Characteristic Discrimination Patents (Class 710/16)
  • Patent number: 8626960
    Abstract: An interface for an industrial controller is provided that enables connection of different types of plug-in I/O modules to the industrial controller. The interface includes several mechanisms, which can be implemented through control logic, circuitry, and/or software, that enable the control/monitoring device to operate in conjunction with different types of plug-in I/O modules. According to certain embodiments, the interface includes setup mechanisms that enable initial communications between the plug-in I/O modules and the control/monitoring device. The interface also may include operational mechanisms that facilitate communication between the plug-in I/O modules and the control/monitoring device during operation. The interface further may include registers that store data for the plug-in I/O modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yue Zhang, Kevin Lee Huan Hong
  • Patent number: 8626962
    Abstract: The present invention relates a tilt and trim sensor apparatus having a housing and a shaft rotatably mounted to the housing. The apparatus includes a magnet connected to one of the housing and the shaft. The apparatus includes a transducer connected to another of the housing and shaft. The transducer is disposed adjacent to the magnet for sensing the position of the magnet and is operable to generate an output representative of an angular position of the magnet. The apparatus has a microprocessor for sensing gauge display input requirements. The apparatus has output circuitry for outputting a signal based on the output of the transducer that is in accordance with the gauge display input requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Marine Canada Acquisition Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Tat Lung Wong, Michael Gordon Lowrie
  • Publication number: 20140006655
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a universal serial bus are described herein. The method includes sending packet data from a USB2 device to a USB2 host on a pair of signal lines, and after sending the packet data, sending an End-Of-Packet (EOP) signal from the USB2 device to the USB2 host. The method also includes, entering the USB2 device into idle state after sending the EOP signal. The method also includes sending a digital ping from the USB2 device to the USB2 host to indicate device presence during idle state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Kok Hong Chan, Huimin Chen
  • Publication number: 20140006652
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a universal serial bus are described herein. The method includes sending packet data from a USB2 device to a USB2 host on a pair of signal lines, and after sending the packet data, sending an End-Of-Packet (EOP) signal from the USB2 device to the USB2 host. The method also includes, entering the USB2 device into idle state after sending the EOP signal. The method also includes sending a digital ping from the USB2 device to the USB2 host to indicate device presence during idle state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Huimin CHEN, Kok Hong CHAN
  • Publication number: 20140006653
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting Input/Output (I/O) device connection are described herein. The method includes physically coupling an I/O device to a host port through a first signal line and a second signal line. The method also includes driving the first signal line or the second signal line high via an active buffer of the I/O device. The method also includes providing an acknowledgement signal from the host to the device through the other signal line that is not being driven high by the active buffer of the I/O device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Huimin CHEN, Kok Hong CHAN
  • Publication number: 20140006654
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting Input/Output (I/O) device connection are described herein. The method includes physically coupling an I/O device to a host port through a first signal line and a second signal line. The method also includes driving the first signal line or the second signal line high via an active buffer of the I/O device. The method also includes providing an acknowledgement signal from the host to the device through the other signal line that is not being driven high by the active buffer of the I/O device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Kok Hong Chan, Huimin Chen
  • Patent number: 8621118
    Abstract: Various techniques and hardware are described for retrieving information in a processing system. In one embodiment, a method is provided for retrieving information in a processing system that includes a central processing unit and a service processor. Here, the service processor retrieves central processing unit information from the central processing unit and resets the processing system after the retrieval of the central processing unit information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: NetApp, Inc.
