Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and machine-readable articles of manufacture facilitate configuration of a networked messaging system. In some embodiments, nodes of the system are automatically interrogated to obtain current configuration information of each of the nodes, and a configuration file with the nodes' current configuration information is generated and stored in a format that is readily editable. Exemplary formats include spreadsheet, comma separated variables, and other text formats. An administrator is allowed to access and edit the configuration file, resulting in an updated configuration file with updated configuration information. Editing may include adding and removing servers, creating and removing digital networking mailboxes or links on the nodes, and other configuration changes.

Abstract: A host/peripheral local interconnect that is compatible with a self-configurable peripheral device is described. According to processes discussed herein, the peripheral device is self-configured. The host device may be kept aware of the self-configured state of the peripheral device, and/or self-configured changes made at the peripheral device. The host device may scale its applications/uses of the peripheral device in light of such awareness.

Abstract: Embodiments of an I/O module, processing platform, and method for extending a memory interface are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the I/O module may be configured to operate in a memory module socket, such as a DIMM socket, to provide increased I/O functionality in a host system. Some system management bus address lines and some unused system clock signal lines may be reconfigured as serial data lines for serial data communications between the I/O module and a PCIe switch of the host system.

Abstract: Proposed is technology for shortening the time required for analyzing and processing commands issued from multiple hosts and speeding up the processing. When a controller receives a command including random IO processing and the reception of commands is complete, it determines whether the valid extents prescribed in seek parameters attached to an LOC command overlap, and executes extent exclusive wait processing which causes access to the logical volume to enter a wait state or access processing to the logical volume based on the determination result. If the reception of commands is incomplete, the controller determines whether the access ranges (extents) designated in a DX command overlap, and executes extent exclusive wait processing or access processing to the logical volume based on the determination result.

Abstract: A modified Series A universal serial bus (USB) receptacle connector is equipped with the functionality to allow the electronic system in which it resides to be configured either as a host device or a peripheral device. The modified USB Series A receptacle connector, according to one embodiment of the invention may include a mechanism such as an additional pin or a mechanical switch to detect the presence of a standard USB Series A plug being inserted into it. Upon detection of a plug, an algorithm may allow the system to determine whether it is to act as a host device or a peripheral device and to determine which device supplies power.

Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.

Abstract: Methods and systems for input/output pads in a mobile multimedia processor are disclosed and may include receiving data from a host device in an integrated circuit having at least one contact pad and generating at least one control signal that controls the contact pads. The received data may be processed by the MMP based on the generated at least one control signal, or may be passed through the MMP in a bypass mode based on the control signal, thereby allowing the received data to pass through the MMP without processing to an external memory via the at least one contact pad, thereby sharing the external memory with the host device. The data may be transferred to external memory coupled to a contact pad on the MMP when the received data is to be passed through the MMP. The received data may be stored temporarily before transfer to an external device.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems to automatically manage hardware and software capabilities of replaceable electronic modules as the modules are replaced or reassigned to different tasks. Each such module stores configuration information in a persistent memory. This configuration information enables the module to use only selected hardware and to execute only selected software. A replaceable electronic module manager stores copies of each module's configure information in a separate persistent memory. When a module is replaced, a copy of the configuration information is fetched from the module manager's persistent memory and sent to a replacement module, thereby making the replacement module functionally equivalent (from a point of view of which hardware can be used by the module or which software can be executed by the module) to the replaced module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the configuration of a connection between two devices by measuring an electrical characteristic are provided. Using the measured electrical characteristic, a device is able to select an appropriate communication interface, such as serial, Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire, parallel, PS/2, etc., and configure itself appropriately. Systems and methods which determine the physical orientation of a connector with respect to another connector may also be provided alone or in combination with such systems and methods for selecting communication interfaces. The physical orientation of a connector can be determined by measuring an electrical characteristic and a device can then configure itself appropriately. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, device designs can decrease in size and cost as well as simplify operation for the end-user.

Abstract: A cable connection support apparatus has a structure in which a master apparatus and a slave apparatus are connected to both ends of a plurality of cables, and each apparatus is connected to each cable by a connecting terminal. The master apparatus and the slave apparatus are grounded. The master apparatus makes, for each connected cable, an inquiry about a position of a terminal of the slave apparatus to which the cable is connected, and inspects for inter-continuity, grounded connection, and unintentional disconnection. The connection destinations and inspection results are displayed on a display apparatus. Consequently, the connection condition for each cable wire in a cable can be confirmed.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an interface unit configured to connect with a peripheral device capable of loading a storage medium, a first processing unit configured to execute a process for causing the storage medium inserted into the peripheral device connected to the interface unit to be in an unusable state, a connection detection unit configured to detect that the peripheral device is connected to the interface unit, a determination unit configured to determine whether the storage medium which is caused by the first processing unit to be in the unusable state is inserted into the peripheral device detected by the connection detection unit, and a control unit configured to control the first processing unit to cause the storage medium to be in the unusable state according to the determination unit determining that the storage medium which is caused by the first processing unit to be in the unusable state is inserted into the peripheral device.

