Mode Selection Patents (Class 710/14)
  • Patent number: 8331770
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes first identification means for identifying, in accordance with information read from a disk medium and related to a format of data recorded on the disk medium, the format defined from a purpose of the recorded data and a version of the format; storage means for storing data in which the version and information on whether processing that can be executed is executable are associated; determination means for determining, in accordance with the version and by referring to the data stored in the storage means, whether processing that can be executed is limited; generation means for generating first image data for displaying a first image representing that the processing that can be executed is limited when the determination means determines that the processing that can be executed is limited; and display control means for controlling display of the first image in accordance with the first image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8332545
    Abstract: System and method controlling connectivity within a device. A device may be coupled to a host device. In response to the coupling, low power logic (e.g., an embedded device) of the device may be coupled to the host device. The low power logic may perform enumeration with the host device using only power provided by the host device. The low power logic may also charge a battery of the device using power provided by the host device. Device circuitry of the device may provide a signal for coupling to the host device. In response, the device circuitry may be coupled to the host device and may perform device enumeration with the host device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: SMSC Holdings S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Morgan H. Monks, David E. Haglan
  • Patent number: 8332552
    Abstract: An integrated processor design includes physical interface macros supporting heterogeneous electrical properties. The processor design comprises a plurality of processing cores and a plurality of physical interfaces to connect to a memory interface, a peripheral component interconnect express (PCI Express or PCIe) interface for input/output, an Ethernet interface for network communication, and/or a serial attached SCSI (SAS) interface for storage. Each physical interface may be programmatically connected to a selected interface controller, such as a memory controller, a PCI Express controller, or an Ethernet controller, for example. A plurality of such controllers may be connected to a switch within the processor design, with the switch also being connected to each physical interface macro. Thus, the physical interface macros may be programmatically connected to a subset of the plurality of controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ravi K. Arimilli, Claude Basso, Jean L. Calvignac, Daniel M. Dreps, Edward J. Seminaro
  • Patent number: 8332664
    Abstract: Handshaking circuits are provided in a communications cable and in a device operable to be mated with the communications cable. Before a device can utilize the power supply signal of such a communications channel, the two handshaking circuits must sufficiently identify one another over a power supply signal with a decreased voltage. The decreased voltage allows for a cable plug to be provided with a safe, protected power that cannot cause harm to a human. The decreased voltage also reduces the chance that a device can receive a primary power supply signal from the cable before the device sufficiently identifies itself. Accordingly, a laptop may be connected to a portable music player, but the voltage of the power supply signal provided by the laptop to the cable may be decreased on-cable until the handshaking circuit of the portable music player sufficiently performs a handshaking operation with a on-cable handshaking circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Farrar, Lawrence Heyl, Brian Sander
  • Publication number: 20120311195
    Abstract: A method for switching access mode of a hard drive is provided. The method includes the following steps: detecting and writing digitally current access mode as a current registry code of a system registration information by a processing unit, then overwriting the current registry code with a new registry code that corresponds to a new access mode other than the current access mode by the processing unit, and then reloading the system registration information by the processing unit, and then changing the current access mode to the new access mode correspondingly by a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). In addition, a system executing the method and a computer-readable medium encoded with processing instructions for implementing the method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Shih Pin Chang, Hou Yuan Lin
  • Patent number: 8325353
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus is installed with service software for controlling settings of a plurality of devices that performs functions related to image processing. The image processing apparatus is also installed with an application that issues instruction information indicating an instruction related to at least one of the functions. The image processing apparatus includes a specifying unit that specifies service software corresponding to the instruction based on the instruction information and specifies setting information to be set for the service software, and a sending unit that sends the setting information to the service software specified by the specifying unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Takafumi Shimmoto
  • Publication number: 20120290743
    Abstract: One data processor is provided with an interface for realizing connection with the other data processor. This interface is provided with a function for connecting the other data processor as a bus master to an internal bus of the one data processor, and the relevant other data processor is capable of directly operating peripheral functions that are memory mapped to the internal bus from an external side via the interface. Accordingly, the data processor can utilize the peripheral functions of the other data processor without interruption of the program being executed. In short, one data processor can use in common the peripheral resources of the other data processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichi NISHIMOTO, Takuichiro NAKAZAWA, Koji YAMADA, Toshihiro HATTORI
