Abstract: Methods of preparing a power saving state, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device and a USB host are provided. A method of preparing a power saving state comprises sending a request from a USB device to a USB host, the USB host being connected to the USB device via a USB and the request requesting that the USB host shall stop any bus traffic on the USB. Another method of preparing a power saving state comprises receiving, at a USB host, a request from a USB device, the USB device being connected to the USB host via a USB and the request requesting that the USB host shall stop any bus traffic on the USB. A USB device and a USB host are configured to carry out the respective methods.

Abstract: A portable computer capable of converting an internal storage device into an external storage device and, without being booted up, functioning as the external storage device is disclosed. The portable computer includes: an external interface connector; a switcher connected to an internal storage device, a south bridge chip, and an interface converter, and is configured to switch between the south bridge chip and the interface converter and thus allow one of the south bridge chip and the interface converter to be electrically conducted to the internal storage device; the interface converter connected to the switcher and an external interface controller to allow an interface of the external interface controller to be changed and thus be fit for use with the internal storage device; and the external interface controller connected to an interface switcher and the external interface connector and configured to process signals from the external interface connector.

Abstract: The optimal lanes of at least one SAS wide port for the data connection are discovered. The allowable lanes for the data connection within the SAS wide ports of each level of the SAS domain are specified. The specified allowable lanes for the data connection are checked. The data connection is created on the specified allowable lanes.

Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment, a disk-drive automatic recognition/setting apparatus for a disk system including a controller, a disk drive, and an expander attached to the controller, the disk drive, or another expander, provides an information obtaining requesting unit issuing a request for obtaining information regarding a device attached to each attachment port of the expander, an information obtaining unit obtaining the information requested, and a routing reset request transmitting unit determining based upon the information obtained, whether a routing method of the attachment port is correctly set, and, if the routing method is wrong, transmitting a reset request for correctly resetting the wrong routing method.

Abstract: An adaptive USB extender is installed in a computer and includes a USB host controller mounted on a computer motherboard, a USB receptacle mounted on an I/O board, a USB cable interconnecting the I/O board and the USB host controller for transmitting USB-compliant signals, and an active signal driver mounted on the I/O board and connected between the USB receptacle and the USB cable for amplifying and buffering the USB-compliant signals, thereby maintaining the signal integrity of the USB-compliant signals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide assigning two different class identifiers to a device to allow loading to an operating system as different devices. The device may be a graphics device. The graphics device may be integrated in various configurations, including but not limited to a central processing unit, chipset and so forth. The processor or chipset may be associated with a first identifier associated with a graphics processor and a second device identifier that enables the processor or chipset as a co-processor.

Abstract: A method for data distribution, including distributing logical addresses among an initial set of devices so as provide balanced access, and transferring the data to the devices in accordance with the logical addresses. If a device is added to the initial set, forming an extended set, the logical addresses are redistributed among the extended set so as to cause some logical addresses to be transferred from the devices in the initial set to the additional device. There is substantially no transfer of the logical addresses among the initial set. If a surplus device is removed from the initial set, forming a depleted set, the logical addresses oldie surplus device are redistributed among the depleted set. There is substantially no transfer of the logical addresses among the depleted set. In both cases the balanced access is maintained.

Abstract: A motherboard system is provided. The motherboard system includes a central processing unit (CPU), a control unit and an interface connector. The control unit is electrically connected to the CPU. The interface connector is electrically connected to the control unit and has a boot loader interface unit and a peripheral storage device interface unit, wherein the boot loader interface unit is electrically connected to the control unit and is configured for electrically connecting a system read only memory. When the power of the motherboard system is turned on, the CPU sends a read only memory fetch cycle to the control unit and fetches a booting program from the system read only memory configured in an external device via the boot loader interface unit. Accordingly, the system read only memory can be conveniently updated and maintained.

Abstract: A mobile communications terminal using a multi-functional socket and a method thereof, the mobile communications device comprising a connector capable of connecting the mobile communications device to at least one external device for establishing an electrical connection between the at least one external device and the mobile communications device; a switching unit; and a controller cooperating with the connector and the switching unit to perform, sending and/or receiving at least one signal with respect to the at least one external device via at least one dedicated path according to at least one identification signal; and generating a control signal to control the at least one signal, wherein the at least one signal comprises at least one of a power signal and data.

