Abstract: A user orders prints of pictures in a relatively easy manner. In a place such as a convenience store, a print order device and a print order receiver are installed with a one-to-one correspondence therebetween. The user orders prints of images from the print order device. The contents of order are sent to the print order receiver. The receiver produces prints of pictures according to the order. A store clerk passes the prints to the user.

Abstract: A system and method using inheritance for the configuration, management, and/or monitoring of computer applications and devices via a computer network are disclosed. The method generally comprises calculating control settings to be enforced by an end node corresponding to a device of the network of devices, the control settings being calculated by the corresponding device. The control settings to be enforced by the end node are applicable to the device and the resources of the device. The calculation is performed by the end node or device by accessing data stored in a network directory defining a hierarchical tree structure containing nodes corresponding to the network of devices and defining control settings corresponding to and to be enforced upon the resources available to the devices. The control settings corresponding to the resources of each device are selectively inherited down the hierarchical tree structure of the network directory.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for one computing device (the “provider”) to provide peripheral services to another device (the “host”). A user directly runs the host. The host accesses the provider as if the provider were a set of peripheral devices attached to the host. In this way, the host and provider become, in effect, one device with the combined capabilities of both devices. The provider switches between two modes: In standalone mode, the provider acts as an individual device; upon switching to auxiliary mode, the provider provides peripheral services to the host but can still run applications and present an input/output interface to its own user. When the peripheral device provided to the host is a display screen, the host can map the provided screen into the host's own video memory, thus hiding implementation details from applications that use the screens. One device can simultaneously act as provider and host.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising one or more enclosures and a controller. The one or more enclosures may each comprise one or more drives. The controller may be configured to map correctly correlating addresses to one or more drives. An advantageous aspect of the present invention is the ability to support general enclosure wiring when associating data with physical devices, such as associating SES data with physical devices on a fiber channel loop with soft addresses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of mediating data flow across a network from a network switching system to a server utilizes a control message that limits repeated attempts to access a busy server port. To that end, it first is determined if the server port is available so that a control message can be generated reflecting the determined availability of the server port. If the server port is determined to be not available, then the control message is generated to include command data commanding the network switching system to not transmit data to the server port until receipt of another control message having control data indicating that the server is available. In contrast, if the server port is determined to be available, then the control message is generated to include control data indicating that the server port is available. Once generated, the control message is forwarded to the network switching system.

Abstract: A method and system for managing I/O information for a computer system is disclosed. The method comprises gathering I/O information for a plurality of devices in the computer system when the computer system is booted, formatting the I/O information, storing the formatted I/O information and displaying the formatted I/O information on a display means to be viewed by an operator for monitoring and managing the I/O information for the computer system.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are provided that include reading a first indicator from a memory location, checking a first port associated with the first indicator for the presence of a peripheral device, and, in response to the peripheral device not being present on the first port, storing a second indicator associated with a second port in the memory location.

Abstract: A monitor request instruction issuing-side shared memory (14) into which a list of devices to be monitored based on monitoring requests is provided between a monitoring application executing-section (11) and a monitor request instruction issuing unit (13). A monitor data obtaining-side shared memory (16) into which monitor data obtained by a monitor data obtaining unit (15) is written is provided between the monitoring application executing-section (11) and the monitor data obtaining unit (15). Thus, the monitor request instruction issuing unit (13), the monitor data obtaining unit (15), and the monitoring application executing-section (11) can operate mutually asynchronously. Further, a data flow is made in one direction, and an exclusive control relating to share memories can be minimized.

Abstract: Systems and methods for redirecting all or part of a print job to one or more alternate printing devices in a local, remote or network printing environment, prior to or after the print job has been despooled to a printing device. Implementation takes place in association with one or more print jobs initiated for rendering in a printing environment.