  • Patent number: 8312191
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic module, in particular a micro-processor and/or micro-controller module, and a process for operating a system module, able to be connected with a bus, in particular a LIN bus system. The process includes operating the system module in a first operating mode, and operating the system module in a second operating mode, when, within a pre-determined time period after the start of the first operating mode, a mode start and/or mode change signal—not provided for by the system protocol—is received via the bus system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Andreas Jansen, Tan Ban Huat
  • Patent number: 8307132
    Abstract: A control device controls an external storage device with a plurality of storage units which can be driven and stopped independently. The control device comprises: a display control unit; a setting unit; and a control signal output unit. The display control unit displays on a display a selection screen that allows a user to select which storage unit from among the plurality of storage units to operate. The setting unit sets a storage unit selected by the user as an operating storage unit to be operated. The control signal output unit outputs to the external storage device a control signal for having the operating storage unit be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Buffalo Inc.
    Inventors: Taichi Ejiri, Masahiko Horibe, Tsukasa Ito
  • Patent number: 8301808
    Abstract: The view language of a specific application can be adaptively switched in response to a language switching request from a user. If the user selects the specific application via a user interface on a peripheral device management screen, it is determined whether view language information having been set matches view language information designated and received as an argument when the specific application is selected. If it is determined that the view language information having been set does not match the view language information designated and received as the argument, view language information set beforehand in a storage unit is replaced by the view language information designated and received as the argument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichi Abe
  • Patent number: 8301807
    Abstract: A device management apparatus is connected to a plurality of devices via a network and includes a processing unit. The processing unit includes a trap setting part that defines a trap setting of each device, a storing part that stores device information of each device, transmitted by a trap processing of each device, in a predetermined storage area of a storage device as device management information of management object devices, and an excepting part which deletes device information of a device from the device management information. When an exception request for excepting exception devices from the management object devices is received, the trap setting part changes a trap setting of each exception device to an OFF state and the excepting part deletes device information of each exception device from the device management information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20120271969
    Abstract: Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to multifunctional touch-enabled devices. A device includes a touch-enabled display. The device further includes an external connection to connect to a graphics bus of a computing device or an input bus of the computing device. The device also includes a selection module to determine a mode of the peripheral device from a plurality of modes. The modes include a display mode in which the device identifies itself to the computing device as a display. The modes also include an input mode in which the peripheral device identifies itself to the computing device as a dedicated input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Akihiko Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8296483
    Abstract: Provided is a storage device of a serial attached small computer system interface/serial advanced technology attachment (SAS/SATA) type, which provides data storage/reading services through an SAS/SATA interface. The SAS/SATA type storage device includes: a memory disk unit which includes a plurality of memory disks provided with a plurality of volatile semiconductor memories; an SAS/SATA host interface unit which interfaces between the memory disk unit and a host; and a controller unit which adjusts synchronization of a data signal transmitted/received between the SAS/SATA host interface unit and the memory disk unit to control a data transmission/reception speed between the SAS/SATA host interface unit and the memory disk unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Taejin Info Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byungcheol Cho
  • Patent number: 8294925
    Abstract: A system is provided for supporting multiple platforms with common personal preferences for printer drivers. The set preferences for the printer driver are therefore reusable and may be moved from one driver to another. The system involves the provision of a common format for printer driver preferences. When a new printer is brought to a system or a user moves to a station that uses a different printer, the preferences are readily moved to that location. Further, an MIS department may provide a corporate wide printer preference solution, for example for printing a particular page or printing in a particular style. The preferences may not be identical for each printer due to differences in the capabilities of various platforms. The printer preferences overwrite a default value in printers with preferences, to the extent that each printer has the options available. To the extent that these options are not available, the printer reverts to its default setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramgopal Vidyanand
  • Patent number: 8296471