    Inventors: Chaitanya Nulkar, Brad Reger, Pradeep Kalra, Johnny Kang-wing Chan, Thomas Holland
  • Publication number: 20130339554
    Abstract: A USB peripheral device comprising a limited function Universal Serial Bus (USB) host controller configured to control HID compliant USB peripheral devices on a downstream facing USB port is disclosed. The port is also capable of dynamically interfacing to any USB compliant peripheral device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: RGB SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian E. Tausher, Michael Izquierdo
  • Patent number: 8612787
    Abstract: A computer power saving system includes a computer, an UPS, a power detecting device, and an USB device. The computer includes a USB port and a power management module, and can work in a normal mode or in a STR mode. The UPS is connected to the computer and used for supplying power to the computer upon a condition that a commercial power supply stops supplying power to the computer. The power detecting device detects the state of the commercial power supply and sending out an abnormal power signal when the commercial power supply stops supplying power to the computer. The USB device sends the abnormal power signal to the USB port. When the computer works in the normal mode, the power management module detects the USB port, and controls the computer to shift to the STR mode if the USB port receives the abnormal power signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Song Yu
  • Patent number: 8612642
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an interface unit configured to electrically connect with a peripheral device capable of receiving a memory storage medium inserted into the peripheral device and electrically connected thereto, a connection detection unit configured to detect a temporary interruption in the electrical connection between the interface unit and the peripheral device, and a control unit configured to prevent the memory storage medium, once unmounted, from being mounted again after the connection detection unit detects the temporary interruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8606972
    Abstract: A cable identification system is provided. The cable identification system includes a cable having a plurality of conductors with an electrical connector on at least one end of the cable. The electrical connector is adapted to connect all conductors in the cable to a mating connector. The cable identification system further includes a signal generator connectable between the electrical connector and the mating connector on a network device. The signal generator includes a controller configured to measure and analyze parameters indicative of data traffic in the cable. The cable identification system further includes a cable sleeve adapted to receive the cable therein and coupled to the electrical connector. The cable sleeve has one or more segments which are electrically activatable to change an appearance based on a signal sent by the electrical connector in response to the measurements of the parameters indicative of traffic in the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tamer E. Abuelsaad, John E. Moore, Jr., Rajeshkumar N. Singi, Robert R. Wentworth
  • Patent number: 8605318
    Abstract: A relay apparatus in a print system in which a print server, the relay apparatus, and a plurality of print apparatuses are connected to a network, and which performs print processing, comprises: a search unit configured to search for a print apparatus with which the relay apparatus can communicate; a sending unit configured to send, to the print server, pieces of information of the relay apparatus and the print apparatus found by the search unit; and a relay unit configured to receive a print instruction that is issued by the print server and includes location information of document data to be printed and information of a print apparatus used to perform print processing, to download the document data based on the location information included in the print instruction, and to send both the print instruction and the downloaded document data to the print apparatus designated by the print instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Motoki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8601174
    Abstract: In a computer system, a virtual machine (VM) guest is instantiated on a VM host. The VM host detects a plurality of successive universal serial bus (USB) events occurring in the computer system and compares the plurality of successive USB events to a preset criterion. When the plurality of successive USB events meets the preset criterion, the VM host transmits a request for triggering an operation mode to the VM guest. The VM guest executes a control program for initiating the operation mode in response to the request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teng-Yu Tsai
  • Patent number: 8595408
    Abstract: Methods and structure for determining compatibility between a pair of SAS devices for support of super-standard features of the devices. Features and aspects hereof provide for exchange of information between a first and second SAS device using SAS protocol in non-standard manners. The exchanges are designed to exchange information between compatible, enhanced device without causing protocol violation errors in either the first or second devices. The information exchanged represents super-standard features supported by each device. Mutually supported super-standard features are enabled for further communications between the devices. If no super-standard features are mutually supported or if the second device is non-enhanced, no super-standard features are enabled in further communications between the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventors: David T. Uddenberg, William W. Voorhees
