Characteristic Discrimination Patents (Class 710/16)
  • Publication number: 20100217892
    Abstract: A kiosk system which is capable of maintaining kiosk devices online without physical manipulation is disclosed. The kiosk system capable of forcing a programmatic re-initialization of kiosk devices when necessary. Individual devices in the kiosk system can be initialized and re-initialized in parallel with normal operation of the kiosk system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: EMN8, INC.
    Inventors: John Edward Silva, Suzanne Grace Arena, Anthony J.K. Kua
  • Patent number: 7783792
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling a circuit board or data storage module located within a slot in an enclosure to determine the identification of the slot by detecting a characteristic feature of the slot. In this manner the circuit board or data storage module can be instructed to operate in accordance with the function of that slot. This is important when a plurality of slots having different functions contains identical circuit boards or modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Richardson, Mohamad El-Batal
  • Patent number: 7783058
    Abstract: A system for verifying the identification of a device. A codec is configured to measure at least one electrical characteristic of a device connected to a jack and to identify the device based on the measured electrical characteristic. An updateable database is populated with the electrical characteristic of at least one device whose electrical characteristic was measured by the codec but not correctly identified by the codec and a software routine is responsive to the measured electrical characteristic and configured to adjust the codec's identification of the device based on the electrical characteristic stored in the database to correctly identify the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: George Stephan, Frederick Loeb, John Howley, Ludgero Leonardo, Stuart Patterson
  • Patent number: 7783834
    Abstract: A cache memory logically associates a cache line with at least two cache sectors of a cache array wherein different sectors have different output latencies and, for a load hit, selectively enables the cache sectors based on their latency to output the cache line over successive clock cycles. Larger wires having a higher transmission speed are preferably used to output the cache line corresponding to the requested memory block. In the illustrative embodiment the cache is arranged with rows and columns of the cache sectors, and a given cache line is spread across sectors in different columns, with at least one portion of the given cache line being located in a first column having a first latency, and another portion of the given cache line being located in a second column having a second latency greater than the first latency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Leo James Clark, Guy Lynn Guthrie, Kirk Samuel Livingston, William John Starke
  • Patent number: 7783812
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a serial bus extension that provides for a new class of 1394 devices called versaphy devices. A versaphy device has a static (permanent or semi-permanent) address or versaphy label. In addition, the versaphy device has a new register structure called a versaphy register. The versaphy register may contain the versaphy label. The versaphy register can be written to by non-local devices such a controller. New simple versaphy packets are defined to facilitate communication between a versaphy device and a controller. The versaphy device can transmit unsolicited responses. These features reduce the complexity necessary for a device to connect to a 1394 bus and, therefore, reduce the cost of these devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Astek, Inc
    Inventors: Richard Mourn, Barry Walker, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100211701
    Abstract: Versatile serial bus connectivity is provided for enabling detection and use of passive media output devices that connect to a host device through a serial bus connector. In addition, serial bus connectivity is extended to video output devices that can use analog video data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Karl Townsend
  • Patent number: 7779171
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Mark T. Hanson, Nathan C. Sherman, Lord Nigel Featherston, Mark W. Casebolt, Victor P. Drake, Keith Mullins, David L. Holo, Terry M. Lipscomb
  • Patent number: 7779426
    Abstract: A flash driver can be used by file systems and other applications to determine more detailed attributes and properties, such as region geometry, that describe the underlying flash component. This allows a file system, for example, to be made aware of each flash region and its properties. The file system may then be optimized to more efficiently utilize the flash component. These optimizations may lead to increased component longevity and better read/write performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Rogers, Sachin Chiman Patel, Yadhu N. Gopalan
