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.

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.

Abstract: A method for providing a backup capability for a plurality of units communicatively coupled to a communications bus, each unit assigned a unique address on the communications bus, is described. The method includes monitoring, with a monitoring unit, messages on the communications bus for an indication that at least one of the communicatively coupled units has failed, configuring the monitoring unit, upon receiving the indication of a unit failure, to assume the unique address associated with the failed unit, performing, within the monitoring unit, at least a portion of the functions of the failed unit in response to messages occurring on the communications bus that are addressed to the failed unit, and transmitting messages, from the monitoring unit to the communications bus, the messages including data generated by the performing of at least a portion of the functions of the failed unit by the monitoring unit.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and computer program product for managing monitored conditions in adaptors. An adaptor detects a condition comprising one of a plurality of monitored conditions and determines whether the detected condition is indicated on a recent condition list indicating conditions detected at the adaptors. The adaptor communicates the detected condition to cause the detected condition to be included in the recent condition list available at the adaptors in response to determining that the detected condition is not indicated in the recent condition list. Further, a system receives from one of the adaptors indication of a detected condition comprising one of a plurality of monitored conditions that is not indicated on a recent condition list. The received indicated condition is added to the recent condition list to produce an updated recent condition list. Transmission is caused of the updated recent condition list to the adaptors.

Abstract: Computer security is enhanced by creating an environment in which changing the state of a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) output or changing the configuration of a GPIO is allowed only when authorized programs are executing. A storage device stores, responsive to a write signal, a state of a data signal. The GPIO is operable to respond to the state stored in the storage device. Control logic is operable to enable the write signal when a microprocessor in the computer is in a system management mode or a lock signal is not asserted, and to disable the write signal when the lock signal is asserted and the microprocessor is not in the system management mode.

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.

Abstract: A redundancy manager manages commands to peripheral devices in a computer system. These peripheral devices have multiple pathways connecting it to the computer system. The redundancy manager determines the number of independent pathways connected to the peripheral device, presents only one logical device to the operating system and any device driver and any other command or device processing logic in the command path before the redundancy manager. For each incoming command, the redundancy manager determines which pathways are properly functioning and selects the best pathway for the command based at least partly upon a penalty model where a path may be temporarily penalized by not including the pathway in the path selection process for a predetermined time. The redundancy manager further reroutes the command to an alternate path and resets the device for an alternate path that is not penalized or has otherwise failed.

Abstract: A device comprises circuitry and a transceiver in communication with the circuitry. In operation, the device is configured to cause the transceiver to: periodically send a broadcast message to indicate the availability of the device for attachment to another device; receive, from the another device, a first pre-attachment message that is sent utilizing first information sent by the device; send, to the another device, a first response that is sent in response to the first pre-attachment message and includes second information; receive, from the another device, a second pre-attachment message that is sent utilizing the second information; send, to the another device, a second response that is sent in response to the second pre-attachment message; and communicate, with the another device, a data signal utilizing a second one of the addresses for identification in association with the another device, for data transfer in connection with a group controlled by the device.

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.

Abstract: A network (100) includes a hub device (110) and at least one unattached peripheral device (120). The hub device comprises circuitry and a transceiver in communication with the circuitry. In operation, the hub device is configured to cause the transceiver to i) send a message to indicate the availability of the hub device for attachment to a first peripheral device, ii) receive, from the first peripheral device, a message indicating the availability of the first peripheral device for communication with the hub device, iii) send, to the first peripheral device, a signal including a first peripheral device identifier, iv) receive, from the first peripheral device, a response, v) send a hub response to the first peripheral device, and vi) receive, from the first peripheral device, a second peripheral response including the first peripheral device identifier.

Abstract: A device comprises circuitry and a transceiver in communication with the circuitry. In operation, the device is configured to cause the transceiver to: periodically send a broadcast message to indicate the availability of the device for attachment to another device; receive, from the another device, a first pre-attachment message that is sent utilizing first information sent by the device; send, to the another device, a first response that is sent in response to the first pre-attachment message and includes second information; receive, from the another device, a second pre-attachment message that is sent utilizing the second information; send, to the another device, a second response that is sent in response to the second pre-attachment message; and communicate, with the another device, a data signal utilizing a second one of the addresses for identification in association with the another device, for data transfer in connection with a group controlled by the device.