  • Patent number: 8589606
    Abstract: Provided is a physical layer circuit. Upon detecting a connection recognition signal from an output of a differential input terminal, a first detection circuit outputs a first control signal for allowing an upper layer to output a power supply control signal for turning on a power supply of each of a receiver circuit and a recovery conversion circuit. Upon detecting “input absent” based on the bit configuration of parallel data, a second detection circuit outputs a second control signal for allowing the upper layer to output the power supply control signal for turning off the power supply of each of the receiver circuit and the recovery conversion circuit. A control circuit turns off a power supply of the first detection circuit when the second detection circuit detects “input present”, and turns on the power supply of the first detection circuit when the second detection circuit detects “input absent”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuharu Chiba
  • Publication number: 20130304944
    Abstract: Device enumeration support techniques are described for busses that do not natively support enumeration. In one or more embodiments, an intermediate controller of a computing device is configured to interconnect and manage various hardware devices associated with the computing device. The intermediate controller may detect connection and disconnection of hardware devices in association with one or more communication busses employed by the computing device. In response to such detection, the intermediate controller may send appropriate notifications to an operating system to alert the operating system when hardware devices come and go. This enables the operating system to enumerate and denumerate hardware devices within a device configuration and power management system implemented by the operating system that facilitates interaction with the hardware devices through corresponding representations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Robert D. Young, Sharon Drasnin, Scott A. Fudally, Tejas Jitendra Mistry, Vassili I. Nikolaev, Murali Rangayya Ravirala
  • Patent number: 8583838
    Abstract: Described are techniques for tracking activity for one or more devices. Each of the one or more devices is partitioned into one or more extents. Each of the one or more extents includes a plurality of sub extents. Each of the sub extents includes a plurality of chunks. For each of said one or more extents of each of said one or more devices, extent activity level information is determined including one or more metrics indicating an activity level for said each extent; and For each of said one or more extents of each of said one or more devices, an activity bitmap is determined. The activity bitmap includes an entry for each sub extent included in said each extent, said entry indicating an activity level for said each sub extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Marik Marshak, Owen Martin, Alex Veprinsky, Amnon Naamad, Sean C. Dolan, Adnan Sahin
  • Patent number: 8583840
    Abstract: Methods and structure are disclosed for improved processing of fast path I/O requests in a storage controller utilizing version information embedded in the fast path I/O requests. The version information allows the storage controller to determine if the mapping information utilized by the host system in generating a fast path I/O request specifies the mapping information utilized by the storage controller. The controller comprises a fast path I/O request processing circuit tightly coupled with host system drivers for fast processing of requests directed to storage devices of a logical volume. The controller also comprises a logical volume I/O processing software stack for processing I/O requests from a host system directed to a logical volume. If the mapping information utilized by the host does not match the mapping information utilized by the storage controller, fast path I/O requests are transferred to the I/O request processing stack for subsequent processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Rizzo, Robert L. Sheffield, Jr., Rajeev Srinivasa Murthy, Naveen Krishnamurthy
  • Publication number: 20130290570
    Abstract: Methods and structure for determining compatibility between a pair of SAS devices for support of super-standard features of the devices. Features and aspects hereof provide for exchange of information between a first and second SAS device using SAS protocol in non-standard manners. The exchanges are designed to exchange information between compatible, enhanced device without causing protocol violation errors in either the first or second devices. The information exchanged represents super-standard features supported by each device. Mutually supported super-standard features are enabled for further communications between the devices. If no super-standard features are mutually supported or if the second device is non-enhanced, no super-standard features are enabled in further communications between the devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: LSI CORPORATION
    Inventors: David T. Uddenberg, William W. Voorhees
  • Patent number: 8570560