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 host computer when the host 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a scheduling driver to implement a protocol using time estimates for use with a device that does not generate interrupts. An application calls the scheduling driver to start an Input/Output (I/O) request to a device. The scheduling driver determines if the device is busy. If the device is not busy, the scheduling driver provides an estimated processing time (EPT) for the I/O request to be completed to the application. In one embodiment, if the device is busy, the scheduling driver calculates an estimated amount of time left (EATL) until the device will be available to the application and provides this EATL to the application. When the device is not busy, the application sleeps for the estimated processing time (EPT) and calls the scheduling driver to obtain the I/O operation results. If the I/O request has been completed, the scheduling driver provides the I/O operation results to the application.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and systems for discovering printers and shares on a computer network. Each domain on the network is identified, and each computer in the domain is identified. In addition, each printer connected to the computer and each share on the computer is identified. Shortcuts to the identified printers and shares are created on at least one computer on the network. Moreover, drivers are preferably installed on the computer for each printer for which a shortcut was created. In the event that the total number of resources (i.e., shares and/or printers) exceeds a threshold, then the process terminates. Otherwise, the present invention continues until all printers and shares on the network are identified, and the appropriate shortcuts are created. Thus, the present invention provides methods and systems for discovering resources on a network.

Abstract: A system and method for testing audio components of an optical disc drive. The method of testing the optical disc drive with a removable storage media includes receiving at least one command to test the optical disc drive while the removable storage media is absent and generating an audio tone signal within the optical disc drive in response to receiving the at least one command. The system for implementing the method of testing the optical disc drive with the removable storage media includes a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and the optical disc drive coupled to the processor and the memory. The optical disc drive is configurable to internally generate an audio tone signal in response to receiving a command during an absence of the removable storage media.

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

Abstract: A processing and information storage system having a processor with a communication port, and a removably connectable storage medium connected to the communication port. Control logic is implemented whereby, at the beginning of a write cycle, an information flag is transmitted by the processor for storage in the storage medium. The information desired to be stored in the storage medium is then transmitted by the processor. The control logic then performs a test to determine whether or not the storage medium is still connected to the communication port. If the test indicates that the storage medium is still connected, then the information flag is removed from the storage medium.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling personal digital assistants (PDAs) and protecting stored private data. Specifically, one embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a removable expansion card about the size of a postage stamp which plugs into a slot of a personal digital assistant. The removable expansion card, referred to as a personality card, is capable of storing all of a user's private information and data which is used within their personal digital assistant. By removing the personality card from the personal digital assistant, all of the user's private information and data may be removed from the personal digital assistant. Furthermore, the personal digital assistant may also be rendered totally or partially useless once the personality card is removed from it. There are several advantages associated with a personality card system in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: In a network facilitating print functions, a means for rendering a print job intended for a remote printer on a client computer using stored administrative settings is provided. Transparently to the client's applications, the client computer keeps the stored remote printer's administrative settings synchronized with those stored on the print server. Using the stored administrative settings, the client renders the print job to a native printer language directly cognizable by the printer before sending this rendered file to the print server for forwarding to the printer. By queuing these remote print jobs, the online status of the respective print server is also transparent to the client's applications, facilitating off-line printing.

Abstract: An interface is disclosed for driving a printer to print highly secure vouchers and less secure coupons. The printer can reside, for example, in a wagering terminal (e.g., slot machine), ticket machine, point-of-sale terminal or the like. A first driver receives, e.g., from a local controller, data indicative of voucher information to be printed. A second driver receives, e.g., from a central system controller, data indicative of coupon information to be printed. A processor responsive to the first and second drivers generates printer commands in a standard printer format so that the same printer can be used to print vouchers and coupons. Coupons do not have to be processed by the secure (and usually proprietary) hardware and/or software provided by the terminal manufacturer for printing vouchers.

Abstract: Provided is a method, system, and program for providing status information in a system comprised of multiple components. A first processing node receives status information indicating a state of a system component and generates a status message indicating the state of the system component. The first processing node transmits the status message to a second processing node. The second processing node updates information maintained by the second processing node with the state of the system component indicated in the status message. Status information maintained by the second processing node is returned to a request for status.