Abstract: An analog/digital switching circuit for connecting a primary electronic device to a peripheral electronic device, including D+ and D? signal lines connected to a primary electronic device, a first analog/digital switch connected to the D+ signal line, for multiplexing an input D+ signal to an output USB data signal or audio left or right signal, the multiplexed signal feeding into a peripheral device connector for connecting the primary device to a peripheral electronic device, a second analog/digital switch connected to the D? signal line, for multiplexing an input D? signal to an output USB data signal or audio right or left signal, the multiplexed signal feeding into the peripheral device connector, a headset left signal line connected to the primary device and to the output audio left signal of the first analog/digital switch, a headset right signal line connected to the primary device and to the output audio right signal of the second analog/digital switch, a first USB signal line connected to a USB conn

Abstract: The present invention helps to develop a smaller sized portable terminal without reducing the functions available for the user. A USB device which is detachable from the portable terminal is provided with a USB connector which is inserted into a USB part of the portable terminal, a power source terminal which comes into contact with a power supply terminal of the portable terminal, when the USB connector is inserted into the USB port of the portable terminal, and a screw which is engaged with a screw hole of the portable terminal. When the screw is engaged with the screw hole of the portable terminal, a switch inside the screw hole is pushed down due to a contact with the screw. The portable terminal detects mounting of the USB device by an output from the switch, and initiates power supplying from the power supply terminal of the portable terminal to the power source terminal of the USB device.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for improving or optimizing the configuration of expansion cards and expansion card slots in a computer system. The slot width of each slot is serially set to two or more link widths supported by the expansion card that is connect in each slot and each of the plurality of expansion cards is retrained at each of the set slot widths. The current link speed and a current link width for each of the plurality of expansion cards may be identified at each of the set slot widths to enable a determination of a configuration of the plurality of expansion cards within the plurality of expansion card slots that will improve collective throughput of the expansion cards. Optionally, the throughput of one expansion card may be prioritized over the throughput of another expansion card, such as those expansion cards or functionalities specified by user preferences or identified by system monitoring of loads placed on the expansion cards.

Abstract: A semiconductor storage device includes an external input/output port. A system bus of a server, which is extended to outside of the server, is connected to the external input/output port directly as a serial interface.

Abstract: An apparatus for upgrading a standard PC system to a fail-safe computation system, comprising a plug device for plugging into the computation system, a memory module, a microcontroller, and a first device for generating a first time signal, wherein the microcontroller and the first device interact such that the computation system is provided with the first time signal through the plug device device.

Abstract: A data storage device has encrypted user data and a media key stored on media, and a root key stored in an electronic circuit. The data storage device has a first connector adapted to receive a user key and a hardware key device connected to a second connector adjacent an installation space. The hardware key device stores a destructible key in non-volatile memory. The hardware key device is mechanically destroyed, thereby rendering the encrypted user data non-decipherable after the destroying.

Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to an apparatus for determining compatibility between devices. In one embodiment, a table including a module's parameters and rules associated therewith is obtained from a module. The rules are applied to a slot's parameters to determine the module's compatibility with the slot upon coupling to the slot.

Abstract: A serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) interface storage device. The SATA interface storage device can be used in cooperation with an electrical apparatus and comprises a substrate, a chip set, a SATA interface and a shell. The substrate has a first surface, a second surface corresponding to the first surface and a plurality of connectors between the first surface and the second surface. The chip set is disposed on the first surface. The SATA interface is disposed on the second surface and is electrically connected to the chip set via a part of the connectors so that the electrical apparatus may be electrically connected to the chip set via the SATA interface to access the chip set. The shell has a width and a thickness and defines a receiving space for receiving the substrate, the chip set and the SATA interface, where the width and the thickness conform to a micro-memory card standard.

Abstract: The persistent binding of STP SAS addresses to SATA devices is disclosed so that SATA devices can be moved to different insertion points (ports) within a SAS expander and still properly receive I/O requests. When a SATA device is inserted into the SAS expander, it is interrogated to obtain information about the attached device. This information may be combined using a hashing function to obtain a unique ID for the SATA device. A table can be used to assign a STP SAS address to the Phy connected to the device based in the unique ID. In this manner, the same STP SAS address will be assigned to the Phy connected to a particular SATA device, regardless of where the device is connected to the SAS expander.

Abstract: A request for a physical import/export (I/E) slot is satisfied using a tape library slot that is not a physical I/E slot. According to one embodiment, the request for the physical I/E slot, that is associated with the tape library, is received. A different slot, which is not any of the physical I/E slots associated with the tape library, is used to satisfy the request.