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus that has an interface section for connecting a measuring instrument and is capable of changing an operating mode to an adjustment mode in which an adjustment is carried out by using the results of measurements by the measuring instrument, the image processing apparatus comprising a control section detecting whether the measuring instrument is connected to the interface section, and when the measuring instrument is detected, changing the operating mode to the adjustment mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8565676
    Abstract: A user can initiate the transmission of data on a mobile device by making physical contact with another device. The physical contact can be any type of physical touch that is referred to as a ‘tap’ or ‘tapping.’ When a tap is detected by a device, the device may initiate near field communication (NFC) with the other tapping device. NFC may be used to communicate data between the two devices, or NFC may be used to exchange sufficient information to allow the devices to establish a communication channel via another communication link. In some embodiments, an NFC-enabled mobile device can be used to gather group data relating to users having mobile devices that are within NFC range of one another and which initiate the aggregation of group data by the tapping of three or more devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Georgiana Gormley, Winston Wang, Robert Buck, Valerie Goulart, Jeff Gough, Barb Brindle, Patrick Carney, Paulo S. T. Chow
  • Patent number: 8564813
    Abstract: A printing system includes an order management server configured to receive printing orders placed from a plurality of order placement location apparatuses via a network and to distribute the received printing orders to the plurality of printing location apparatuses via the network. Each printing location apparatus includes a notification unit configured to notify a printing order estimated time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoichi Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 8566495
    Abstract: Implementations of systems, methods and apparatus include aspects of resource conservation strategies that may be useful for a USB compliant device that experiences resource limitations over durations longer than contemplated by the USB standards. Implementations of systems, methods and apparatus disclosed herein enable a USB compliant device to selectively process interrupts and/or other overhead resulting from USB communications between a host and the device. By not processing some interrupts and/or other overhead, based in part on the current level of resource utilization, a device can free up resources needed to process relatively high data-rate incoming traffic from the host. In some implementations, when locally implemented techniques prove to be insufficient, the device may optionally request that the host reduce the data-rate on the downlink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Ajay K. Venkatsuresh, Thomas Klingenbrunn
  • Publication number: 20130268698
    Abstract: A peripheral device comprises a first entity and a second entity. In operation, the first/second entities are configured to respectively: receive a first/second entity-related message from at least one other device to indicate the availability of the at least one other device for attachment, send, to the at least one other device, a first/second entity-related message indicating the availability for communication with the at least one other device, receive, from the at least one other device, a first/second entity-related signal including a first/second entity-related peripheral device identifier, send a first/second entity-related response to the at least one other device, receive, from the at least one other device, a first/second entity-related device response, and send, to the at least one other device, a first/second entity-related second peripheral response including the first/second entity-related peripheral device identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Tri-County Excelsior Foundation
    Inventor: Robert J. Donaghey
  • Patent number: 8553244
    Abstract: When a change occurs in the status of an image processing apparatus, update information in which the status change is written is generated, and the status change of the image processing apparatus is notified to a client apparatus with a function for delivering the generated update information. A printer driver for the image processing apparatus is distributed from a management apparatus that manages the image processing apparatus to the client apparatus, and the function for delivering the update information is registered with the client apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Ohashi
  • Patent number: 8554961
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer-code are disclosed where an impending decoupling between a peripheral device and a host is detected. In some embodiments, in response to the detected impending disconnection, a user alert signal is generated. In some embodiments, an ‘onboard detector’ that is associated with housing of the peripheral device and operative to detect the impending disconnection is provided. In some embodiments, the user alert signal is generated in accordance with inter-device data flow between the host and the peripheral device. Exemplary peripheral devices include but are not limited to transient storage devices such as a USB flash drives (UFD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: SanDisk IL Ltd.