Abstract: A portable device has an openable cover, the cover being open in normal operation. A method is provided for automatic deactivating the portable device. When the cover is detected to be in an open position and a key operated switch is in a locked position, the portable device is deactivated. The deactivation can be by means of a fusible element or by corruption of a non-volatile storage device required for the operation of the machine, such as a hard disk storing an operating system.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods, and devices that automatically create and maintain a wireless connection to a remote computer network. In one embodiment, the method creates and maintains a persistent modem connection by searching for an unconnected modem, detecting an unconnected modem; and initiating a dial-up to a computer network.

Abstract: In a multi-path computer system, a host apparatus and devices are connected via a plurality of paths, recorded therein. From channel adapters of the devices, device information of said devices, area information corresponding to a plurality of accessible areas, channel-adapter number information in said devices, and/or component exchange-unit information in said device are obtained. Properness of the plurality of paths is determined from access path information and identification information comprising the device information and area information. Identification information is determined, concerning an error path, comprising the device information and channel-adapter number information, to the other multi-path control parts of its own apparatus or the multi-path control parts of the other apparatuses, when detecting the error path.

Abstract: A personal computer system provides a digital feedback display panel and supporting software to provide digital computer status feedback for a user. The digital feedback display panel is integrated with a computer housing of the computer system. The supporting software detects status notification messages which are processed and communicated to the digital feedback display panel. The digital feedback display panel provides display feedback to the user based on the detected status notification messages. The display feedback can take the form of status icons and blinking text messages displayed on the digital feedback display panel. Examples of status conditions of the computer system which can be communicated to the user include (i) a connection state of a peripheral device to the computer system, (ii) the computer system is connected to the Internet, (iii) an indication of how many unread e-mails for the computer system are available, and (iv) network time for a server coupled to the computer system.

Abstract: In a multi-processor computer system, a message receive unit using a shared buffer pool and a set of per-node credit registers in each processor node. The buffer stores incoming messages received from the sending nodes. The credit registers prevent a sending node from using more than its allocated share of the buffer pool and thus prevent the buffer pool from overflowing. Because the buffer pool of the receiving node does not overflow, the receiving node can continue to communicate with other nodes.

Abstract: A computer subsystem of a computer includes a CPU, RAM, display, storage device, input device(s), and a digital-audio generating IC. A CD-ROM subsystem of the computer includes a CD-ROM drive and CD-ROM control buttons for controlling CD-ROM drivers operation while playing audio CDs. An audio-interface IC of the CD-ROM subsystem couples a bus of the computer subsystem to the CD-ROM drive, and to the control buttons. The audio-interface IC, in one operating mode, relays commands and data between the bus and the CD-ROM drive. A second operating mode permits turning the computer subsystem off while the audio-interface IC autonomously responds to the control buttons and transmits commands to the CD-ROM drive for playing an audio CD.

Abstract: Control signals of an I/O or peripheral bus are sensed during cycles of the bus and information describing bus phases of the signals is derived by sensing the control signals and is stored in a register. During a sampling time period, a processor reads the bus phase information from the register and computes bus activity information by using the bus phase information. The computed bus information is continuously updated and displayed to reflect actual communication activity on the bus occurring substantially in real-time.

Abstract: Programmatic detection of time-gap defects in computer system hardware where data is corrupted without detection by the computer system. A detection module initiates data transfers between devices in a computer system. An interrupt service routine interrupts the process by inserting a delay into the data transfer. The detection module then checks for time-gap defects by determining if data was corrupted which went undetected by the computer system. The detection module may repeat the data transfer and insert successively longer delays until a time-gap defect is detected or until a maximum delay value is reached. The results of any time-gap defects found may be output to a user.

Abstract: A storage area network (SAN) fibre channel arbitrated loop (FCAL) multiple system, multiple resource, storage enclosure and a method are provided for performing enclosure maintenance concurrent with device operations. The storage enclosure includes a plurality of storage resources or storage devices, a plurality of IO adapters (IOAs) coupled to the storage area network and a pair of enclosure services node cards. Each enclosure services node card includes loop connections for the plurality of storage resources. Each enclosure services node card includes a respective global bus connection and a loop connection to each of the plurality of IOAs. Each enclosure services node card is used concurrently by the multiple systems to manage the plurality of storage resources. In the method for performing enclosure maintenance concurrent with device operations, identical maintenance procedures are implemented for the enclosure services node cards and the storage devices.