Abstract: A system and method for determining media to be exported out of a media library is described. In some examples, the system determines a media component to be exported, determines the media component is in the media library for a specific process, and exports the media component after the process is completed.

Abstract: Method and system for latency-independent peripheral device identification. The computer system receives an interrupt from a peripheral device via a communications port. In response, an interrupt notification message is posted to alert a notification handler, and compliant peripheral class is determined. The voltage on a device may sense pin of the communications port for this determination. If the interrupt is indicative of the compliant peripheral class and the communications port is inactive, the port is opened, and an inquiry is sent and a response is received. If a response is received within a predetermined time period, an identification notification message is posted based on the response including information for classifying the peripheral device, so that a software handler registered with the operating system can handle the identification notification message when the software handler receives it. Thus, no time-critical interrupt response requirement is imposed for its successful operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a self diagnosis of a device that includes a universal serial bus (USB) host and a USB client. The method includes detecting whether the universal serial bus client of the device is connected to a universal serial bus host, detecting whether the device acting as the universal serial bus client is identical to a device acting as the universal serial bus host when the universal serial bus client is connected to the universal serial bus host, and allowing the self diagnosis of the device to be automatically performed when the device acting as the universal serial bus client is identical to the device acting as the universal serial bus host. Accordingly, a self diagnosis of a device can be automatically performed by connecting a USB client to its USB host.

Abstract: A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device.

Abstract: A method of protecting an electronic device's USB ports is provided. The method includes: determining whether an external device is connected to a USB port of the electronic device; determining which driver is for driving the external device connected to the USB port according to a primary ID of the external device; determining whether the external device is currently being driven by the driver; displaying an icon corresponding to the external device if the external device is not currently being driven by the driver; and running the driver to drive the external device when the icon is clicked. A related electronic device is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a physical location of an Ethernet-connected media drive in a media library assembly includes connecting a first drive bay that receives the media drive to a hardware identification board; connecting the hardware identification board to an Ethernet switch with an Ethernet cable; transmitting a signal including a hardware identification of the first drive bay from the hardware identification board to the Ethernet switch via the Ethernet cable; and generating a routing table including the hardware identification of the first drive bay at the Ethernet switch. The method can include providing the routing table to a library controller of the media library assembly. The method can include the library controller issuing a logical communication address that is based on the hardware identification of the first drive bay.

Abstract: A system for detecting a peripheral device is used to detect whether the peripheral device is completely inserted into a peripheral interface slot of a mother board before booting. When the peripheral device is inserted into the peripheral interface slot, the system judges whether the peripheral device is completely inserted into the peripheral interface slot according to a potential of fins of the peripheral interface slot. If the system detects that the peripheral device has not been completely inserted into the peripheral interface slot before booting, a booting procedure of the mother board is interrupted and an alarm signal is output.

Abstract: A storage system of the present invention saves power consumption of the storage system and enhances responsiveness by predicting a disk drive that is to be accessed next on the basis of an access request from a host system, and promptly feeding power to the predicted disk drive. A prediction unit predicts the disk drive which is to be accessed next by the host system, by comparing a recent access request from the host system against a past access pattern that is registered in an access pattern record table. A power control unit feeds power from a power unit to the disk drive predicted by the prediction unit.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a connector that conforms to a Universal Serial Bus standard. The information processing apparatus detects voltages at signal terminals of the connector a plurality of times, and judges a type of an apparatus connected to the connector by using detection results obtained the plurality of times.

Abstract: A method of transferring data between a vehicle and a portable terminal and an interface device therefor are provided. According to the method and the device, compatibility can be maintained by normalizing data transfer interface between the vehicle and various portable terminals and an image taken inside or outside the vehicle can be provided to the portable terminal. In addition, interface enabling data communication with a device having an additional function such as an automobile black box can be provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating using various protocols through the Secured Digital (SD) physical interface are disclosed. The invention covers, among others, single-mode and multi-mode hosts, single-mode and multi-mode devices, as well as techniques for initializing these hosts and devices in order to facilitate the aforementioned communication.