    Inventors: Yehuda Hahn, Mordechai Teicher, Itzhak Pomerantz
  • Patent number: 8544424
    Abstract: A system, a controller, and a method for transmitting and distributing a data stream from a host to a storage device having a non-volatile memory and a chip are provided. A specific mark is added into a data stream which is transmitted from the host to the storage device, such that the data stream can be dispatched to the chip by transmitting a write command. Then, a response message generated by the chip can be received inerrably by executing a plurality of read commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Phison Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ching-Wen Chang, Meng-Chang Chen, Sing-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 8549186
    Abstract: A system for sharing a device across a plurality of operating systems is provided. The system includes a sharable bit in the namespace for identifying whether the device is sharable. The system further includes one or more operating systems that are adapted to recognize the sharable bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Bradley G. Culter, Mark Edward Shaw
  • Patent number: 8543739
    Abstract: The embodiments describe both the interpreting and modifying the interpretation of an input event to an electronic device having limited user input resources. The input event interpretation can be based in part on a connection state of the device. In some cases, the interpretation of the input event can also be based upon an indication of a current operating state of the device in addition to or exclusive of the connection state. Furthermore, in some embodiments, an operating state of the portable electronic device can be resolved based in part on the connection state of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan J. James, Jeffery T. Lee
  • Patent number: 8543741
    Abstract: A method of communicating with a device using a Field Device Tool (FDT) framework, such that the device operates in a process control environment and is communicatively coupled to a communication link, includes generating an instance of a scan capable device type manager (DTM) of type device that represents the device in the FDT framework, communicatively connecting the instance of the scan capable DTM to a communication channel which corresponds to the communication link, scanning the communication link to discover the device using the instance of the scan capable DTM, and obtaining an address of the discovered device at the scan capable DTM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Connor W. Reynolds, Michael J. Tewes, Mahesh Gade
  • Publication number: 20130246668
    Abstract: A computer system including a management computer for managing the entire system, an integral apparatus, and a high-level connecting device for connecting the management computer and the integral apparatus is designed so that the management computer retains integral apparatus internal configuration information, configuration information about an integral apparatus to be introduced, that indicates the configuration of the integral apparatus that may possibly be introduced to the system, and lifetime information indicating lifetime of the integral apparatus; obtains connectivity guarantee information indicating whether connectivity between the computer and the storage apparatus is guaranteed or not; selects an integral apparatus to be removed from the system by referring to the lifetime information; selects an integral apparatus to be introduced to the system by referring to the integral apparatus internal configuration information, the configuration information about the integral apparatus to be introduced, an
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasunori KANEDA, Yutaka KUDO, Yukio OGAWA, Masakatsu MORI, Tomoki SEKIGUCHI, Masayuki YAMAMOTO, Naoto MATSUNAMI
  • Patent number: 8539118
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: CommVault Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Kottomtharayil, Manoj K. Vijayan Retnamma
  • Patent number: 8533366
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a method of transmitting image data from an image supplying device to an image display device includes transmitting information indicating a resolution of the image display device from the image display device to the image supplying device; scaling the image data, by the image supplying device, to decrease an amount of the image data by reducing an image based on the information indicating the resolution of the image display device; and transmitting the scaled image data from the image supplying device to the image display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ichieda
  • Patent number: 8533367
    Abstract: A host apparatus, into which a card having a nonvolatile semiconductor memory is inserted, issues a check command to the card. The check command instructs to send information on whether the card supports a termination process in which the card shifts into a state ready for a stop of power supply from the host apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Akihisa Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 8533370
    Abstract: There is provided a radio communication device including: a host connection interface which is connected to a host apparatus and receives commands input from the host apparatus; a radio communication interface which performs radio communication with another radio communication device; and a controlling unit which controls operation of the host connection interface and the radio communication interface, wherein the controlling unit controls the host connection interface to output device information indicating that the device itself is a peripheral device capable of accessing a storage medium to the host apparatus in response to a command indicating inquiry about information regarding the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Tanaka, Itaru Maekawa, Hidemasa Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8533365
    Abstract: Of an existing macro for controlling one or more first devices, device designation information for designating each electronic device in the first devices in the macro is converted to category designation information for designating a category of the electronic device based on device information of the electronic device, and the converted existing macro is recorded. A macro usable for controlling one or more second devices is selected from recorded existing macros based on device information of a controller and the first and second devices. Category designation information in the selected macro is converted to device designation information for designating the electronic device in the second electronic devices, belonging to the category designated by the category designation information, based on the device information of the controller and the first and second devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinori Ohashi