Abstract: A computer system for multi-type DRAM support includes a first slot for receiving a first type DRAM, a second slot for receiving a second type DRAM, a north bridge chip, and a control circuit. The first slot includes a plurality of first slot pins, and each of them corresponds to a first pin assignment. The second slot includes a plurality of second slot pins, and each of them corresponds to a second pin assignment. The north bridge chip includes a plurality of chip pins, and each of them corresponds to a first and second pin assignment. When the control circuit generates a first control signal, the pin assignments of the chip pins are defined as the first pin assignments. When the control circuit generates a second control signal, the pin assignments of the chip pins are defined as the second pin assignments.

Abstract: A method of providing the inputting units of the scanner with a foolproof function. Initially, while a specific inputting unit is activated, such as a push button being pushed, the connection between the operation of the scanner and other inputting units is terminated. This terminated connection is not regained until the specific action, which corresponds to the specific inputting unit, finishes. Moreover, an “activation” message can be directly displayed on the scanner while this specific inputting unit is activated, and while the scanner is processing some specific action, this action can be terminated with the function of the scanner and the connection between all inputting units regained as soon as this specific inputting unit is activated again. For any scanner with the foolproof function, while a specific inputting unit is activated, not only a corresponding specific action is performed but also the connection between the performing specific action and all inputting units is controlled.

Abstract: In a data storage system with multiple output media types, each request to store a data object is automatically analyzed to select the optimal output media type. In choosing the output media type best suited to quickly and efficiently complete the storage requests, the storage system considers (1) attributes of the data object itself, such as its size, (2) any perceived urgency required to complete the data storage request, and (3) attributes of the system's storage devices, such as the availability of different output media types, presence of other storage requests queued for storage for each type, level of ongoing access of each storage type by concurrent storage tasks, delays to initiate storage such as mount/demount times, amount of storage space available in different output media types, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is characterized by first performing the necessary rendering in the frame period, then during the remaining time of that frame period, rewriting the texture data in the texture buffer memory. The image rendering process for each frame is performed first, then after the rendering process has been completed for the frame, if there is remaining time, that time is used to rewrite the texture data. Therefore, the rendering process is not interrupted, the displayed image is not interrupted or frozen, and it is possible to rewrite the texture data in the small-capacity texture buffer memory and make it possible to use virtually a lot of texture data to render one scene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method of retaining peripheral ordering. A method for retaining peripheral ordering in an information handling system may include reading an ordered peripheral list (OPL) from a nonvolatile memory. A list of active peripherals attached to an I/O interface controller is obtained. An order of peripherals from the ordered peripheral list (OPL) is identified and assignments are assigned to the active peripherals attached to the I/O interface controller corresponding to the ordered peripheral list (OPL).

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for increasing processor utilization. A list of work is divided for processing among a plurality of processes, wherein a process is allocated a part of the list of work to process, and the processes execute in parallel. If a process completes the list of work allocated to the process then the process is made available on an available process queue. Before a process performs any work, the process reads the available process queue and determines if any process is available to share the work. If so, the work is split up between the examining process and the available process. In one implementation, the work involves scanning a cache and if necessary destage data.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and system for managing peripheral bus timeouts. The method includes: sending a request to a peripheral in a performance of a task; determining that a peripheral bus timeout occurred; sending an interrupt signal; retrying for an access to the peripheral; completing the request if the retry for the access to the peripheral is successful; and resuming the performance of the task. The present invention provides a software method in which an input/output (I/O) request to a peripheral is sent by a recoverable access routine. When a bus timeout occurs, a hung bus detector asserts an interrupt signal. The peripheral bus is freed from the hung condition. The recoverable access routine is suspended, and a bus timeout interrupt handler is then loaded. The interruption and the freeing of the peripheral bus frees the microprocessor from the processing of the I/O request so that other requests may be performed.

