effects local to the device. The privileged authority may then permit or deny these actions. The privileged authority may also translate these actions into other actions with benign consequences.

Abstract: A method of routing data in an information handling system can include receiving a notification from a management controller at a basic input/output system (BIOS) that includes a system management interrupt (SMI) handler. The a notification can indicate that the management controller has a data packet bound for a peripheral component interconnect express input/output (PCIe I/O) device coupled to a secondary processor. The method can include generating a system management interrupt at the information handling system via the BIOS SMI handler in response to the notification. The method can also include retrieving the data packet from the management controller via the BIOS SMI handler and sending a payload associated with the data packet from the BIOS SMI handler to the PCIe I/O device.

Abstract: A device, method, and system are disclosed. In one embodiment the device includes a router to transmit data packets between multiple host controllers and one or more peripheral devices. The router can receive a data packet from a host controller and transmit the data packet to a peripheral device across a data transmission path. The peripheral device is coupled to the first data transmission path through a first universal multi-transport medium (UMTM) connector. The connector includes an optical coupling capable of transporting the first data packet within an optical signal and an electrical coupling capable of transporting the first data packet within an electrical signal.

Abstract: A data storage device (DSD) is disclosed comprising a SATA connector and control circuitry comprising a communication module for communicating with a host. At least one pin of the SATA connector is evaluated to detect a host type. When the host type is SATA, the communication module is configured to operate according to a SATA protocol, and when the host type is non-SATA, the communication module is configured to operate according to a non-SATA protocol.

Abstract: In accordance embodiments of the present disclosure a method may include receiving a user indication of a desired association between at least one of a plurality of modular information handling systems and at least one or one or more information handling resources. The method may also include communicating one or more control signals to one or more switching elements housed in a chassis configured to house the plurality of modular information handling systems and the one or more information handling resources, such that a selected modular information handling system is communicatively coupled to a selected information handling resource in accordance with the user indication of the desired association.

Abstract: A device comprises circuitry and a transceiver. In operation, the device is configured to cause the transceiver to: receive a first message from another device to support at least one aspect of attachment of the device and the another device, send, to the another device, a second message after the first message and prior to attachment, receive, from the another device, a third message that is sent after the second message and prior to attachment, send, to the another device, a fourth message after the third message and prior to attachment, receive, from the another device, a fifth message that is sent after the fourth message and prior to attachment, and send, directly to the another device, data utilizing at least one channel for data transfer utilizing a second one of the addresses for identification in association with the device on the shared wireless communication network.

Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, multiple interface detection circuits configured to connect with a mobile electronic device connector. In an example, a multiple interface detection circuit can include a first comparator to compare a bus voltage of the mobile electronic device connector with a first threshold and to provide a first control signal, a second comparator to compare the bus voltage of the mobile electronic device connector with the first threshold and to provide a second control signal, a third comparator to compare the bus voltage of the mobile electronic device connector with a second threshold and to provide a third control signal, and a switch control configured to switch one or more signals of the connector.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting against corruption of data stored in a peripheral storage device. The peripheral storage device is communicatively coupled with a host computer. The peripheral storage device includes at least memory and a controller. Data from the host computer is stored to a first portion of the peripheral storage device memory. The controller backs up some or all of the data to a second portion of the data to a second portion of the peripheral storage device memory. The controller restores some or all of the data from the second portion of the peripheral storage device memory to the first portion of the peripheral storage device memory.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a portable computing device configured to selectably switch between a wired zero client mode in which the portable computing device operates as a terminal for a host computer via a wired communication channel, a wireless zero client mode in which the portable computing device operates as a terminal for the host computer via a wireless communication channel, and a local mode in which the portable computing device operates independently from the host computer. The portable computing device may include one or more zero client processors that facilitate operation in the wired or wireless zero client mode and one or more local control processors that facilitate operation in the local mode. The portable computing device may include input devices used to receive inputs for the host computer during the wireless or wired zero client modes or for the local control processors during the local mode.

Abstract: An electronic meeting tool and method for communicating arbitrary media content from users at a meeting is described. These can include a node configuration means adapted to operate a display node of a communications network, the display node being coupled to a first display.

Abstract: Methods and structure for determining compatibility between a pair of SAS devices for support of super-standard features of the devices. Features and aspects hereof provide for exchange of information between a first and second SAS device using SAS protocol in non-standard manners. The exchanges are designed to exchange information between compatible, enhanced device without causing protocol violation errors in either the first or second devices. The information exchanged represents super-standard features supported by each device. Mutually supported super-standard features are enabled for further communications between the devices. If no super-standard features are mutually supported or if the second device is non-enhanced, no super-standard features are enabled in further communications between the devices.