    Abstract: A key activity detection method, applied in an electronic device having at least a first key and a digital I/O pin, includes: switching the digital I/O pin to a first operation mode, so that a voltage of the digital I/O pin is decreased to a ground voltage; switching the digital I/O pin to a second operation mode, so that the voltage of the digital I/O pin is increased; measuring a first charge period of the voltage of the digital I/O pin; counting a first appearance times of the first charge period; judging whether the first key is stably activated according to the first appearance times of the first charge period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Sheng-Hung Wu
  • Patent number: 8296472
    Abstract: System and methods for safely sharing universal serial bus (USB) devices are provided. A request is received to switch from a state in which user mode drivers are not enabled to a state in which user mode drivers are enabled. For each kernel mode USB driver in the system, an I/O control (IOCTL) is called in each kernel mode USB driver. The IOCTL requests that the kernel mode USB driver yield devices on which it has a claim. Also, for each kernel mode USB driver in the system, it is determined if the kernel mode USB driver will yield one or more devices on which it has a claim. For each kernel mode USB driver that will yield and for each device claimed by the kernel mode USB driver for which the kernel mode USB driver respects a request to unclaim the device, a process is executed as if there had been a hot unplug event on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: VMware, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Cota-Robles, Igor Korsunsky
  • Publication number: 20120265905
    Abstract: A data writing method for writing data from a host system into a plurality of memory dies of a rewritable non-volatile memory storage apparatus is provided. The data writing method includes determining whether the data transmission interface of the host system complies with a first interface standard or a second interface standard. The data writing method also includes using a general mode to write the data into the memory dies when the data transmission interface of the host system complies with the first interface standard and using a power saving mode to write the data into the memory dies when the data transmission interface of the host system complies with the second interface standard. Accordingly, the data writing method can effectively prevent the stability of the rewritable non-volatile memory storage apparatus from reducing due to insufficient power supplied by the data transmission interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: PHISON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Chien-Hua Chu, Hong-Lipp Ko
  • Patent number: 8291129
    Abstract: It is assumed that the image data inputted are subjected to run-length compression and compressed encoding based on Huffman encoding. The first step configuration configured on a reconfigurable circuit includes run-length compression circuits 102a and 102b of two ways for parallel processing and FIFOs 108a and 108b which hold the output data from the circuits, respectively. For example, the data of odd pages are supplied to the run-length compression circuit 102a and the data of even pages are supplied to the run-length compression circuit 102b. After the compression processing proceeds, when at least one of the FIFOs 108a and 108b becomes full, the reconfigurable circuit is reconfigured into the second step configuration. In this configuration, the FIFOs 108a and 108b holding the compression results are left and two Huffman encoding circuits for encoding the data supplied from these FIFOs are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuyuki Tamatani
  • Patent number: 8285884
    Abstract: A deskew module of a receiver includes deskew units, each of which includes a data aggregation module for selecting a data rate for receiving symbols of a corresponding data stream. The deskew unit includes a data aggregation module that aggregates a predetermined number of the symbols in one or more clock cycles of a clock signal based on the data rate. The predetermined number of symbols is the same for each data rate selectable by the data aggregation module. The data aggregation module outputs the aggregated symbols to a deskew buffer of the deskew unit in a clock cycle of a clock signal. The deskew buffer deskews symbols received from the data aggregation module and outputs the deskewed symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Integrated Device Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher I. W. Norrie
  • Publication number: 20120254477
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for selecting at least one device for manipulating data. The at least one device is selected from a plurality of devices forming a distributed storage space. Selection of a device includes taking account of at least one item of technical information associated with the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: France Telecom
    Inventors: Anthony Foulonneau, Alain Dechorgnat
  • Patent number: 8281046
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device including a memory, a display device and a controller. The controller is programmed to provide to a first server a request for User Interface (UI) device configurations, provide to the first server configuration criteria associated with the request, receive configuration data associated with target UI device configurations from the first server, present a Graphical User Interface (GUI) on the display device based on the configuration data where the GUI displays selections for each of the target UI device configurations, provide a selection from among the selections of the target UI device configurations, and receive provisioning information from the first server that allows for implementing the selection of the target UI device configuration. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Steelseries ApS
    Inventors: Jacob Wolff-Petersen, Bruce Hawver, Tino Soelberg
  • Patent number: 8281052