Abstract: A system and method for ADSL USB bandwidth negotiation are presented. The system comprises a modem that is configured to transfer data between an ADSL line and a USB bus and that is further configured to receive an ADSL line rate setting, submit an isochronous bandwidth request to a computer, reduce the isochronous bandwidth request in response to the availability of isochronous bandwidth, modify the ADSL line rate setting in response to the availability of isochronous bandwidth, and modify the USB bus transfer mode in response to the availability of isochronous bandwidth. The method comprises steps of receiving an ADSL line rate setting, submitting an isochronous bandwidth request to a computer, reducing the isochronous bandwidth request in response to the availability of isochronous bandwidth, modifying the ADSL line rate setting in response to the availability of isochronous bandwidth, and modifying the USB bus transfer mode of the ADSL USB modem in response to the availability of isochronous bandwidth.

Abstract: Data transfers from the peripheral interface of a disk array to a data buffer are snooped to determine if the starting address of a data transfer matches an entry in a list of starting addresses for requested data. If a match is identified, third party transfer is initiated and the data is simultaneously transferred to the host interface of the host system. The resulting data bandwidth is increased. A throttling/suspension mechanism can temporarily or indefinitely hold up actual data movement into the data buffer to allow for temporary buffering and interface speed matching as data is transferred to the host interface.

Abstract: A system for facilitating remote printing via a network. The system includes a first mechanism for receiving information with respect to the presence of one or more printers connected to the network and selecting an available printer in response thereto. A second mechanism pulls the document from the first mechanism in preparation for printing via the available printer. In the illustrative embodiment, the inventive printing system is adapted for use with Internet appliances and handheld computers. In a specific embodiment, the first mechanism includes a first software module implemented via a client running on the device. The first software module generates a print broadcast to the one or more printers and includes a second software module for responding to the print broadcast via an availability message that indicates the availability status of the one or more printers. The second mechanism includes is adapted to receive the availability message and provide a list of available printers in response thereto.

Abstract: When a device is removed during recording, there is a possibility such that a fatal error may be caused in the device. Information for device control is read out from the device. When it is detected that a cover which covers the device is opened or that a power voltage is equal to or less than a predetermined value during the operation with a battery, a control unit invalidates the read-out control information for the device. Therefore, when the device is erroneously taken out during the recording or when a battery output drops during the recording, a fatal error is not caused in the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a time-to-availability attribute for use in a variety of printing environments to dynamically manage the load balancing of print jobs across multiple printing devices, wherein the attribute is supported on the client side, on the server side or by printer firmware, and wherein the attribute is implemented in a printer driver, a print processor, a spooler, a print server, a printer firmware spooler, or another component of a print subsystem. Job information and heuristic information are obtained to facilitate the load balancing of each print job and are stored separately from the print data. The job information includes information for estimating the amount of time to render a particular print job on a specified printer. The heuristic information includes accumulative information for estimating the actual performance of the printer under various print modes.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a procedure to configure the operation of the a device controller. In particular, the procedure operates in a system that includes a controller that is connected across a first input/output (I/O) interface to at least one other controlled device. An auxiliary computer is connected to the controller by a second I/O interface. The auxiliary computer has a processor therein for executing a set of computer program instructions stored in a first memory. The computer program instructions cause the auxiliary computer to first identify a set of resources in the system. Next, the auxiliary computer determines a set of compatible configuration options that are compatible with the identified resources. Next, the auxiliary computer generates an executable procedure from a number of software procedures that are stored in the memory of the auxiliary computer to implement the compatible configuration options.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting, monitoring, and controlling electrically powered devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an electrically powered device having a key operating line and switching control circuitry to control usage of the electrically powered device by interrupting continuity of the key operating line. In another embodiment, the apparatus monitors usage of an electrically powered device. The apparatus includes a circuit which is coupled to the device to provide a power output of the device, an analog to digital converter coupled to receive the power output and convert the same to digital form, and a controller to receive a user input, process the user input by establishing communication with a remotely located device to request approval of a financial transaction, and generate control signals in response to receiving approval. The controller receives the digital form of the power output and monitors the operation of the electrically powered device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling computer system devices and components are disclosed. A method for use in a computer system having a processor includes receiving an input from a device coupled to the system and generating an interrupt signal in response to the input. The method further includes placing the system in a management mode in response to the interrupt and processing an interrupt routine associated with the interrupt. The method further includes processing the interrupt routine located in an upper level of the system's available memory and providing information to a driver associated with the system.