Abstract: Mechanisms for hot-plug/remove of a new component in a running communication fabric, such as a PCIe fabric, are provided. With these mechanisms, the addition of a new component in the fabric is detected and an event is sent to a multiple root fabric configuration manager. The multiple root fabric configuration manager gathers information about the new component and updates its I/O component tree structure in its configuration data structure to include the new component. The new component may then be utilized via the updated configuration data structure. When a component is to be removed, the multiple root fabric configuration manager receives an event indicating the component to be removed, determines which branches of the tree structure are affected by the removal, and updates its configuration data structure accordingly to remove the component and its associated components from the virtual plane of the removed component.

Abstract: An invention is provided for authenticating software associated with an embedded device on a motherboard. An embodiment includes executing an option ROM BIOS for the embedded device. If a bit pattern read from a first memory located on the host card does not match a predetermined bit pattern, the option ROM BIOS is terminated. In another embodiment, a first memory address is provided to the address lines of a memory device located on the host card and a first set of data is output from the memory device, followed by a second memory address to output a second set of data. The second memory address is equal to the first memory address plus the maximum addressable size of the memory device. The first set of data is compared to the second data, and the option ROM BIOS is terminated if the first and second sets of data do not match.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and apparatus for intelligent handheld device accessory support. A method of one embodiment includes sensing the presence of an accessory plug in a jack of the handheld device, determining a type of accessory device attached to the accessory plug, including receiving electrical signals from pins of the plug and based on the determination, configuring the handheld device, including assigning particular signals to pins of the plug.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method and device for recognizing an external device by a portable terminal. The external device determines whether the external device has recognized the portable terminal according to signals with a predetermined form, which have been output from the portable terminal regardless of the on/off state of the power source thereof, and outputs signals for a predetermined period of time according to a result of the determination. Thereafter, the portable terminal recognizes the external device according to the number or the form of signals input from the external device through a recognition node for a predetermined period of time. As a result, the portable terminal can recognize more various external devices, such as an external battery and a charging cradle which provides stereo sound, by using the recognition node of the portable terminal.

Abstract: A numerical controller in which group IDs are automatically allocated to I/O units so that the group IDs and addresses can be set automatically even when a system configuration is changed in response to detection of a configuration error. When a power of the numerical controller is turned on, group IDs are successively allocated to I/O units with distance from the numerical controller, and types of the I/O units are stored. Initial values of the group IDs allocated when the power is turned on for the first time after a system of the numerical controller is constructed, and addresses for the allocated group IDs are stored. An alarm is issued if the types and number of units for the group IDs automatically allocated for the second or later time of starting the numerical controller are different from the initial values.

Abstract: Unique addresses for a plurality of devices may be programmed through a single external connection (pin) on each device by using a one of a plurality of different analog voltage or current values on the single external pin in combination with a serial clock of a serial data bus for each device requiring a unique binary address. The unique binary address is stored in the device after detection of certain number of clocks on the serial data bus. Once the unique binary address has been stored in the device, the single external connection may be used for another purpose such as a multifunction external connection. This unique binary address may be retained by the device until a power-on-reset (POR) or general reset condition occurs. Address detection and address load commands on the serial bus may also perform the same address definition and storage functions.

Abstract: A serial buffer is configured to transmit a plurality of received data packets through a data packet transfer path to a host processor. A doorbell controller of the serial buffer monitors the number of data packets transmitted to the host processor through the data packet transfer path, and estimates the number of data packets actually received by the host processor. The doorbell controller generates a doorbell command each time that the estimated number of data packets corresponds with a fixed number of data packets in a frame. The doorbell commands are transmitted to the host processor on a doorbell command path, which is faster than the data packet transfer path. The doorbell controller may estimate the number of data packets actually received by the host processor in response to a first delay value, which represents how much faster the doorbell command path is than the data packet transfer path.

Abstract: In a USB device comprising a plurality of functional modules that includes a control circuit for switching a functional module to be activated from among the functional modules included in the USB device according to a potential level of a power applied from a host connected to the USB device. The control circuit includes: a voltage detector for discriminating a voltage value of power; a switch for controlling powers to be applied to the respective functional modules; and memories for storing descriptors relating to the USB device. The control circuit makes power applied to a functional module to be activated by the switch into ON state according to a discrimination result of the voltage value of the power by the voltage detector, thereby transferring the descriptors stored in the memories to a host.

