Abstract: A system provides dual use of a general purpose input/output (I/O) line. In an embodiment, the system comprises a controlling circuit having a dual purpose I/O line that is selectively operable in a serial transmit mode or an I/O mode. A first circuit that receives a serial data stream when the controlling circuit operates in the serial transmit mode is coupled to the I/O line. A second circuit that generates and transmits a signal when the controlling circuit operates in the I/O mode is also coupled to the I/O line. Finally, a third circuit is disposed between the second circuit and the I/O line. In an embodiment, when the controlling circuit operates in the serial transmit mode, the third circuit maintains the second circuit in an idle state, and when the controlling circuit operates in the I/O mode, the third circuit permits the second circuit to transmit the signal to the controlling circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring high-speed network traffic via simultaneously multiplexed data streams. Exemplary embodiments include a switch module system, including a first switch module coupled to a first server chassis, a first data port disposed on the first switch module and a set of data links disposed on the first data port, each data link configurable to receive a normal data stream and a monitored data stream.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for detecting content on media and devices and automatically launching applications to run the detected content. In one embodiment, the system searches the media or device for content and automatically launches the appropriate application without the user searching for the application. In another embodiment, the system provides the user with a filtered list of applications to run content found on the media or device.

Abstract: A memory device comprises a first port receiving a first register value and a second register value; a second port, receiving a third value; a first register being set to the first register value; a second register having an enabled status and a disabled status, the register being set to the second register value in the enabled status, the second register remaining unchanged in the disabled status; and a logic unit setting the status of the second register dependent on the first register value and the third value.

Abstract: A device and method of performing functions with an external device, the function performing method including: performing a first function when an external device is connected to a connecting unit in a first position, and performing a second function, different from the first function, when the external device is connected to the connecting unit in a second position.

Abstract: Configuring chip I/O terminals such that they may be input, output, or bi-directional terminals. Furthermore, the I/O terminals may be configured with different signal sources if they are output or bi-directional terminals. In addition, the terminals may be configured to be inverted when operating in either direction. A mechanism is provided to change this configuration as needed, for example, to correspond to different pins on the package as appropriate given the package configuration and other implementation needs. This configurability allows for tremendous flexibility and independent between the chip on which the integrated circuit is embedded and the package.

Abstract: An information handling system having a plurality of modular servers and input-output (I/O) modules use virtual bridge switches to couple any of the plurality of modular servers to any of the I/O modules. This allows the modular servers to have the I/O connectivity dictated by the computing environment rather than having a fixed I/O assignment. The modular servers and I/O modules may be coupled together through serial I/O interfaces. Input and output buffers may be used to manage data flow traffic and multiplexers may be used to steer data to the appropriate input and output buffers. Control logic may be used to control the multiplexers and a programmable I/O mapping table may be used to describe which modular servers are coupled to which I/O modules.

Abstract: An image display device that controls an external device and a method therefore are provided. The image display device includes an interface unit which is connected to an external device, a determining unit which determines whether another external device that has a control ownership of the external device exists, and a control unit which registers the control ownership of the external device if it is determined that the other external device does not exist. The external device is controlled by registering the control ownership.

Abstract: A device switching method is provided. The method includes the following steps. An operation instruction is received by a computer system. In response to the instruction, a switching signal is sent from the computer system to an integrated peripheral device connected via a port to the computer, thus the active device of the integrated peripheral device is switched from a first device to a second device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for single list BBS implementations that allow for significant configurability and ease of use improvements. BCV devices are included as individual entries in the IPL list so that intermixing of devices of different device types is freely allowed. As such, users are provided a simplified and more powerful configuration interface through which to select the order of boot devices. In addition, a drive swizzler or hard drive link handler is included to provide an interface between the INT 13 link chain for hard drives and the operating system.

Abstract: There is provided a wireless communications unit that performs wireless communications with a USB host in a Wireless USB system. The wireless communications unit includes an address setting portion and a beacon creation portion. The address setting portion sets an assigned address assigned by the USB host as the wireless communications unit's own address. The beacon creation portion starts to create a beacon after the assigned address is set as the wireless communications unit's own address.