Abstract: A device comprises circuitry and a transceiver in communication with the circuitry. In operation, the device is configured to cause the transceiver to: periodically send a broadcast message to indicate the availability of the device for attachment to another device; receive, from the another device, a first pre-attachment message that is sent utilizing first information sent by the device; send, to the another device, a first response that is sent in response to the first pre- attachment message and includes second information; receive, from the another device, a second pre-attachment message that is sent utilizing the second information; send, to the another device, a second response that is sent in response to the second pre-attachment message; and communicate, with the another device, data utilizing a second one of the addresses for identification in association with the another device, for data transfer in connection with a group controlled by the device.

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.

Abstract: A signal switch connector set is disposed on a motherboard of a computer system. The signal switch connector set is capable of selectively connecting a USB 3.0 signal terminal of a south bridge chip to a USB 3.0 port located at the rear panel of a casing or connecting the USB 3.0 terminal of the south bridge chip to the USB 3.0 port located at the front panel of the casing.

Abstract: A network (100) includes a hub device (110) and at least one unattached peripheral device (120). The hub device comprises circuitry and a transceiver in communication with the circuitry. In operation, the hub device is configured to cause the transceiver to i) send a message to indicate the availability of the hub device for attachment to a first peripheral device, ii) receive, from the first peripheral device, a message indicating the availability of the first peripheral device for communication with the hub device, iii) send, to the first peripheral device, a signal including a first peripheral device identifier, iv) receive, from the first peripheral device, a response, v) send a hub response to the first peripheral device, and vi) receive, from the first peripheral device, a second peripheral response including the first peripheral device identifier.

Abstract: A transmitter of a transition minimized differential signaling (TMDS) system includes a current source, a pair of switches configured to be connected to the current source and switch a current of the current source, and a monitoring unit configured to monitor a potential of a connection node between the current source and the pair of switches. The pair of switches is connected to a receiver of the TMDS system through a first line and a second line, respectively. The monitoring unit monitors the potential of the connection node based on a power supply voltage applied to the receiver and current switching of the pair of switches.

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.

Abstract: Software executes on a processor of a device, such as an automate teller machine, at start-up to perform validation of expected peripheral devices for a predetermined number of start-ups. Once the predetermined number of start-ups has been reached with the same peripheral devices being present and operational the validation operation is curtailed and start-up of the device is sped up.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to input devices configured for use with computing devices. The present invention relates to methods and devices for establishing, maintaining and managing, wireless connections with between an input device and one or more host devices that the input device is paired with. The input device may include sensory feedback indicating the host device actively paired with the input device, and may enable switching between host devices.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling operation of a cache includes a first command queue, a second command queue and an input controller configured to receive requests having a first command type and a second command type and to assign a first request having the first command type to the first command queue and a second command having the first command type to the second command queue in the event that the first command queue has not received an indication that a first dedicated buffer is available.

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.

Abstract: A method for a multiple port host to communicate with multiple tape drives is provided by requesting information associated with a particular tape. Information is provided that is indicative of availability status of a plurality of host ports. It is determined if there is a traffic load or a reservation load on an active host port. The active host port is reserved if there is not a traffic load or a reservation load on the active host port. Another method receives input indicative of read/write information from at least one tape drive at a host bus adapter. A host port count is increased, and a size of the read/write information is increased until the read/write information is not accepted by the host bus adapter. The host port count is decreased, and the size of the read/write information is decreased until the read/write information is accepted.

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.

Abstract: Monitoring of a large number (for example, hundreds) of printing devices in parallel makes a processing load very heavy. Or, the monitoring extremely increases the cost of a monitoring computer. A connection-managing unit sequentially monitors the states of printing devices within the number of connections less than the number of printing devices. Meanwhile, a transfer-managing unit sequentially transfers printing jobs to the printing devices within the number of connections less than the number of printing devices. The state-monitored printing devices are sequentially switched without synchronizing the state monitoring of the printing devices with the end of the transfer of the printing jobs, i.e., without waiting for the end of the transfer of the printing jobs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes logic adapted for receiving a command from a first system, logic adapted for determining which resources are required to process the command, logic adapted for checking for the required resources before receiving data associated with the command, logic adapted for receiving the data from the first system, logic adapted for checking for the required resources after receiving the data when the checking for the required resources before receiving data indicated that the required resources were not available before receiving the data, logic adapted for sending a status to the first system if the required resources are not available after receiving the data, and logic adapted for processing the command if the required resources are available either before receiving the data or after receiving the data. In more embodiments, a method and computer program product for processing a command are also presented.

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).