Abstract: An I/O module expansion unit having slots to install I/O modules thereon is provided for a distributed automation system. With the I/O module expansion unit, storing the configuration checksums generated with an algorithm from the software and hardware information of I/O modules, the distributed automation system can simplify the identification of an I/O module. By directly writing the configuration parameters stored in the I/O module expansion unit into the installed I/O module, the distributed automation system can simplify the setting and replacement of an I/O module. The I/O module expansion unit may also fast detect a hot-swap of an I/O module by wiring to the slots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a limited functionality Universal Serial Bus (USB) host controller to manage specific USB peripheral devices on a downstream facing USB port is provided. The port is also capable of dynamically interfacing to any USB compliant peripheral device, even one not supported directly by the limited capabilities of the host controller.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for real-time packet reception. In a method for data reception in a socket layer with a latest packet only (LPO) function, it is determined whether an LPO mode is set. If the LPO mode is set, whether old data are present in a socket buffer is determined whenever new data are received. If the old data are present in the socket buffer, the old data are erased from the socket buffer. The received new data is stored in the socket buffer after the old data are erased.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a plug connector sensing apparatus for determining whether a transmission line is present within a receptacle. A reprographic printing system including this apparatus is disclosed. The method of using this plug sensing apparatus comprises determining, with the plug connector sensor, whether the plug connector is present within the receptacle and determining, with a separate signal detector, whether a signal is being communicated through the transmission line.

Abstract: A data logger for collecting, evaluating and displaying data, such as climate data, generated from measured values is disclosed, which has different function units within a common hardware housing. These units include a collection unit, a storage unit and a control and evaluation unit which is connected to the other units. A USB interface for digital data exchange with an external data processing system is included on the housing. The USB interface can be operated both as a digital interface for digital data exchange, and as an analog interface for receiving analog measurement signals.

Abstract: A peripheral device is connectable to a computer having one of a first interface and a second interface. The first interface communicates with the peripheral device over a differential data connection having a first data conductor and a second data conductor. The second interface communicates with the peripheral device over a clock conductor and a single ended data connection which includes a data conductor. The peripheral device has first and second communication conductors configured for connection to the first and second data conductors in the differential data connection when the computer includes the first interface and is configured for connection to the first data conductor in the single ended data connection and the clock conductor when the computer is provided with the second interface.

Abstract: A server device which operates a plurality of virtual computers so as to respectively correspond to a plurality of terminal devices to which physical devices are connected, the server device includes a judging unit that judges whether move of each of the plurality of virtual computers to each of the plurality of terminal devices is possible; a moving unit that moves one corresponding virtual computer to one terminal device move of the corresponding virtual computer to which has been judged to be possible using the judging unit; and an allocating unit that allocates one physical device connected to the terminal device concerned to the virtual computer which has been moved to the terminal device using the moving unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems of automatically configuring network printer connections are disclosed. A network printer with a network location is coupled to a network, which also includes one or more target computers. A driver is associated with the network printer, and is located in a provided by a share-providing computer on the network. Through the network, the target computer receives configuration signals that identify the share and the network location of the network printer. The target computer sends through the network a command that results in the share sending driver-identification signals that identify a driver. A network printer connection is then established at the target computer where the connection's printer is the network printer at the location identified by the configuration signals and the connection's driver is the driver identified by the driver-identification signals.

Abstract: A method for controlling icon display corresponding to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Mass Storage is provided. The USB Mass Storage is electrically connected to a USB port of a personal computer. The method includes: when it is detected that there is nothing inserted into any memory card slot of the USB Mass Storage, preventing the USB Mass Storage from triggering a specific icon to be displayed, wherein the specific icon is selectively utilized for indicating that at least one USB device is electrically connected to the personal computer; and when it is detected that a memory card is inserted into any of at least one memory card slot of the USB Mass Storage, allowing the specific icon to be displayed. An associated personal computer and a storage medium storing an associated USB Mass Storage driver for controlling icon display corresponding to the USB Mass Storage are further provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, provided is a method that includes detecting disconnect of a link at a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device coupled to a USB host via a USB bus, disconnecting the USB device from the USB bus, and modifying a power state of the USB device to a reduced power state. Disconnecting the USB device from the USB bus includes configuring the USB device such that the USB host recognizes the USB device as being disconnected from the USB bus. The reduced power state allows the USB device to monitor a status of the link such that the USB device is able to detect a reconnect of the link.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a content distributing system, a content distributing method, a control apparatus, a control method, a playback apparatus, a playback method, and a program that are capable of improving operability of the control apparatus. A renderer 4 identifies a category of content to be played back and transmits an identification result of the category to a controller 2. In the controller 2, a receiving unit 21 receives the identification result transmitted from the renderer 4, and the display 27 performs a process of allowing a user to recognize a command to provide instructions about handling executable to the content to be played back among commands to provide instructions about handling of content in the renderer 4 based on the identification result. Also, the display 27, which has a function of a touch-panel, accepts an operation of specifying a command by the user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing device detection and operational mode negotiation entirely over extant high-speed data bus pins or terminals. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and apparatus are disclosed enabling detection, negotiation and serial/video data transfer over USB 2.0 data interface pins in order to consolidate pin count on the interface and associated connector. Existing USB detection mechanisms are also leveraged to the maximum extent so as to eliminate the need for additional detection protocols. This approach allows for smaller connector and parent device form factor, while still maintaining all of the functional capabilities required for that interface. The breadth of USB-capable devices supported by such an interface is also markedly improved over prior art techniques.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining user availability on the basis of the manner in which a person uses (1) a communication terminal or (2) a computing device that is associated with the communication terminal or (3) any combination of (1) and (2). User availability is determined based on: (1) a characteristic of the use of a software application that is running on a computing device, or (2) a characteristic of the use of a feature of software that is running on a communication terminal, or (3) a characteristic of the use of a resource of a computing device, or (4) a characteristic of the use of a resource of a terminal, or (5) a sensor input, or (6) a characteristic of the incoming invitation, or (7) any combination of (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6).