  • Patent number: 7779196
    Abstract: First and second networks, for example Controller Area Networks (CANs), of different physical layers are interfaced by applying signals of the busses of the two networks to respective transceivers. A dominant state of one of the busses is sensed and data is transferred between the two transceivers in a direction from the dominant bus. The two busses are interfaced by a logic circuit interposed between the transceivers. A control circuit is coupled to the first and second logic units for mutually exclusively activating and deactivating the first and second logic units to control the direction of data transfer between the busses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Lammers, Gert G. Kok
  • Patent number: 7779192
    Abstract: When initializing a card-shaped device inserted in a card interface, operation mode acquiring means incorporated in an electronic device acquires operation mode information, stored in a register file incorporated in the card-shaped device, by a predetermined procedure using a predetermined pin. Operation mode setting means incorporated in the electronic device executes signal assignment on a plurality of data pins peculiar to an operation mode indicated by the acquired operation mode information, thereby switching a data transfer width, and allowing the card-shaped device to operate in the operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kosei Okamoto, Hiroyuki Sakamoto, Akihisa Fujimoto, Masao Suga
  • Patent number: 7779185
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Clark Schubert, Wang Chun Leung, Gregory T. Lydon, Scott Krueger, Paul Philip Holden, John Archibald, Lawrence G. Bolton, Donald J. Novotney, John Benjamin Filson, David Tupman
  • Publication number: 20100205327
    Abstract: A program starting unit starts a program stored in an external recording medium connected to an external recording medium connecting unit. An external device connection detecting unit detects a connection of an external device to an external device connecting unit. A first information acquiring unit acquires first information related to the external device connected to the external device connecting unit. A second information acquiring unit acquires second information related to an external device that can be utilized by executing the program. A determining unit determines whether the external device can be utilized, by comparing the first information and the second information. When it is determined that the external device can be utilized, a control unit controls the external device. On the other hand, when it is determined that the external device cannot be utilized, an informing unit informs that the external device cannot be utilized to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Takanari HAMASAKI
  • Patent number: 7774528
    Abstract: Consistent with one example embodiment, communications systems, using a serial data transfer bus having a serial data line and a clock line used to implement a communications protocol, incorporate identification of inter-integrated circuit slave devices using device identification coding. The communications system includes a slave device having a device identification code identifying one or more parameters. Communications circuitry in the slave device is configured to communicate with a master device on the I2C serial data transfer bus using the communications protocol. In response to a transmission of a device identification address from the master device, the slave device is configured to transmit an ACKNOWLEDGE, and in response to a transmission of a slave device address and the device identification address from the master device, the slave device is configured to transmit the device identification code from the slave device to the master.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Amrita Deshpande, Alma Anderson, Jean-Marc Irazabal, Stephen Blozis, Paul Boogaards
  • Patent number: 7774533
    Abstract: When initializing a card-shaped device inserted in a card interface, operation mode acquiring means incorporated in an electronic device acquires operation mode information, stored in a register file incorporated in the card-shaped device, by a predetermined procedure using a predetermined pin. Operation mode setting means incorporated in the electronic device executes signal assignment on a plurality of data pins peculiar to an operation mode indicated by the acquired operation mode information, thereby switching a data transfer width, and allowing the card-shaped device to operate in the operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kosei Okamoto, Hiroyuki Sakamoto, Akihisa Fujimoto, Masao Suga
  • Patent number: 7769917
    Abstract: A system and method for the provision for the auto detection and data exchange within different data transmission environments, such as those involving serial devices, Bluetooth-based devices, ZigBee-based devices, WiFi-based devices and/or WiMax-based devices is provided for in the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Koamtac, Inc.