Abstract: An information processing device, to which a peripheral device 3 using a consumable item is connected, includes: an information acquisition section 101 that acquires peripheral device information including a use amount of the consumable item used on the peripheral device 3, acquires a cumulative use amount of the consumable item by accumulating the use amount, and acquires an event log including contents of an event that has occurred on the information processing device and an occurrence date/time of the event; a limit value calculation section 104 that calculates an estimated limit value of the use amount of the consumable item based on the cumulative use amount of the consumable item obtained at the occurrence date/time of the event regarding the event log including the contents regarding the consumable item; and a threshold value calculation section 106 that calculates a threshold value for judging a timing to output a replacement/replenishment prompt notification in comparison with a current cumulative us

Abstract: Systems and methods schedule periodic and non-periodic transactions in a multi-speed bus environment that includes in a downstream hub a data forwarding component, such as a USB transaction translator, which accommodates communication speed shifts at the hub. The method may comprise receiving a split packet request defining a transaction with a device, tagging the request with an identifier allocated to the data forwarding component, storing the request in a transaction list associated with the identifier, initiating transfer of payload data, and updating a counter associated with the identifier to reflect an amount of payload data for which transfer was initiated. The identifier may have associated therewith a counter for tracking a number of bytes-in-progress to the data forwarding component and one or more transaction lists configured to store a plurality of split packet requests awaiting execution and state information regarding an execution status of the requests.

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.

Abstract: A data transmission method is provided, which includes: obtaining a current queue length of a queue corresponding to an output port; when the current queue length meets a back-pressure requirement, determining a back-pressure priority corresponding to the current queue length according to the current queue length and a mapping relationship between a preset queue length and the back-pressure priority, and generating back-pressure information, where the back-pressure information inhibits a line card from sending data with a data priority less than or equal to the back-pressure priority to the output port; and sending the back-pressure information to a line card.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including a device detection part configured to detect a second execution device that is identical or similar to a first execution device which executes a command, and an execution control part configured to perform control in a manner that the command is executed by the second execution device detected by the device detection part.

Abstract: A process control system is provided having a plurality of I/O devices in communication using a bus. A primary redundant I/O device and a secondary redundant I/O device are coupled to the bus, where the secondary redundant I/O device is programmed to detect a primary redundant I/O device fault. The secondary redundant I/O device, upon detecting the primary redundant I/O device fault, publishes a primary redundant I/O device fault message on the bus. The controller may deactivate the primary redundant I/O device and activate the secondary redundant I/O device responsive to the primary redundant I/O device fault message.

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.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for indicating the current status of a removable media device provided for being loaded with at least one removable medium, and being connected to a device reading and/or writing AV storage media. The method has the steps of checking the type of user input upon occurrence of user input, keeping the status of the removable media device if the type of user input is not related to the removable media device, else checking whether a characteristic feature of the at least one removable medium has changed, keeping the current status if the characteristic feature of the at least one removable medium has not changed, and else updating the status.

Abstract: An active SAN discovery system and method responds to events occurring in SAN by automatically broadcasting for information related to the occurred events and updating the SAN topology according to the collected information.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a processing unit which manages an association processing network formed by image processing devices. The processing unit includes a service evaluation content generating unit which acquires requirement performance information of a service to be stored from a service requirement performance managing unit and generates an evaluation content to be evaluated for the service by including the requirement performance information in an evaluation object, a service evaluation unit which evaluates the evaluation content of the service according to a predetermined requirement, and an association object managing unit which registers the service as a new association object the evaluation content of the service the predetermined requirement of which has been met by the evaluation of the service evaluation unit.

Abstract: A data transmission method is provided, which includes: obtaining a current queue length of a queue corresponding to an output port; when the current queue length meets a back-pressure requirement, determining a back-pressure priority corresponding to the current queue length according to the current queue length and a mapping relationship between a preset queue length and the back-pressure priority, and generating back-pressure information, where the back-pressure information inhibits a line card from sending data with a data priority less than or equal to the back-pressure priority to the output port; and sending the back-pressure information to a line card.

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for providing a single console for managing the pre- and post-operating system operation of a computer system are provided. One system includes a management appliance that can establish a network connection to a server computer, receive remote console data from the server computer formatted using one of a multitude of remote console protocols, detect the remote console protocol utilized to format the remote console data, convert the remote console data from the detected protocol to a common protocol, and to transmit the converted remote console data to a remote console application for display. The system also includes a remote console application for receiving the converted remote console data from the management appliance, decoding the converted remote console data, and utilizing the decoded remote console data to display the remote console data in a single graphical user interface window.