    Abstract: A microprocessor system having a microprocessor and a double data rate memory device having separate groups of external pins adapted to receive addressing, data, and control information and a memory controller adapted to set a burst type of the double data rate memory to interleaved or sequential by sending a signal through one of the external pins of the double data rate memory device, such that when a read command is sent by the controller, depending on the burst type set, the double data rate memory device returns interleaved or sequentially output data to the memory controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8271697
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for state change in systems having devices coupled in a chained configuration. A number of embodiments include a host and a number of devices coupled to the host in a chained configuration. The chained configuration includes at least one device that is not directly coupled to the host. The at least one device that is not directly coupled to the host is configured to change from a first communication state to a second communication state responsive to receipt of a command from the host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Radke, Victor Y. Tsai, James Cooke, Neal A. Galbo, Peter Feeley
  • Patent number: 8266349
    Abstract: A patient monitoring system includes a patient monitor and a plurality of docking stations. Each docking station is associated with a set of patient monitor configurations. Interfacing the patient monitor with a particular docking station allows a user to select one or more of the set of patient monitor configurations associated with the particular docking station for use in the patient monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Mindray DS USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Eaton, Jack Balji
  • Patent number: 8266334
    Abstract: A data writing method for writing data from a host system into a plurality of memory dies of a rewritable non-volatile memory storage apparatus is provided. The data writing method includes determining whether the data transmission interface of the host system complies with a first interface standard or a second interface standard. The data writing method also includes using a general mode to write the data into the memory dies when the data transmission interface of the host system complies with the first interface standard and using a power saving mode to write the data into the memory dies when the data transmission interface of the host system complies with the second interface standard. Accordingly, the data writing method can effectively prevent the stability of the rewritable non-volatile memory storage apparatus from reducing due to insufficient power supplied by the data transmission interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Phison Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chien-Hua Chu, Hong-Lipp Ko
  • Patent number: 8266333
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a system and method for simultaneously switching multiple input image streams to multiple output devices while providing optional image processing functions on the image streams. The incoming image streams may come from computers, cameras, radar, or other image stream generating devices. The incoming streams may vary in resolution, frame rate, format, and protocol according to the characteristics and purpose of their respective source devices. The incoming image streams can be iteratively routed through a reconfigurable array of image processing circuit cards to operate on one or more streams using preprogrammed algorithms. A processed stream can be routed through another processing function, or to an output circuit card that sends the completed image to the external display, recording device, across a network, or to another logical destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Z Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Wade, Charles Siewert
  • Patent number: 8266350
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for a portable peripheral memory storage device. The peripheral memory storage device is coupled with a workstation. In a first mode of operation, a portion of the peripheral memory storage device is mounted on the workstation for operation therewith as a storage medium in a first mode of operation. In a second other mode of operation data within the peripheral memory storage device is used to support a personal desktop on the workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventor: Laurence Hamid
  • Patent number: 8255585
    Abstract: In some aspects, a method includes determining whether a universal serial bus (USB) peripheral device is connected to a USB monitoring device that is connected to a medical device and drawing power from the medical device. The medical device is configured for use in a medical procedure with a patient. The method also includes determining whether the USB peripheral device is drawing power from the medical device if the USB peripheral device is determined to be connected to the USB monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Roland Levin
  • Patent number: 8255930
    Abstract: A method for dynamically switching between different device configurations to improve the utilization of the device and save the cost. The method comprises the steps of obtaining the current configuration information of a device connected to a host; and if the current configuration of the device does not meet the requirements of the host, switching the current configuration of the device to a suitable one for the host. A system for the same is also provided to improve the utilization of the device and save the cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Feitian Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhou Lu, Huazhang Yu
  • Patent number: 8255581