    Inventor: Hanjin Lee
  • Patent number: 7769930
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a Keyboard-Video-Mouse (KVM) cable capable of indicating at least one switching status of a KVM switch for at least one computer coupled thereto. The KVM cable further comprises a set of transmission lines for transmitting indicating signals from the KVM switch to the indicator. The KVM cable comprises a plurality of connectors. A first indicator may be disposed on a first connector for indicating a console switching status. A second indicator may be disposed on a second connector for indicating a peripheral switching status. Alternatively, both the first and second indicators can be disposed on the same connector for indicating the console switching status and the peripheral switching status respectively. Moreover, a color mixing LED may also be disposed on either of the first and second connectors for indicating the console switching status and the peripheral switching status by different colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: ATEN International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 7752348
    Abstract: A motherboard includes a first slot arranged for mounting a first type of memory, a second slot arranged for mounting a second type of memory, and a voltage regulating circuit electronically connected to the first slot and the second slot. The first memory and the second memory are alternatively mounted on the motherboard, the voltage regulating circuit detects which type memory is currently mounted on the motherboard and outputs voltages suitable for the type of the memory mounted on the motherboard accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Sheng Chen, Shou-Kuo Hsu, Cheng-Shien Li, Duen-Yi Ho, Yu-Chang Pai
  • Publication number: 20100169512
    Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring a universal serial bus (USB) including for connection by a peripheral device by detecting an attach event at a USB port on the peripheral device; receiving, at the USB port, a first request for device identification; sending, at the USB port, a first identification data; receiving, at the USB port, a query related to the first identification data, the query indicating software associated with the vendor identifier is supported by the sender of the query; simulating a detach and then an attach at the USB port; receiving, at the USB port, a second request for device identification; and sending, at the USB port, a second identification data that includes an indication that the peripheral device supports at least one function from a plurality of functions that are different from the functionality defined by a generic device class code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Maxime Matton, Christopher Pattenden, Robert H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20100169511
    Abstract: In some embodiments a detector detects a host or device coupled via a link. A port negotiates with a port of the detected host or device and determines whether to operate as a host and/or as a device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Robert A. Dunstan, Gary A. Solomon, Joseph A. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7747797
    Abstract: A memory device may comprise a nonvolatile computer readable medium, a near field communication wireless transmitter, a nonvolatile near field communication tag memory, a data input device and a controller. The nonvolatile computer readable medium is adapted to store data in a data block format. The near field communication wireless transmitter is adapted to wireless transmit data to an external near field communication receiver. The nonvolatile near field communication tag memory is adapted to store data in a tag memory format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Dalen M. Abraham, Scott A. Manchester
  • Patent number: 7743185
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product in a data processing system are disclosed for dynamically selecting software buffers for aggregation in order to optimize system performance. Data to be transferred to a device is received. The data is stored in a chain of software buffers. Current characteristics of the system are determined. Software buffers to be combined are then dynamically selected. This selection is made according to the characteristics of the system in order to maximize performance of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Gallagher, Ron Encarnacion Gonzalez, Binh K. Hua, Sivarama K. Kodukula
  • Patent number: 7743173
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for automatically installing/uninstalling peripheral devices, and a system and method for automatically detecting peripheral devices using the same. The system includes a plurality of peripheral devices for periodically transmitting each of peripheral device information for auto-detection within a predetermined network region; a peripheral installation information providing device for providing data and information required for installing each peripheral device; and a peripheral device installing/managing apparatus for determining whether the peripheral device is installed based on the peripheral device information periodically transmitted from one peripheral device within a predetermined network region, receiving data and information required for installing the peripheral device from the peripheral installation information providing device through a network, and automatically installing and managing the peripheral device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Joon-Young Jung, Jeun-Woo Lee
  • Publication number: 20100153586
    Abstract: The invention provides a peripheral control device for allowing the user to select preferentially a setting of a peripheral device through a wired port. A setup utility searches a port of a printer installed onto a computer to search a pertinent printer. If the pertinent printer is found during the above searching, the peripheral control device acquires MAC address information through that port. When as a result of the searching, the pertinent printer having the same MAC address is found through a different port, the peripheral control device presents a wired port of the above-mentioned pertinent printer as a candidate in a settable port list. When changing a setting of a wireless LAN printer, the utility communicates with the printer through each printer port installed at the time of activating the setup utility, not via wireless LAN.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Atsushi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7734841