Abstract: The invention discloses a centralized computer system, i.e., so-called blade PC system. The centralized computer system according to the invention includes a plurality of centralized and bladed hosts and a plurality of I/O peripherals. In particularly, the centralized computer system according to the invention is capable of pairing the hosts and the I/O peripherals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system using a SAS host controller and SAS expanders to control multiple SATA end devices where the memory contained on the SAS host controller is fixed to ease the cost and power consumption of the SAS host controller device, but where there is an expanded ability to support additional SATA end devices by configuring the allowed native command queue depth to be smaller for each SATA end device, thus allowing more SATA end devices to be supported by a single SAS host controller. An embodiment of the invention has three possible preset configuration states: thirty-two SATA end devices with a native command queue depth of thirty-two; sixty-four SATA end devices with a native command queue depth of sixteen; and one-hundred-twenty-eight SATA end devices with a native command queue depth of eight.

Abstract: Various approaches for interfacing an application-independent hardware object with an application system are disclosed. The various approaches involve instantiating a first object that contains at least one configuration parameter. The configuration parameter specifies a location of a configuration bitstream for implementing functions of the hardware object in a programmable logic circuit. A second object is instantiated and is configured to open, in response to a program call to a first function provided by the second object, an interface to the programmable logic circuit. A programmable logic circuit is configured with the configuration bitstream in response to instantiation of the second object, and, in response to a program call to the first function, an interface to the programmable logic circuit is opened.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing distributed configuration storage are presented. The configuration storage is divided into distributed configuration target modules that are physically located in each design section of a device that uses configuration storage. A distributed configuration master module, physically located near the host interface, controls access into and out of each target module via a distributed configuration bus. The creation of each storage array in the distributed configuration storage can be automated using a scripting tool that converts each register specification into hardware description language code.

Abstract: The invention in one implementation encompasses a computer having an operating system and a power ON/OFF pushbutton switch. A microcontroller is coupled to receive ON/OFF information generated by the pushbutton switch. Responsive to receiving the ON/OFF information, the microcontroller generates a command causing the operating system to cause the computer to toggle between sleep and awake states.

Abstract: A method of setting a parameter of a peripheral device, for controlling an operation of the peripheral device includes collecting and storing a command issued for the peripheral device by an external device, analyzing a command issue pattern for the peripheral device based on the stored command, and determining a most proper value of the parameter based on the command issue pattern. The most proper value of the parameter determined is set as a parameter for controlling the operation of the peripheral device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide a field-mountable process device that receives digital information from one or more process devices, and provides an associated analog output. Embodiments of the present invention include providing a wireless interface to the field-mounted process device such that configuration and/or diagnostic information can be communicated between the field-mounted process device and one or more additional devices. In some embodiments, the field-mounted process device can be completely powered by the digital process communication loop to which it is coupled. Finally, embodiments of the present invention also include generating and storing within the field-mounted process device a mapping between one or more field devices communicating in accordance with a digital process communication protocol and an analog output of the field-mounted process device.

Abstract: A device, a method and a system for portable data storage and transfer through a simplified device interface. The operations of the device are restricted, in order to increase the ease of use of the device, and in order to provide certain core functions. These core functions include reading data, writing data and exchanging data with a similar device and/or with an external computer. The device features a minimal set of hardware components for accomplishing these functions, such as a data processor of some type, a memory storage medium or media, and a data exchange mechanism, which may optionally be an infrared port for example.

Abstract: A wireless telecommunications unit is attachable to and detachable from an external unit such as a personal computer, and has a wireless telecommunications apparatus, a microcontroller, and a memory mechanism. The wireless telecommunications apparatus has an identification number for wireless telecommunications, and is for carrying out wireless telecommunications with the outside. The microcontroller is for controlling the wireless telecommunications apparatus and the memory mechanism, it has control functions for the external unit to carry out telecommunications with the outside in accordance with the wireless telecommunications apparatus, to use the memory mechanism as a file system of a designated operating system, when the wireless telecommunications unit is connected to the external unit, and a control function for the wireless telecommunications apparatus to carry out telecommunications using the memory mechanism in accordance with instructions from the external unit or generated in the microcontroller.