  • Patent number: 8533371
    Abstract: A data recording apparatus includes a connection unit which is capable of connecting, as a recording medium, a first recording medium having a predetermined function and a second recording medium that does not have the predetermined function. The data recording apparatus detects a connection status of the recording medium to the connection unit, controls a menu concerning setting of the predetermined function. If the detection unit detects that the first recording medium is connected to the connection unit, the data recording apparatus makes the menu operable. If the detection unit detects that the first recording medium is removed and then detects that the second recording medium is connected to the connection unit, the data recording apparatus makes the menu inoperable, and maintains the menu in the operable state during a period from removal of the first recording medium to connection of the second recording medium to the connection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideaki Tsujii
  • Patent number: 8527670
    Abstract: A method for modifying a USB device driver matching string includes: when a plug-and-play manager sends a request for querying device information to a physical device object, capturing, by a filter driver, the request for querying device information, and sending the request to an enumeration driver; receiving, by the filter driver, device information that is returned, according to the request for querying device information, by the enumeration driver, and forming, according to the returned device information and compatibility information of the device, a device driver matching string; and sending the device driver matching string to the plug-and-play manager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Huawei Device Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wenchun Jiang, Guiying Xue
  • Publication number: 20130227176
    Abstract: A communication device includes: a first and a second connectors that are connectable to an external device via a first and a second cables, respectively; a detector that detects attachment and detachment of the second cable to the second connector; and a controller that communicates information on attachment and detachment of the second cable to the external device via the first cable, changes a communication mode from a first mode to a second mode when the second cable is attached to the second connector, and changes the communication mode from the second mode to the first mode when the second cable is detached from the second connector, the first mode being a mode in which the controller communicates with the external device via the first cable, and the second mode being a mode in which the controller communicates with the external device via the first and the second cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: FUJISTSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventor: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
  • Publication number: 20130227177
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining an Operation System (OS) of a host device connected through USB in a portable terminal The apparatus includes a connection port for receiving a descriptor request from the host device, an analysis unit for analyzing the received descriptor request and providing the analyzed result, an OS determining unit for determining the OS of the host device using information received from the analysis unit, and a controller that controls the analysis unit and the OS determining unit to analyze the descriptor request of the host device and determine the OS of the host device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130219087
    Abstract: A high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) receiver apparatus is provided. The HDMI receiver apparatus includes a pin, a control module, and an extended display identification data (EDID) module. The pin is used to receive an HDMI cable connection voltage in a first operation state and output a hot plug detection signal in a second operation state. The control module is connected with the pin. When the pin receives the HDMI cable connection voltage in the first operation state, the control module switches the pin to the second operation state from the first operation state and outputs the hot plug detection signal to an HDMI transmitter apparatus through the pin, such that the HDMI transmitter apparatus reads EDID information according to the hot plug detection signal. The EDID module is used to store the EDID information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: MEDIATEK SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: MEDIATEK SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
  • Patent number: 8516162
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a connector, a graphics controller, a port setting module, a selector and a selector controller. The port setting module sets a first port used to output a video signal generated by the graphics controller as a data transmission port compliant with a first interface standard, and sets a second port used to output the video signal as a data transmission port compliant with a second interface standard. The selector connects one of the first port and the second port to the connector. The selector controller supplies a first signal to the selector in order to connect the first port to the connector when a first external unit is connected to the connector, and supplies a second signal to the selector in order to connect the second port to the connector when a second external unit is connected to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hiroaki Chiba
  • Patent number: 8516178
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system having a non-volatile programmable memory and a controller is provided. The system has data pins that are configured to be accessed in one of a first mode and a second mode such that, in the first mode, the system receives information using one of the data pins and, in the second mode, the system receives information using four of the data pins. The system also has a command pin that is configured to receive a first command, a second command, and a third command, the first command requesting a current operation mode of the data pins, the second command requesting operation voltage information of the system, and the third command setting the system into one of the first and second modes. Additionally, the system has a power signal pin configured to receive power for the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kosei Okamoto, Hiroyuki Sakamoto, Akihisa Fujimoto, Masao Suga