    Abstract: Versatile serial bus connectivity is provided for enabling detection and use of passive media output devices that connect to a host device through a serial bus connector. In addition, serial bus connectivity is extended to video output devices that can use analog video data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: PALM, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Townsend
  • Patent number: 7730242
    Abstract: A communication converter includes: a first communication interface making capable of communicating with a medical control device through a predetermined communication cable; a second communication interface making capable of making a connection to a signal distribution unit which is provided in a housing device capable of housing one or more communication converters, and distributes a signal from the medical control device to each of the communication converters; a switch unit for switching communication lines to either a communication line through the first communication interface or a communication line through the second communication interface; a detection unit for detecting whether or not the signal distribution unit is connected to the second communication interface; a switch control unit for controlling the switch unit based on a detection result; and a third communication interface making capable of performing communications with a medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Shusuke Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 7730230
    Abstract: Apparatus having corresponding methods and computer programs comprise a plurality of interfaces to pass control frames; a memory to store configuration information; a select circuit to select one of the interfaces according to the configuration information; and a timing circuit to determine a time of passage of each control frame passing through the selected one of the interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventor: Raghu Kondapalli
  • Patent number: 7730225
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire, from a plurality of image forming apparatuses, application information indicating a type of each application program installed on the plurality of image forming apparatuses, an application selection receiving unit configured to receive selection of an application program corresponding to the acquired application information, a setting information selection receiving unit configured to receive selection of setting information used in the application program whose selection has been received, an apparatus selection receiving unit configured to receive selection of an image forming apparatus as a destination to which to transmit the setting information from among image forming apparatuses installed with the application program whose selection has been received, and a transmission control unit configured to control processing for transmitting, to the image forming apparatus whose selection has been received, the setting inform
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Mizuno, Atsushi Daigo
  • Publication number: 20100125678
    Abstract: An electronic device for controlling a peripheral device includes a data processing unit for receiving a control command and transforming the control command into a first command, a command processing unit coupled to the data processing unit, for decoding the first command to obtain a task of the peripheral device and encoding the task to generate a second command, and a transformation unit coupled to the command processing unit and the peripheral device, for transforming the second command into a third command of a consumer electronic control format, for controlling operations of the peripheral device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Po-Hsu Chen, Bor-Lun Chang
  • Patent number: 7721016
    Abstract: A method of initiating re-enumeration of a USB device without manual intervention is provided. The method involves a sequence emulating detachment and re-attachment of a device to the host while the device remains attached to the host. As the device remains attached to the host throughout the sequence, the host OS is manipulated to receive a plurality of preset device states in order for it to perceive a device change and to eventually initiate device enumeration. The sequence, which involves a series of command exchanges between the device and the host, may be initiated by a software application residing in the host upon an event requiring device enumeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Wen Xiang Xie, Sze Chek Tan, Yew Meng Tan, Zhong Quan Jiang
  • Publication number: 20100121991
    Abstract: A method of controlling a mobile terminal on an external device basis and an external device operation system using the same are provided. The system includes a connector for connecting an external device, a switch for determining a type of the external device connected to the connector and switching according to the type thereof, a transceiver to be connected, if the external device is an external device which requires a high speed data transmission, to the external device according to switching of the switch, and a USB switch to be connected, if the external device is an external device which does not require a high speed data transmission, to the external device according to switching of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Soon Do KIM
  • Patent number: 7711870
    Abstract: An interface detecting circuit and interface detecting method are provided, whereby operations can be carried out depending on peripheral devices connected to USB terminals, and whereby the system can be simplified and software load can be reduced. A pull-down resistor is connected to an ID terminal of a Mini-A receptacle of a peripheral device, the voltage generated by the pull-down resistor, which is pulled down by the ID terminal of the Mini-A receptacle of the peripheral device, and a pull-up resistor, which is pulled up by the ID terminal of a Mini-B receptacle of a device, is detected in an analog fashion, using a detecting section comprised of comparators, and, via a logic section, a logic output is subjected to noise cancellation in a filter section and is memorized in a register section. The operations of other devices are determined according to the states memorized in the register section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Yoshida, Yoshihito Kawakami, Shigenori Arai, Hideyuki Kihara
  • Patent number: 7711847