Abstract: A computer automatically selects a device, such as a printer, over a network for the computer to use without a user having to provide the network address of the device. The computer identifies a group of devices connected to a network that meet certain pre-determined criteria. The computer then selects the device from this group that has the lowest uptime. This device is assumed to be the device the user wishes to configure their computer to use. After the device is selected, the computer then can operate to configure itself to use the device.

Abstract: In a network system in which a request of executing a process is sent from the higher level system to the lower level system, a time period of not executing a requested job is assured in the lower level system while assuring an asynchronism between the both systems and a certainty of the requested job. The higher level system transmits a pair of signals (a preparatory signal and an execution signal) to the lower level system in a predetermined interval after it holds a processing request to be sent to the lower system. The higher level system then resumes transmission of the processing request a predetermined time after transmitting the pair of signals.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus having a setting unit for setting an instruction for an inquiry of the capacity of a memory on a data destination side, and a transfer unit for transferring the instruction set by the setting unit to an external apparatus. There is also provided an output apparatus having a memory for storing data received from an external apparatus, and an output unit responsive to a reception of an instruction of an inquiry of the capacity of the memory from the external apparatus, for outputting information of the capacity of the memory to the external apparatus. There is also provided an output apparatus having a plurality of motors driven for an output process or a storage process, and an inhibit unit for inhibiting, when at least one of plurality of motors is driven, the other motors to be driven.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for configuring a printing device. In one arrangement, the system and method pertain to determining that the printing device is accessible, and downloading a configuration applet to the printing device, the configuration applet being configured to execute on a virtual machine of the printing device and automatically configure the printing device for use. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a printing device. In one arrangement, the printing device comprises a processing device, and memory including a virtual machine and a configuration applet that is executed by the virtual machine, the configuration applet including logic configured to facilitate downloading of a printing device driver.

Abstract: Computer system performance may be significantly enhanced by optimizing data throughput during input/output (I/O) operations. In turn, data throughput, during an I/O operation, may be optimized by adaptively modifying the I/O strategy at runtime, and/or continuously throughout the I/O operation, regardless of the specific hardware configuration associated with the I/O devices involved with the I/O operation, as well as additional factors that might otherwise impact the efficiency of the I/O operation.

Abstract: A point-of-sale system is disclosed which is freely configurable with a plurality of peripheral input devices. The system includes a general purpose computer having a communications port for receiving and/or transmitting data. An electronic interface is coupled to the communications port and readily connectable to the plurality of peripheral input devices for communicating data between the plurality of input devices and the computer. The plurality of peripheral input devices can be selectively connected and disconnected from the electronic interface, the electronic interface maintaining a continuous dialogue with the computer during the connection and disconnection of the input devices.

Abstract: A device for effecting communication between a peripheral and a host computer of the present invention. The invention is particularly well-adapted for use with printers, copies and other devices not equipped with consumable resource sensing technology at the time of manufacture. In general, the inventive device is disposed within a separate housing and includes an interface for effecting signal translation and routing as necessary between the peripheral and a host computer. The device further includes first mechanisms for effecting communication between a sensor operationally coupled to the peripheral and the interface. Further included are second mechanisms for effecting communication between the interface and the host computer. Plural sensors may be operationally coupled to the peripheral. In the best mode, the sensors are E-labeltm sensors. The interface may be implemented with a microprocessor, digital logic or simple discrete components depending on the application.