Abstract: A media presentation device converts media signals based on stored output settings. The media presentation device includes a sink-interaction port to at least partially receive device-specific information of a sink device, a data storage and a processor. The processor determines whether one of the plurality of at least partially stored device-specific information matches the received device-specific information of the sink device, and selects output settings corresponding to the stored device-specific information that matches the received device-specific information of the sink device for use in converting the media signals to an output format supported by the sink device.

Abstract: A programmable interface circuit includes channel(s) including a digital logic block having terminals for receiving control signals from a process controller block, for providing logic signals, and terminals for receiving processed signal data. An analog logic block includes a current output digital to analog converter (DAC). An output circuit block includes first and second field terminals (S1,S2) and a sense resistor, wherein current from the DAC is coupled to S1 and the sense resistor is coupled to S2. The analog logic block includes a first and a second multi-channel multiplexer (MUX), an operational amplifier, and an analog to digital converter (ADC). The control signals automatically select from signal modes including an analog output (AO) mode, a digital output (DO) mode, an analog input (AI) mode, a digital input (DI) mode, and at least one additional signal mode provided by adding a sub-mode to the AI mode or DI mode.

Abstract: A communication system includes a destination node containing a message buffer pointer input queue and a message queue memory. Moreover, the message queue memory includes message buffers. A source node of the communication system generates data packets and a message buffer pointer packet. A message network of the communication system routes the data packets and the message buffer pointer packet to the destination node. The destination node writes a data message in a message buffer of the message queue memory based on the data packets and enqueues the message buffer pointer into the message buffer pointer input queue. Further, the destination node dequeues the message buffer pointer from the message buffer pointer input queue and accesses the data message in the message buffer based on a message buffer pointer.

Abstract: A method of performing discovery in a data storage fabric is disclosed. Performing discovery includes performing a first stage of discovery on expanders in the data storage fabric prior to broadcasting a discovery command to initiators on the data storage fabric. After the first stage has completed, providing the discovery command to the initiators to perform a second stage of discovery.

Abstract: Initiating USB-over-network connections based on partial USB enumeration, including the steps of: Discovering USB hosts by respective USB host adaptors (USBHs). Reading USB device descriptors of USB devices by respective USB device adaptors (USBDs) performing partial USB enumeration that stops prior to the configuration state of the USB devices. Forwarding the read USB device descriptors to the USBHs. And initiating, by the USBDs or the USBHs and based on the USB device descriptors, USB-over-network connections between the USB devices and the USB hosts.

Abstract: A method to interact with a local USB device is disclosed. A message is received from the local USB device. Predetermined information is extracted from a proper subset of the message. The extracted information is transmitted to a local process.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first connector configured to fit into a first socket in a processing system, the first connector and first socket conforming to a first standard, a second socket configured to accept a memory module therein, the second socket and the memory module conforming to a second standard, a memory buffer module communicatively coupled to the first connector and the second socket, the memory buffer module configured to receive signals associated with the first standard from the first connector and output signals associated with the second standard to the second socket, and a virtualization module communicatively coupled to the memory buffer module, the first connector, and the second socket, the virtualization module configured to receive first initialization data associated with the second standard from the second socket and output second initialization data associated with the first standard to the processing system.

Abstract: A method of negotiating a proper communication protocol between a reader device (10) and a data carrier (20) is disclosed. In a first step, when the data carrier (20) is inserted into the reader device (10) at a first point in time (t1), the data carrier (20) provides information to the reader device (10), which communication protocols are supported by the data carrier (20), by means of a binary value (BV). In a next step, the reader device (10) chooses/sets one of the possible communication protocols according to its own capability. This choice is provided to the data carrier (20) by applying a clock signal (CLK) of a certain frequency (f), which is associated with the chosen/set communication protocol, to an input contact (C3) of the data carrier (20) at a second point in time (t2). Finally, the data carrier (20) sets the chosen communication protocol received from the reader device (10), thereby finalizing the negotiation sequence.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is able to communicate with a device at a plurality of transmission rates. A signal processing unit processes a signal that is transmitted to and from the device. A storage unit stores parameter information indicating a correspondence between a transmission rate and a parameter for controlling signal conditioning performed by the signal processing unit. A control unit selects a parameter appropriate for a transmission rate determined in cooperation with the device, with reference to the parameter information stored in the storage unit, and applies the selected parameter to the signal processing unit.