    Abstract: An electronic device has primary and secondary functionalities. The electronic device includes a physical switch to switch between a first mode and a second mode. The electronic device includes logic to, when the electronic device is connected to a host computing device, expose the primary functionality to the host computing device when in the first mode, and expose the secondary functionality to the host computing device when in the second mode. The host computing device typically requires a driver particular to the electronic device when the primary functionality is exposed, and does not typically require a driver particular to the electronic device when the secondary functionality is exposed. The secondary functionality may include acting as a removable storage device storing a text file. The text file may contain information regarding the electronic device, and a user may modify the text file to cause a corresponding action to be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Liang Z. Wee, Jessica M. J. Tan, Hoon W. Soon
  • Patent number: 8255590
    Abstract: Even if a write operation onto a storage media on an external storage device is interrupted, consistency of management information on the storage media is improved. An image file transfer device includes a transferor which transfers an image file stored on a storage media to an external device, a retriever which obtains management information in relation to a file system from a storage media included in the external device, before the transfer of the image file by the transferor, a non-volatile storage which stores the management information obtained by the retriever, and a deleter which deletes the management information stored in the non-volatile storage in response to a completion of the transfer of the image file by the transferor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Tomikura, Masafumi Nosaka, Ryohei Wakai, Ryohei Kinugawa
  • Patent number: 8255579
    Abstract: A device control apparatus in a video image display system including a plurality of connected devices. The apparatus includes an obtaining unit which obtains a logical address of a first device connected to the device control apparatus as a control object, a specifying unit which specifies the device type of the first device if the obtained logical address of the first device is not a logical address according to the device type, a selection unit which selects a second device which is connected to the device control apparatus and is of the same device type as the first device, and a control unit which controls a logical address assigned to the selected second device according to the device type thereof so that the first device obtains a logical address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruki Kikkawa, Michihiro Izumi, Yoshikazu Shibamiya, Yasushi Shikata, Hirofumi Urabe, Daisuke Takayanagi, Chika Masuda
  • Patent number: 8255582
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical communication module comprising a second mode supporting a data transfer of USB 3.0 standard and a third mode supporting a data transfer of USB 2.0 standard, and the second mode comprises A mode and B mode with a different power consumption and supported data rate, and a detect unit operative to detect idle state of the data traffic on the data path of USB 3.0 standard to determine to stay on the A mode or enter to the B mode automatically during operation in the second mode. The control circuitry can work in different modes to support different status of devices attachment and removal, different data rate of USB 2.0 and 3.0 standards; and it can real time monitor the data traffic to switch different modes to save power consumption. The present invention also discloses a USB cable and a processing method of data transfer for an optical communication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwokleung Wong, Fukming Lam, Tinhoi Siu, Wai Hung
  • Patent number: 8250386
    Abstract: A processor circuit having reduced power consumption includes an analog front end operative to receive an analog signal supplied to the processor circuit and to generate a digital signal indicative of the analog signal. The processor further includes a digital back end operative to generate a digital output signal as a function of the digital signal generated by the analog front end. A buffer is coupled between the analog front end and the digital back end. In a first mode of operation, the digital back end operates at a substantially same data rate as the analog front end and the buffer is bypassed. In a second mode of operation, the digital back end operates at a higher data rate than the analog front end and the buffer is used to store outputs of the analog front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Nils Graef
  • Patent number: 8250245
    Abstract: An information processing system includes a host device transmitting an order according to a USB standard and an information processing terminal responding to the order. The information processing terminal includes a storing unit, a first operation unit, a receiver, an operation-mode switch, a first processor, and a first outputting unit. The host device includes a second operation unit, a transmitter, a second processor, and a second outputting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Dai Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8250246
    Abstract: A host communicates a firmware module to an electronic device utilizing a data communication interface (e.g., I2C). The host may also communicate a set of values representing information associated with execution of the firmware module to the electronic device. The host may utilize commands and/or flags to execute the firmware module at the electronic device. The electronic device executes the firmware module without resetting/suspending an ongoing execution of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device collects data upon execution of the firmware module. The collected data may be stored to a particular location of the electronic device and retrieved later by the host, or returned directly to the host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Brockmann, Lucy G. Hosking, Gayle L. Noble
  • Patent number: 8250247
    Abstract: A storage device comprising a non-volatile memory for storing data, and an input device that is operative to select an operating mode of the storage device prior to mounting the storage device, such that each operating mode represents a different type of storage device. A controller interfaces with the input device to establish the selected operating mode of the storage device once the storage device is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: SanDisk IL Ltd.