Abstract: A system that communicates with an embedded controller within a computing device. During operation, the system queries the embedded controller to obtain information describing an interface for interacting with a functionality provided by the embedded controller. The system then receives a response from the computing device which includes a reference to a metadata object describing the interface. If the metadata object refers to other metadata objects, the system recursively queries the embedded controller to obtain information about the other metadata objects until a complete description of the interface is obtained.

Abstract: In certain, currently available data-storage systems, incoming commands from remote host computers are subject to several levels of command-queue-depth-fairness-related throttles to ensure that all host computers accessing the data-storage systems receive a reasonable fraction of data-storage-system command-processing bandwidth to avoid starvation of one or more host computers. Recently, certain host-computer-to-data-storage-system communication protocols have been enhanced to provide for association of priorities with commands. However, these new command-associated priorities may lead to starvation of priority levels and to a risk of deadlock due to priority-level starvation and priority inversion. In various embodiments of the present invention, at least one additional level of command-queue-depth-fairness-related throttling is introduced in order to avoid starvation of one or more priority levels, thereby eliminating or minimizing the risk of priority-level starvation and priority-related deadlock.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for an electronic device for automatically detecting and identifying a peripheral device. The electronic device comprises a connector having a first pin and a second pin and connects to a peripheral device through the connector. The method comprises the steps of determining whether the peripheral device is connected to the connector; reading a first state of the first pin and the second pin when determining that the peripheral device is connected to the connector; setting a voltage of the first pin to a first voltage level and then reading a second state of the first pin and the second pin; and identifying the peripheral device according to the first state and the second state. The invention also provides an electronic device and an electronic system utilizing the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: A connector module for the connection of a sensor, such as an optoelectronic sensor, to a fieldbus, having a sensor interface for the connection of the connector module to an interface of the sensor, a bus interface for the connection of the connector module to an interface of a fieldbus and a circuit for the exchange of data to receive data from the sensor interface and to convert them with respect to their format and to output the converted data at the bus interface. The circuit for the exchange of data includes a memory for the intermediate storage of a sensor-specific control file or description file received from the sensor interface, with the control file or description file being able to be processed in the circuit such that the connector module shows the behavior of the respective connected sensor with respect to the fieldbus.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method of managing a reconfiguration data memory. A space for a memory that stores configuration data used for reconfiguration of a target system is not provided in the target system. Instead the configuration data is stored in a separate server and, if required, the configuration data is transmitted to the target system through an Internet. Data that should be preserved after the reconfiguration among data contents stored in SoC internal and external memories of the target system is transferred to the server. The emptied space of the SoC internal and external memories is used as a configuration memory. After the reconfiguration, the preservation data is returned to its original position in the memories.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a charging emulator configured to be coupled to an electrical interface, the charging emulator including a control circuit configured to receive information about a peripheral device coupled to the electrical interface and a charger circuit configured to provide power to the electrical interface using the received peripheral device information. In an example, the charging emulator can include a component of a host device including a low-power state, and the charger circuit can be configured to provide power to the electrical interface when the host device is in the low-power state.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus manages communications port contention and power consumption for a handheld computer, particularly handheld computers with a communications protocol that boosts power consumption when active, such as an RS-232 protocol. The improved method provides communications channel management that automatically opens the communications channel in response to a wake-up signal sent to a handheld computer from a peripheral device. The computer peripheral device is explicitly and/or implicitly identified. The opened communications channel is closed in response to receiving some data from the peripheral device, and/or after a device timeout expires without the handheld computer receiving data from the computer peripheral device.