  • Patent number: 8509740
    Abstract: A method, implemented on a programmed processor, for controlling wireless communications to and from a wireless network includes provoking an access request from a wireless device to register the device with an intelligent network access controller; locking the wireless device to the controller; determining a category of the wireless device; if the determined category is a first category, preventing access to wireless communications using the wireless network; and if the determined category is a second category, directing the wireless device to re-attempt access with the wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Tecore, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Salkini, Thomas V. Joseph, III
  • Patent number: 8509591
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a transmission apparatus includes a transmission module, a controller, a signal transmission module, and a selection module. The transmission module is configured to output a video signal or an audio signal to a TMDS line of an HDMI cable in a form based on the HDMI standard. The controller is configured to input/output an HEAC signal of the HDMI standard. The signal transmission module is configured to perform signal transmission based on a method other than the HDMI standard. The selection module is configured to selectively switch the HEAC line of the HDMI cable to either a state used for transmission of the HEAC signal that is input/output to/from the controller or a state used for transmission of a signal that is input/output to/from the signal transmission module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takashi Doi, Kazumi Tomioka, Akiyoshi Kato
  • Patent number: 8504741
    Abstract: Systems and methods for allocating transmission resources within a computer network are provided. In some embodiments of the invention, communication links may be assigned based on predefined preferences or system configuration to facilitate the transfer of data from one point in the network to another. In other embodiments, system operation may be monitored and communication paths be assigned dynamically based on this information to improve system operation and provide improved failover response, load balancing and to promote robust data access via alternative routes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: CommVault Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Kottomtharayil, Ho-Chi Chen, Manoj Vijayan Retnamma
  • Patent number: 8499030
    Abstract: Software stored on a computer-readable storage medium at a user station configured for communications with a multiplicity of independently-operated data sources via a non-proprietary network instantiates a user interface function that enables a user at the user station to select one of a plurality of available network communications service providers, a communications function that establishes a communication link between the user station and a selected one of the multiplicity of independently-operated data sources using the selected one of the network communications service providers, and a data transport function that effectuates data transfers between the user station and the selected one of the data sources via the established communication link. Corresponding methods and a dedicated user station providing corresponding functions are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Intellectual Ventures I LLC
    Inventor: Richard R. Reisman
  • Publication number: 20130191557
    Abstract: A management method is provided, suitable for an electronic system having electronic devices connected in a daisy-chain configuration. The management method includes the steps of: arranging the order of the electronic devices, wherein universal unique identifiers corresponding to the electronic devices are obtained by sequentially connecting the electronic devices with the host; obtaining shapes and outward colors of the electronic devices according to the universal unique identifiers of the electronic devices; forming a chart according to the arrangement order, the shapes and the outward colors of the electronic devices; and displaying the chart on the monitor and/or the host to show a characteristic of each of the electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Acer Incorporated
    Inventor: Acer Incorporated
  • Publication number: 20130191556
    Abstract: A plug-and-play sensor peripheral component includes an electrically conductive physical connector; an electrical connector; a transformer; and an RF communication and data storage circuit. The electrical connector is electrically connected to the physical connector by a first conductive path. The transformer is electrically connected to the RF communication and data storage circuit. The transformer and the RF communication and data storage circuit are electrically isolated from the physical connector and the electrical connector. Electrically connecting the physical connector to the electrical connector by other than the first conductive path inductively couples the RF communication and data storage circuit to the first conductive path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: ROSEMOUNT INC.
    Inventor: Clarence Edward Holmstadt
  • Patent number: 8495256
    Abstract: A method and computer program product for sending a data request from a host bus adapter logic processor to a hard disk drive, setting a standard time out period for receiving a reply from the hard disk drive, sensing vibration in the hard disk drive, sending a vibration alert signal from the hard disk drive to the host bus adapter logic processor in response to the sensed vibration exceeding a predetermined amount of vibration, and, in response to receiving the vibration alert signal from the hard disk drive, the host bus adapter logic processor establishing an extended time out period for receiving the reply. The rotational vibration sensor used by the hard disk drive for repositioning the read/write head may also be used to sense the vibration and form the basis for the vibration alert signal, such as a vibration error code. By extending the time out period during high vibration events, the hard disk drive can ride out the event without being tagged as having failed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric T. Gamble, Kenton C. Green, Carl E. Jones, Timothy J M Louie, Robert D. Peavler, David A. Verburg