Abstract: Devices, softwares and methods enable SIP devices to operate in H.323 networks, and devices, softwares and methods enable H.323 devices to operate in SIP networks. Messages that initiate communication from a first protocol are translated into the appropriate messages of the second, responded to, and the replies are translated back into the first. Routing by the legacy network is thus seamlessly exploited.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for configuring a memory with I/O support. The aim of the invention is to guarantee the processor and I/O functional units that function in time-critical conditions the appropriate priority for data access, using simple programs. To this end, an input memory area which the I/O unit can only write into and which the processor unit can only read out of and an output memory area which the I/O unit can only read out of and which the processor unit can only write into are specified in the processor.

Abstract: To provide a status display apparatus or the like which can permit the user of a plurality of nodes connected by a serial bus according to the serial bus standard to recognize whether the transmission of the audio information or the like has become possible by the connection between the nodes. A status display apparatus included in a receiver R for transmitting/receiving audio information with a player to display the status of the receiver comprises a system control unit 13 and an indicator 15B which makes inquiry about whether the player P has a configuration for transmitting/receiving the audio information to/from the receiver R and upon confirmation that the player P has the required configuration, displays that the player P has such a configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively loading and enabling software stored within firmware of an electronic device to support an input device coupled to the electronic device if a power switch is pressed and held for at least a predetermined period of time as the power switch is used to turn the electronic device on.

Abstract: Systems and methods, for providing distributed configuration storage are presented. The configuration storage is divided into distributed configuration target modules that are physically located in each design section of a device that uses configuration storage. A distributed configuration master module, physically located near the host interface, controls access into and out of each target module via a distributed configuration bus. The creation of each storage array in the distributed configuration storage can be automated using a scripting tool that converts each register specification into hardware description language code.

Abstract: This method of managing the resources of a computer communication means for processing a computer document stored on a processing control device connected by the communication means to at least one processing device includes a step of selecting at least one processing device of the communication means as a function of a first group of criteria relating to the functioning of this device, and a second group of criteria relating to its geographical situation.

Abstract: Briefly, the present invention provides a system and method for distributing SCSI semantics throughout a network. Specifically, the present invention distributes the SCSI semantics through multiple parallel agents and a separate controller. This configuration allows performance-sensitive distribution of SCSI semantics to be parallelized and optimized for performance in the agents, while the control and management of the SCSI semantics is centralized in the controller chosen for optimal cost, management, and other implementation practicalities. In this design, the SCSI semantics are stored in the controller, and portions of the SCSI semantics are distributed to the mapping agents as cached, read-only information. The controller is responsible for persistent storage of the SCSI semantics, thereby consolidating the costs and management for the SCSI semantics in a single component.

Abstract: An integrated circuit, such as a processing unit, includes a substrate and integrated circuitry formed in the substrate. The integrated circuitry includes a processor core that executes instructions, an interconnect interface, coupled to the processor core, that supports communication between the processor core and a system interconnect external to the integrated circuit, and at least a portion of an external communication adapter, coupled to the processor core, that supports input/output communication via an input/output communication link.

Abstract: The embodiment of the present invention provides an USB device that can be directly connected to another USB device to allow data exchange to take place without involving a use of a computer. Further, the embodiment of the invention also exploits a MP3 codec to allow voice data to be played or recorded via the USB device of the embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A personal computer system enables simultaneous use of a relative-coordinate-mode input device and an absolute-coordinate-mode input device, thereby allowing correct input of absolute coordinate data, such as for characters. A pad-type first input device and a stick-type second input device are provided for a notebook computer. The first input device outputs both absolute coordinate data and relative coordinate data. The second input device outputs only relative coordinate data. When the absolute coordinate data is output, the relative coordinate data format is converted into the same format as the absolute coordinate data, and ID information for distinguishing the relative coordinate data from the absolute coordinate data is added to part of the relative coordinate data format.

Abstract: A transitional system uses two switching circuits to receive the same selection signal generated by an OR gate. This selection signal switches the two switch circuits and thereby assigns the floppy disc controller to connect to the corresponding bay connectors in accordance with which bay connector is connected to the floppy disc drive. Such assignment ensures that the floppy disc controller connects to the floppy disc drive.