    Abstract: A multi-user online application network computing configuration maintains application level information at a portal or lobby server, rather than at each individual application server or host machine. Users can therefore learn about and select a desired application, such as an online game, through communication with the lobby server. After appropriate authorization processing, users can contact the associated application server, such as a game host, to begin their participation. The lobby server can therefore reduce the bandwidth requirements and other operating demands on the application server. In addition, cross-application communications in real-time are facilitated through the lobby server concept. The multi-user application environment also provides a common data model for maintaining user information, such as for establishing a ladder ranking system in the online gaming context in which user achievements are recorded and shared among users and among the different game applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
    Inventors: Shekhar V. Dhupelia, Glen Van Datta, Brian Fernandes, Eiko Erika Kato, William McCarroll
  • Patent number: 7711868
    Abstract: An auxiliary computing device wakes an associated main computer system to obtain data as needed, on-demand and/or in anticipation of demand. The wakeup operation is ordinarily temporary to fetch data, whereby only a small amount of power is consumed by the main computer system. In one implementation, a control channel between the auxiliary device and the main computer system is used to signal a wakeup. A main data channel is used to obtain the data, whereby the auxiliary device has access to a larger amount of data than it can cache. Moreover, the components of the main computer system may be leveraged, such as to use the main computer system's digital rights management mechanisms. Additional data may be intelligently requested by the auxiliary device while the main computer system is powered up, e.g., to buffer media, and/or request a synchronization of calendar data, email data, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew P. Rhoten, Andrew J. Fuller, Roger H. Wynn, Michael S. Bernstein, Daniel J. Polivy, Otto G. Berkes
  • Publication number: 20100106909
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Rajiv Kottomtharayil, Manoj K. Vijayan Retnamma
  • Patent number: 7707333
    Abstract: Upon reception of data via a first communication device, a unit connects the first communication device with a storage unit to store the data to be transferred and, after completion of data reception, the unit switches connections of the storage unit to a second communication device and transmits the stored data to the second communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited
    Inventor: Hidetaka Ebeshu
  • Patent number: 7707329
    Abstract: A remotely programmable device includes a message store for receiving messages over a radiolink from a controller and forwarding the messages to a local application resident in the device, writable registers for controlling operation of the device, a command interpreter for interpreting commands embedded in thessages to write data to the register, and a lock for inhibiting writing of data to the registers. The local application is responsive to an authorization code embedded in the messages to release the lock and thereby allow writing of data to the registers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Zarlink Semiconductor AB
    Inventor: Per-Olof Bergstedt
  • Patent number: 7702823
    Abstract: This invention enables a disk subsystem that employs the FC-AL connection to grasp the operation status of each disk drive, quickly locate a disk drive that has failed, and promptly carry out blocking processing. In a disk subsystem including plural drive enclosures which store disk drives, and a disk controller which controls transfer of data stored in the disk drives between the drive enclosures and a host computer. The drive enclosures each comprise a backend switch which is connected to the disk drives and to the disk controller, the backend switch comprises a status monitoring port through which operation status of switch ports of the backend switch is outputted, and the disk controller monitors a fault of the switch ports through the status monitoring port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mutsumi Hosoya, Akira Fujibayashi, Shuji Nakamura, Yasuo Inoue
  • Publication number: 20100095026
    Abstract: Provided is a host device (10), which can establish a communication connection with a terminal device (20) and can be connected to a peripheral device (30), including a first communication section and a second communication section, via the first communication section. The host device (10) transmits information for identifying the terminal device (20) acquired from the terminal device (20) to the peripheral device (30) as communication destination identification information that allows the peripheral device (30) to identify a communication partner in a case of performing communications via the second communication section, when the host device (10) is connected to the terminal device (20) and connected to the peripheral device (30) via the first communication section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Tadakazu Nagai, Kazushige Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 7698472
    Abstract: Improved techniques for rendering a peripheral device removable (e.g., unpluggable) are disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, the peripheral device is rendered removable from a host computer without preparatory user actions. In effect, the peripheral device can be automatically prepared for removal in the event that its user removes (unplugs) it from its host computer. According to another aspect of the invention, the peripheral device includes a data storage device that is mounted to a file system of the other computer when the other computer desires access to the data storage device. Otherwise, the data storage device is normally unmounted so that if the peripheral device were to be removed (e.g., unplugged) no harm or damage to data stored therein would occur. These aspects of the invention can be utilized alone or in combination with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Robbin, David Heller, Craig A. Marciniak
  • Publication number: 20100088432