Abstract: An improved technique for processing IO requests has been described that distinguishes bogus IOs from genuine IO request failures by accessing a hardware configuration record that associates available paths with hardware components at different hardware layers traversed by the paths. When an IO request fails down a first path, a second path is selected for retrying the IO request by accessing the hardware configuration record and identifying a path that the record indicates traverses hardware components that are different from those traversed by the first path at multiple hardware layers. The chance that an IO request will fail due to faulty hardware over both the first path and the second path is thus low, such that IO failures down both the first path and the second path provide a clear indication that the IO request is bogus.

Abstract: An avionics data storage device and data transfer system are provided. The data storage device, has a slanted, “shark-like” door, which provides an environmental seal when not installed in the data transfer system. The storage device and data transfer system maintain environmental seals at all times other than installation. The storage device and transfer system can implement a variety of identification and authentication methods, including electrical, physical, and optical authentication or identification.

Abstract: An interface including first and second transport protocol circuitry, a memory and a mode controller. The interface includes first and second physical interface types which are both selectively enabled to interface a set of pads. The first transport protocol circuitry is operative with the first type physical interface in a first mode and the second transport protocol circuitry is operative with the second type physical interface in a second mode. The memory stores a mode value indicative of the operating mode. The mode controller enables one of the physical interface types and a corresponding transport protocol based on the mode value. The first mode is the default mode, and the mode controller enables dynamic transition to the second mode. An escape indication may be enabled during the second mode for dynamic transition back to the first mode. Programmable timing values may be used to facilitate mode transitions.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for multiplexing one or more services are disclosed. Such systems and devices may have an architecture that includes communication interfaces, processors, storage devices, and software applications that generate virtual machines. Each of the virtual machines may receive a first set of service data for a service of the one or more services; process the first set of service data using the one or more software applications to generate a second set of service data and data instructions associated with the second set of service data; provides a service security function for the service; provide a service operating system; mine the first set of service data, including analytical information; and transmit the second set of service data and data instructions associated with the second set of service data to a display interface that may be a communication interface.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to an apparatus that converts between CFP signals and electrical CXP signals. Circuitry compensates for attenuation of a CXP interconnect connected to a CXP transceiver port, and converts between (i) electrical CXP signals of the CXP transceiver port (the electrical CXP signals compliant with the CXP specification), and (ii) CFP signals of the CFP transceiver port (the CFP signals compliant with the CFP specification).

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a data requesting unit configured to request the data outputting apparatus to provide output condition setting screen data for displaying an output condition setting screen, a screen display unit configured to receive the output condition setting screen data sent from the data outputting apparatus and to display the output condition setting screen based on the output condition setting screen data, a setting information storing unit configured to store output condition setting information that is set on the output condition setting screen displayed by the screen display unit, and an output data generating unit configured to generate output data processable by the data outputting apparatus in response to the output condition setting information stored in the storage apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to detection of cable connections for electronic devices. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a port for the connection of a cable, the port being compatible with a first protocol and a second protocol, the port including a connector for the second protocol, the port including multiple pins including a first pin and a second pin. The apparatus further includes a pull-up resistor coupled between the first pin and a voltage source, a pull-down resistor coupled between the second pin and ground, and a voltage detection element coupled with the second pin. The apparatus is to determine that a cable compatible with the first protocol is connected to the port if the voltage detection element detects a voltage above a first threshold.

Abstract: There is provided a broadcast router that includes a plurality of input cards (410), a plurality of output cards (460), at least one programmable device (466), and a configuration control card (498). The plurality of input cards input data into the broadcast router. The plurality of output cards output the data from the broadcast router. The configuration control card stores configuration information for configuring the at least one programmable device to perform a first set of functions. The configuration control card is adapted for removal and replacement by at least one other configuration control card that stores other configuration information for configuring the at least one programmable device to perform a second set of functions having a difference from the first set of functions so as to change a functionality of the broadcast router.

Abstract: Described are a system and method of presenting virtual arrays in a storage network. A physical storage array is partitioned into a plurality of virtual arrays. Each virtual array has logical units of storage. Each virtual array is associated with a virtual array management interface by which a management application executing remotely on a host can address communications separately to that virtual array for managing the logical units of storage of that virtual array.

Abstract: Connecting USB devices with USB hosts over distinct network paths, including the following steps: Connecting USB hosts with respective USB host adaptors (USBHs), essentially according to USB specification timings. Connecting USB devices with respective USB device adaptors (USBDs). Enabling the USBDs and the USBHs to communicate over a network that can connect each USBD with each USBH. Initiating USB connections over the network between the USB devices and the USB hosts. And operating at least two of the USB connections over the network essentially simultaneously and without any common network node.