Abstract: A printer serving as an output destination can be automatically set from print data. Further, in order to search an optimum printer during a series of operations within a range from the issue of a print command to the printing and improve a working efficiency of the user, whether the data whose printing has been instructed by an application is a spool designated print job or not is discriminated (S1). When it is spool designated, a spooler interprets a DDI function, generates intermediate data, and spools as intermediate data into a spool file (S3). Whether all drawing functions outputted from the application have been spooled in the spool file or not is discriminated (S4). If YES, a print destination changing process is executed (S5). A print destination is changed and a network printer held in an RAM is updated. After that, the processing routine is returned to step S1 and the above processes are repeated.

Abstract: A two-wire field-mounted process device with multiple isolated channels includes a channel that can be an input channel or an output channel. The given input or output channel can couple to multiple sensors or actuators, respectively. The process device is wholly powered by the two-wire process control loop. The process device includes a controller adapted to measure one or more characteristics of sensors coupled to an input channel and to control actuators coupled to an output channel. The controller can be further adapted to execute a user generated control algorithm relating process input information with process output commands. The process device also includes a loop communicator that is adapted to communicate over the two-wire loop.

Abstract: A wireless receiving apparatus and method utilizes a single MCU (microprocessor control unit) in the wireless receiver to receive and process signals having different frequencies transmitted from a plurality of peripheral devices simultaneously, and then performs the steps of reading a predetermined processing procedure from a memory with respect to each of the signals respectively, performing a predetermined process with respect to each of the signals, storing an index of the last finished step for each signal in the memory respectively after at least a set of steps of the predetermined process has been performed, and continuing to perform the steps following the indices of the previous set of steps stored in the memory for carrying out a next set of steps for each signal, and repeating a plurality of sets of steps until all received signals have been processed.

Abstract: Secondary pointer for the control of computers, which comprises a transceiver coupled with a decoder/encoder, at least one memory or memory address, an embedded controller, and hand-operable actuation means, such as keys or buttons, for placing the device in the receiving or transmitting mode. The pointer may also include a selector which attributes an identification to each command or program in the receiving mode, and uses the identification to retrieve the program which the operator desires when the device is placed in the transmitting mode.

Abstract: The method enables optimization of the processing of connections conducted outside a switching center in peripheral devices of a switching system, which provide no HW-orientated tasks on their peripheral devices assigned in switching terms. The operating system of the peripheral device and the security engineering running thereon permit quasi-parallel processing of a multiplicity of virtual peripheral devices. It is thereby possible to address every virtual peripheral device with a dedicated logic address via the message interface of the physically assigned peripheral device.

Abstract: An interface apparatus of the present invention includes an external state machine for controlling transmission of data and a control code from an own device to a counterpart device in accordance with an inputted control code, and an internal state machine for judging whether the own device is in a data transmission preparatory state or in a data transmission state, and notifies a result of the judgement to the external state machine. The external state machine invalidates the inputted control code during a period in which the internal state machine notifies that the own device is in the data transmission preparatory state.

Abstract: A controller and a plurality of projectors are connected in a mutually communication enabled state by a network, etc., and thus projection information and control information are sent from the control unit to each of the projectors simultaneously or individually. Also, the control unit obtains operation information, etc. of each of the projectors, and monitors the projectors.

Abstract: A microcomputer including a plurality of peripheral circuits has a connecting circuit that permits the interconnection among those peripheral circuits to be controlled through execution of a program. This makes it possible to realize intelligent peripheral circuit functions, such as are associated rather with a special-purpose microcomputer than with a general-purpose microcomputer, without using special manufacturing techniques or processes or spending a long time as in the development of a special-purpose microcomputer.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying the interconnection of peripheral devices in an information handling system and generating a model of the interconnection of the devices is disclosed. The system identifies devices in the information handling system, builds device objects in the model representing each identified device, and builds interconnect objects in the model representing the interconnection of the devices with each other and the information handling system. The model may then be used to control operation of the peripheral devices of the information handling system.

Abstract: A control circuit for configuring at least one I/O module connector pin is provided. The circuit includes at least one port controlling a configuration of the at least one pin.