    Inventors: Eitan Mardiks, Donald Ray Bryant-Rich
  • Patent number: 8244926
    Abstract: One data processor is provided with an interface for realizing connection with the other data processor. This interface is provided with a function for connecting the other data processor as a bus master to an internal bus of the one data processor, and the relevant other data processor is capable of directly operating peripheral functions that are memory mapped to the internal bus from an external side via the interface. Accordingly, the data processor can utilize the peripheral functions of the other data processor without interruption of the program being executed. In short, one data processor can use in common the peripheral resources of the other data processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Nishimoto, Takuichiro Nakazawa, Koji Yamada, Toshihiro Hattori
  • Publication number: 20120198102
    Abstract: This invention is directed to reducing power consumption even when there is a great amount of power consumed by a root complex in a printing apparatus that employs a PCI Express architecture. To accomplish this, a printing apparatus that includes a controller capable of switching between a root complex and an endpoint and an accelerator controller serving as a root complex performs the following processing. More specifically, in the power saving mode, the power source of the accelerator controller is turned off and the controller is set as a root complex. Power consumption in the power saving mode can be greatly reduced, and a return sequence from the power saving mode can be executed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tadao Saito
  • Publication number: 20120198103
    Abstract: A modular development platform is described which enables creation of reliable, compact, physically robust and power efficient embedded device prototypes. The platform consists of a base module which holds a processor and one or more peripheral modules each having an interface element. The base module and the peripheral modules may be electrically and/or physically connected together. The base module communicates with peripheral modules using packets of data with an addressing portion which identifies the peripheral module that is the intended recipient of the data packet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen E. Hodges, David Alexander Butler, Shahram Izadi, Chih-Chieh Han
  • Publication number: 20120191992
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic device having a main microcomputer that controls some functions of the electronic device, and a sub microcomputer that executes a process according to an operation input from an external device by using a control program. The sub microcomputer has a first memory that stores plural control programs respectively corresponding to each different specification of the electronic device. The main microcomputer has a second memory that stores specification information to specify the electronic device and sends a selection instruction of the specification to the sub microcomputer based on the specification information stored in the second memory. The sub microcomputer selects the control program corresponding to the specification indicated by the selection instruction from the plural control programs stored in the first memory and then executes a process according to the selected control program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: FUNAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshikazu FUJISHIMA
  • Patent number: 8230124
    Abstract: Data processing systems which operate in different modes, including a mode which supports providing an output of images through a port on the systems. In one embodiment, a data processing system includes a processing system, a cellular telephone transceiver, and a port which is configured to provide, as an output from the handheld data processing system, data representing movie video images. Methods and machine readable media are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua de Cesare, Keith Cox, Kenneth C. Dyke
  • Publication number: 20120185617
    Abstract: The portable electronic device includes an operation unit, a storage unit, a setting unit, and a control unit. The operation unit inputs characters. The storage unit stores a first conversion table and a second conversion table different from the first conversion table. The second conversion table is different from the first conversion table. The setting unit sets a first mode and a second mode. In a case in which the first mode has been set by the setting unit, the control unit refers to the first conversion table when characters input by way of an operation of the operation unit is converted into another characters. In a case in which the second mode has been set by the setting unit, the control unit refers to the second conversion table when characters input by way of an operation of the operation unit is converted into another characters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hisae Honma, Nayu Nomachi, Hiroyuki Bamba
  • Publication number: 20120179845
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a method for switching a working mode, a USB device, and a host device. The method for switching a working mode includes: determining, according to the osvc key value in the registry of a host device, that a driver for a second working mode is installed on the host device, after the USB device is connected to the host device; and switching the current working state of the USB device from a first working mode to the second working mode. In the embodiments of the present invention, neither special auxiliary program nor additional driver needs to be developed. Therefore, the solution is easy to implement and a problem of incompatibility will not occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Huawei Device Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhenhui Nie, Yeqi Wang