Abstract: Addressing, by USB host adaptors, packets conveying USB data over a non-USB network, including the steps of: Connecting USB hosts with respective USB host adaptors (USBHs). Connecting USB devices with respective USB device adaptors (USBDs). Enabling, by the non-USB network, each USBHs to discover the presence and capabilities of each USBDs. Initiating USB-over-network connections between the USB hosts and the USB devices. Receiving, by the USBHs, information about the USB devices and the USB-over-network connections. And adding, by the USBHs, network addresses of the USBDs to packets conveying USB data from the USB hosts to the USB devices.

Abstract: Systems and method embodiments of managing configuration data are disclosed. One method embodiment comprises storing account-specific configuration data at a device included among a group of devices, the account specific-configuration data capable of being shared among the group of devices common to a single account; and storing device-specific configuration data at the device, the device-specific configuration data not shared among the group of devices.

Abstract: A method to interact with a local USB device is disclosed. A message is received from the local USB device. Predetermined information is extracted from a proper subset of the message. The extracted information is transmitted to a local process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an input interface providing USB apparatus which is capable of providing an input interface for a variety of external devices in Bluetooth communication with the USB apparatus without a separate input means by connecting the USB apparatus to USB ports of a terminal and sharing an input means of the terminal with the external devices, and an interface providing method. The input interface providing USB apparatus and method in accordance with the present invention is capable of providing an input interface for a variety of external devices in Bluetooth communication with the USB apparatus without a separate input means by connecting the USB apparatus to USB ports of a terminal and sharing an input means of the terminal with the external devices, thereby providing excellent user convenience.

Abstract: In accordance embodiments of the present disclosure a method may include receiving a user indication of a desired association between at least one of a plurality of modular information handling systems and at least one or one or more information handling resources. The method may also include communicating one or more control signals to one or more switching elements housed in a chassis configured to house the plurality of modular information handling systems and the one or more information handling resources, such that a selected modular information handling system is communicatively coupled to a selected information handling resource in accordance with the user indication of the desired association.

Abstract: A method wherein at least one service of an application stored in a microcontroller card is communicated to a terminal. The terminal transmits a command identifying the selected application to the card immediately after selecting the application. In order to reduce in the card the time for accessing the application service data by the terminal, a reply generator in the card selects the active services related to the application in the card in response to the command, and dynamically establishes a list of data identifying these services, to transmit a reply message including the identification data from the card to the terminal. A reply analyzer in the terminal analyzes the identification data of the reply message to communicate the at least one service of the application identified by the identification data.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a transmission portion that transmits repeatedly, at a specified time interval, one combination packet that is created such that it includes, within a packet that is compatible with one format, a packet that is compatible with another format. It is therefore possible for the information processing device to perform non-contact communication in a plurality of formats without repeatedly transmitting in succession a plurality of copies of the same packet, each copy being compatible with a different format.

Abstract: A computer card comprising a first connector to enable the computer card to communicatively couple to an electronic device when the computer card is inserted into an externally accessible slot of the electronic device. The computer card further comprising an expansion slot configured to receive an expansion card therein. The computer card further comprising a second connector to facilitate coupling of a peripheral device to the computer card.

Abstract: Provided is a method of delivering a user input received from a Human Interface Device (HID) to a source device by a sink device. The method includes: receiving the user input from the HID; generating HID user input information including a first field that represents a type of the HID, a second field that represents an interface type of the HID, and a third field that includes the user input received from the HID; and transmitting the configured HID user input information to the source device.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a method of transmitting image data from an image supplying device to an image display device includes transmitting information indicating a resolution of the image display device from the image display device to the image supplying device; scaling the image data, by the image supplying device, to decrease an amount of the image data by reducing an image based on the information indicating the resolution of the image display device; and transmitting the scaled image data from the image supplying device to the image display device.

Abstract: A communication speed control application sets the initial communication mode of the USB controller to a full speed mode through a USB driver. If a data transfer start request is received from a USB device using application and if the requested communication speed is a high speed communication mode, the communication speed mode of the USB controller is changed to a high speed mode through the USB driver. The USB application estimates the transfer rate required for the data transfer to be executed and, if the estimated transfer rate is higher than the full speed mode or the transfer rate resulting from subtraction of a predetermined margin from the full speed, the requested communication speed is set to the high speed or is set to full speed otherwise.