Abstract: A printing capable device includes a printing mechanism for printing on a printable medium and an onboard user manual storage device communicating with the printing mechanism and storing an onboard user manual. The onboard user manual storage device sends the onboard user manual to the printing mechanism and the printing mechanism prints at least a portion of the onboard user manual upon a predetermined event.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for exchanging information between printed circuit board assemblies of the present invention are disclosed. According to the invention, the number of address pins are assigned according to the amount of information to be exchanged between the boards. In a preferred embodiment, where data is transferred in 8 bit words, the amount of data that can be transferred using an address bits is given by 8×2n. Thus, more status information can be exchanged with fewer edge pins. The duplication function between boards can so be more effectively implemented.

Abstract: A process control system uses an asset optimization reporter to collect status information pertaining to the assets of a process plant from various data sources of the plant including, for example, data tools, data collectors, and data generators. This status information is used to generate reports that may be displayed to various users, including maintenance persons, process control persons and business persons. The status information may be used as the basis for further types of status information and/or be categorized in ways that are useful to the user. The reports are generally displayed via a user interface routine that enables users to view the status information and manipulate the display of the report to correspond to the user's preferences, as contained in a user profile. The user interface routine further enables the user to view reports of various types of status information for various devices, loops, units, areas, etc.

Abstract: A method to write information to a designated information storage medium using an allocated data storage device using a specified information recording format, whereby a previously-determined media bit for the designated information storage medium is examined, and a previously-determined device bit for the allocated data storage device is examined, and the write capability of the designated information storage medium using the specified information recording format is determined.

Abstract: Briefly, the present invention provides a system and method for distributing SCSI semantics throughout a network. Specifically, the present invention distributes the SCSI semantics through multiple parallel agents and a separate controller. This configuration allows performance-sensitive distribution of SCSI semantics to be parallelized and optimized for performance in the agents, while the control and management of the SCSI semantics is centralized in the controller chosen for optimal cost, management, and other implementation practicalities. In this design, the SCSI semantics are stored in the controller, and portions of the SCSI semantics are distributed to the mapping agents as cached, read-only information. The controller is responsible for persistent storage of the SCSI semantics, thereby consolidating the costs and management for the SCSI semantics in a single component.

Abstract: An interface switching device is connected to a keyboard unit and a computer. Two data lines, a power-supply line, and a ground line, which are provided at the interface switching device, are respectively connected to a data line, a clock line, a power-supply line, and a ground line, which are provided at the keyboard unit. An unused line is connected to an identification line. At the computer, the unused line, and the power-supply line or the ground line, are short-circuited. When the interface switching device is connected, a keyboard is notified of a voltage as identification information which is fixed at a power-supply voltage or zero volts.

Abstract: An arrangement for data transfer between a desk top personal computer (1) and a peripheral or other data processing device (7) comprises a transfer pad (5) which comprises two conductive plates (8, 9) which is connected to the personal computer (1) via a lead (6). The peripheral or other data processing device (7) has a transfer pad (11) which comprises two conductive pads (12, 13) attached to or forming part of the lower wall of its housing. For data transfer to occur the two transfer pads are brought into close proximity so that they provide a capacitative coupling between the personal computer (1) and the peripheral or other data processing device (7).

Abstract: An arrangement and method of reconfiguring a circuit board and package arrangement employs one-time programmable elements on a package to allow a programmable first package arrangement having a first package board and a first integrated circuit to be readily replaced. The first package arrangement was programmed to operate with a first set of operating parameters. The replacement package arrangement, having a second package board and a second integrated circuit, may be substantially identical to the first package arrangement except programmed to operate with a second set of operating parameters different from the first set of op crating parameters. The replacement of the first package arrangement by the second, differently programmed package arrangement, provides a reconfigured circuit board and package arrangement while avoiding the obsoleting of the circuit board.

Abstract: A peripheral interface circuit for an I/O node of a computer system. A peripheral interface circuit for an input/output node of a computer system includes a first buffer circuit, a second buffer circuit and a bus interface circuit. The first buffer circuit receives packet commands and may include a first plurality of buffers each corresponding to a respective virtual channel of a plurality of virtual channels. The second buffer circuit is coupled to receive packet commands from the bus interface circuit and may include a second plurality of buffers each corresponding to a respective virtual channel of the plurality of virtual channels. The bus interface circuit may be configured to translate selected packet commands stored in the first buffer circuit into commands suitable for transmission on a peripheral bus.