  • Publication number: 20120179844
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method may include determining a number of virtual functions that each port of a hardware input/output adapter is capable of supporting. The computer-implemented method may include assigning a first portion of internal resources of the hardware input/output adapter to each port of the hardware input/output adapter. The computer-implemented method may also include, for a particular port of the hardware input/output adapter, assigning a second portion of the internal resources to each virtual function that the particular port is capable of supporting. The second portion of the internal resources may be a subset of the first portion of the internal resources. The computer-implemented method may further include configuring a virtual function prior to a runtime to use the assigned second portion of the internal resources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sean T. Brownlow, Charles S. Graham, Kyle A. Lucke, John R. Oberly, III
  • Patent number: 8219718
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus (10) has a plurality of functions. A key code recognizing unit (13) recognizes an input of a key code for requesting setting of a parameter about a setting particular related to each function. A storage unit (17) stores handling information (172) for handling setting restriction, for each setting particular whose parameter is restricted from being set in relation to other setting particulars. When the key code recognizing unit (13) recognizes an input of a key code for requesting setting of a parameter, a guidance process unit (15) determines whether setting of the parameter is restricted or not. If setting of the parameter is restricted, the guidance process unit (15) reads out handling information (172) for handling the setting restriction from the storage unit (17) and outputs it to a window control unit (14). The window control unit (14) displays the handling information (172) on a display unit (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Minoru Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8219733
    Abstract: When initializing a device, an operation mode of the device is acquired and stored by a predetermined procedure using a predetermined pin. In response to a command, the device executes a signal assignment on a plurality of data pins peculiar to an operation mode indicated by the received command, thereby switching a data transfer width, and allowing the device to operate in the operation mode designated by the received command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kosei Okamoto, Hiroyuki Sakamoto, Akihisa Fujimoto, Masao Suga
  • Patent number: 8218159
    Abstract: A resource management method according to the present invention for managing a resource retained by an image forming apparatus that is capable of processing print data, which is based upon print languages of a plurality of types, using a specified resource, comprises a setting step of setting attributes, with regard to the resource, corresponding to each of the plurality of types of print languages processable by the image forming apparatus, and a storage step of storing the attributes, which have been set at said setting step, in the image forming apparatus in association with actual data of the resource retained by the image forming apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideo Ikeno
  • Publication number: 20120173769
    Abstract: A system and method for communicating DVI (digital visual interface) and HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) information is provided. The system includes a local unit operable to produce a downstream request packet in reaction to received DVI or HDMI information from a video source device and to transmit the request packet to a remote unit via a first simplex channel of a communications link. The remote unit operates to produce an upstream reply packet in reaction to received DVI or HDMI information by the remote unit from a video sink device and to transmit the reply packet to the local unit via a communications link. The system allows greater distances and allows various communications mediums to be used between the source and sink, and can communicate DVI and HDMI information and other information via a variety of different communications links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: ICRON TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventor: Edward Khin Wui Loo
  • Publication number: 20120173768
    Abstract: A input device and switching method thereof is provided. After a first input unit produces the input signals, a control unit turns off the a switch interface to disconnect signal path between a second input unit and the computer system. When a counting time is greater than a predefined time, the control unit activates the switch interface to reconnect signal path between the second input unit and the computer system. Thus, it can prevent unintentional input from touching a plurality of input units by the users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD
    Inventors: Mou-Ming Ma, Ching-Hung Chao