Abstract: A system for protecting data stored in a memory of a removable data storage device is provided. The system includes a personal electronic device, a removable solid state data storage device operatively coupled to the personal electronic device, and a circuit configured to protect data stored in a memory of the data storage device in response to detecting impending removal of the data storage device from the personal electronic device.

Abstract: Provided is a display apparatus including a first signal receiving unit that receives a non-compressed video signal from an external device via a first transmission path through a plurality of channels by means of a differential signal, an image display unit that displays images by processing the video signal received by the first signal receiving unit, a second signal receiving unit that receives a compressed video signal of a same video source as the non-compressed video signal by using a bi-directional communication path configured by predetermined lines of the first transmission path, and a signal transmitting unit that transmits a compressed video signal corresponding to the compressed video signal received by the second signal receiving unit to another external device different from the external device.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to controlling an application execution in user equipment. A user request for executing an application may be received. An execution condition may be obtained associated with the requested application. Whether the user equipment is connected to an external device may be detected. An execution of the requested application may be controlled based on a detection result and the obtained execution condition.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for transmitting and displaying video data after a hot plug event during a start-up dead period. In particular, hot plug events occurring when a toggleable hot plug detection mechanism is use.

Abstract: An iDP interface test method includes transmitting test clocks to an iDP sink device; determining whether or not a link clock lock operation in the iDP sink device is successful based on a measurement result of an HPD signal when a clock lock operation for the test clocks is performed; transmitting test data and arbitrary video data to the iDP sink device if the link clock lock operation in the iDP sink device is successful; determining whether or not a symbol lock operation in the iDP sink device is successful when the symbol lock operation for the test data and the arbitrary video data is performed; and comparing a count result with a predetermined reference value, and determining link stability of the iDP sink device based on the comparison result.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for detecting the status of printing devices and recovering from printing errors.

Abstract: A wireless mesh includes a plurality of user devices. A list is formed that includes information regarding peripheral devices associated with the user devices. One of the user devices identifies one or more of the peripheral devices that correspond to a particular type of peripheral device and selects, from the identified peripheral devices, a particular peripheral device. The particular peripheral device is associated with another user device, and the user device forms a session, with the other user device, that enables the user device to provide commands to the particular peripheral device via the other user device.

Abstract: A server of an elastic computing cloud system includes a block device driver apparatus and at least a block device service apparatus. The server implements a hot deployment for a storage service, such that an upgrade of the storage service may be performed without interrupting the storage service. The block device driver apparatus maintains a waiting queue and a pending queue for each storage service. In response to determining a storage service will perform an upgrade, the block device driver apparatus stops processing data write/read requests that are maintained in the pending queue for the service, and puts the data write/read requests that are currently processed in the pending queue back to the waiting queue for re-dispatching, thus realizing completion of processing the upgrade of the storage service in the elastic computing cloud system without interrupting the storage service.

Abstract: An information processing unit includes: a display unit detection unit that detects whether an external display unit is connected to the information processing unit; a transmission unit that transmits, to the other information processing units, a fact that the external display unit is connected when the display unit detection unit detects that the external display unit is connected; and a control unit that performs control so that information transmitted from the other information processing units is displayed on the external display unit.

Abstract: In a computer system configured to handle I/O signals received by the computer system from input devices and/or output signals output by the computer system, a virtual attachment module includes logic for selecting such that program code for coupling can alter the operating system's selection of I/O devices used for particular I/O device operations, coupling to a wireless I/O device at least for determining whether the wireless I/O device is available, and causing redirection of I/O signals destined to a default I/O device to be to the wireless I/O device, if the program code for coupling determines that the wireless I/O device is available. A virtual connection module could be used to intercept system messages indicating a wireless device is present and connected, determine whether the wireless device is present and/or connected, and determine which intercepted messages to forward, drop, delay or reformulate.

Abstract: In an environment in which various usable information processing device exist in the neighborhood of a user, it is possible to a detect, from a main terminal used by a user, an information processing device having the function corresponding to a user request. By using the detected device, it is possible to perform data processing and data communication corresponding to the user request, which cannot be performed by one device. By transmitting a resources finding/using query packet to devices capable of data communication, the function confirmation and the environment setting of each information processing device can be performed. Even if the function of the information processing device dynamically changes, the device can be used based on the updated information.