    Abstract: A server is installed with host bus adapters (HBAs). The HBA causes light-emitting components thereon to emit light in abnormal light emission patterns upon falling into an abnormal condition, and in predetermined light emission patterns upon receiving a predetermined command. A method for managing the HBA includes storing abnormal light emission patterns of the HBA, detecting an abnormality as to whether a predetermined HBA is in an abnormal condition, obtaining current light emission patterns of a light-emitting component of an abnormal HBA which is detected to be in the abnormal condition in the detecting, and controlling light emission by sending the predetermined command to all of the HBAs except the abnormal one to cause the light-emitting components thereof to emit light in the predetermined light emission patterns, when the current light emission patterns, obtained in the obtaining, do not match the abnormal light emission patterns stored in the storing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Yasushi Itoh
  • Patent number: 7694033
    Abstract: According to the present invention, is allowed to store, in a hard disk drive, only a driver and an application which are necessary for a peripheral device connected a personal computer, the area in use of the hard disk drive is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Toshiro Ohbitsu
  • Patent number: 7694034
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring data flows, such as streaming video or audio signals, between end devices that are members of the same end device group is provided. A network examining module identifies end devices having an active data flow. A data session populating module populates a data store for an end device group identifying end devices having active data flows. A managing module determines which end devices are compatible for a data flow to be transferred. The data flow transferring module transfers the active data flow from one group member end device to another group member end device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Jeremy Breau, Manish Mangal
  • Patent number: 7689534
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for processing database triggers having delay attributes. In general, delay attributes may selectively introduce a delay between the firing of a trigger and the execution of the triggered action. The delay may be based on waiting for a specified time interval, waiting until a specified time, or reaching a predetermined threshold of a measure of system performance. The use of delay attributes may enable greater control over the timing of the execution of the triggered action, resulting in reduced impact on the performance of an underlying system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rafal Przemyslaw Konik, Mark William Theuer, Michael Alan Venz
  • Patent number: 7685324
    Abstract: Provided is an audio-video processing apparatus having significant operability. The first electronic device (100) includes a state information sending unit (105) that sends, to a second electronic device (200) being the audio-video processing apparatus, a state information indicating a state of the self electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Fukui, Masazumi Yamada
  • Patent number: 7685329
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for detecting the presence and activity of a mass storage device. A resistor divider circuit generates a voltage indicating whether a mass storage device has been mated to a mass storage backplane and whether the device is active. The circuit provides a voltage within a first range when the device is not mated to the storage backplane, and provides a voltage within a second range when the device is mated to the storage backplane but is inactive. The circuit also provides a voltage within a third range when the device is mated to the storage backplane and is active. The circuit can be connected to an integrated circuit that can determine, based on the output of the resistor divider circuit, whether the device has been mated to the storage backplane and whether the device is active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: American Megatreads, Inc.
    Inventor: Clas Gerhard Sivertsen
  • Publication number: 20100070660
    Abstract: That a serial port of a video teleconferencing endpoint hard device has been accessed is detected. In response to detecting that the serial port of the device has been accessed, one or more actions are performed. These actions include alerting a user that the serial port has been accessed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: David Karl Serisky
  • Patent number: 7680961
    Abstract: A device recognition system comprises an identification module of a computer device configured to generate an impedance signature for an external device using an impedance of the external device measured at least two different stimuli, the impedance signature used to identify the external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Lee Atkinson
  • Patent number: 7676623
    Abstract: Methods and systems for discovering whether a given connection to an InfiniBand port is a standard InfiniBand connection or a non-standard connection (e.g., indicating the presence of a proprietary device) are provided. The discovery may be performed by an end node, such that the end node interoperates with all standard InfiniBand components. Specific actions that are vendor unique, and potentially not compliant with the InfiniBand architecture, may not be done until after the discovery is complete and it has been verified that the noncompliant action will only be directed to entities know to be capable of processing them. These actions may include assuming the configuration responsibilities that would have been performed by the Subnet Manager in a standard InfiniBand network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Edward Fisher, Charles Scott Graham, Kris Marie Kendall, Thomas Rembert Sand, Timothy Jerry Schimke
  • Patent number: 7676612
    Abstract: A device determines whether a speed mode between the device and an external device is a first speed mode or a second speed mode, communicates with the external device at first speed if the speed mode is the first speed mode, and communicates with the external device at second speed slower than the first speed if the speed mode is the second speed mode. The device enables transfer of image data and displays the image data being transferred to the external device, if the speed mode is the first speed mode. The device disables the transfer of the image data and stops displaying the image data, if the speed mode is the second speed mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shuichi Hosokawa
  • Publication number: 20100057946
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Crumlin, Aaron Leiba, David Ferguson