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

Abstract: A device for monitoring athletic performance of a user has a wristband configured to be worn by the user. An electronic module is removably attached to the wristband. The electronic module has a controller and a screen and a plurality of user inputs operably associated with the controller. The user inputs include a user input configured to be applied by the user against the screen and in a direction generally normal to the screen.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a modular data transmission system with several modules or bus nodes that can be arranged adjacent to one another in a row. The data transmission system comprises a first bus node that features a first transmitter for the wireless transmission of data and an electrical connector, as well as a second bus node that features a first receiver for the wireless reception of data and an electrical connector. Both bus nodes are detachably fixed on a mounting rail such that they are arranged adjacent to one another in a row. The first and second bus nodes are respectively detachably connected to a bus receptacle, wherein each bus receptacle features an electrical mating connector that is coupled to the electrical connector of the respective bus node in the connected state in order to transmit energy, as well as a positioning device for positioning the respective bus node.

Abstract: A computer system, and related components including network interface devices, as well as methods for implementing and/or operating network interface devices to achieve network-based communications, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the computer system includes a network interface device, and a bus driver in communication with the network interface device. The bus driver has access to a plurality of driver programs, and the bus driver is capable of causing an installation of one such driver program on the network interface device. Also, in at least some embodiments, the bus driver facilitates communications between multiple network interface devices and an operating system of the computer system, and/or between the network interface devices and user mode applications implementing graphical user interfaces. Further, in at least some embodiments, the bus driver governs operation of the network interface devices, for example, in relation to power management and/or interrupt handling.

Abstract: A method includes reducing power of a first graphics processor by disabling or not using its rendering engine and leaving a display engine of the same first graphics processor capable of outputting display frames from a corresponding first frame buffer to a display. A display frame is rendered by a second graphics processor while the rendering engine of the first graphics processor is in a reduced power state, such as a non-rendering state. The rendered frame is stored in a corresponding second frame buffer of the second graphics processor, such as a local frame buffer and copied from the second frame buffer to the first frame buffer. The copied frame in the first frame buffer is then displayed on a display while the rendering engine of the first graphics processor is in the reduced power state.

Abstract: A hierarchically-structured computer mass storage system and method. The mass storage system includes a mass storage memory drive, control logic on the mass storage memory drive that includes a controller and one or more devices for executing a hierarchical storage management technique, a volatile memory cache configured to be accessed by the control logic, and first and second non-volatile storage arrays on the mass storage memory drive and comprising, respectively, first and second non-volatile memory devices. The first and second non-volatile memory devices have properties including access times and write endurance, and at least one of the access time and the write endurance of the first non-volatile memory devices is faster or higher, respectively, than the second non-volatile memory devices. Desired data storage localities on the storage arrays are determined through access patterns and selectively utilizing the properties of the memory devices to match the data storage requirements.

Abstract: When a memory card is inserted into a card reader of an MFP, a selected network address is set as a connection destination, and a memory card insertion signal is transmitted to the connection destination. On the other hand, when no network address is selected, all network addresses stored in the memory card are set as connection destinations, and the memory card insertion signal is transmitted to the set connection destinations. The memory card insertion signal includes information indicating the insertion of the memory card into the card reader and a network address of the MFP.

Abstract: A portable extension memory storage device comprises a body and a slide positioning member. The body includes an elastic positioning tongue. The slide positioning member includes a positioning rib to be engaged into a positioning concave in the positioning tongue. With the elastic positioning tongue, the abrasion can be reduced, and the service life can be extended. The positioning concave offers an assured and firm engagement to improve the convenience in use. The assembly of the portable extension memory storage device can be finished without using any other threaded elements or locking elements, thus reducing the material and labor cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intelligent, modular multimedia computer management system for coupling a series of remote computers to one or more user workstations to allow each user workstation to selectively access and control one or more remote computers. The computer management system incorporates a centralized switching system that receives keyboard, cursor control device, audio, and auxiliary peripheral device signals from the user workstation and transmits and applies the signals to the remote computer in the same manner as if the keyboard, cursor control device, audio input source, or auxiliary peripheral device of the user workstation were directly coupled to the remote computer. Also, the user workstation receives audio signals and auxiliary peripheral device signals from the remote computer. In addition, the multimedia computer management system transmits video signals from the remote computer over an extended range for display on the video monitor of the user workstation.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method for controlling the mobile terminal to be used through a host device are disclosed. The method for controlling the mobile terminal to be used through the host device includes transmitting a virtualization engine and driver programs of user modes of the mobile terminal to the host device; selecting one of the user modes; and transmitting information of the selected one user mode to the host device, wherein the transmitted virtualization engine is recognized as a part of an operating system (OS) of the host device, and is programmed to drive a driver program corresponding to each of the user modes within the host device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a storage system architecture. An Environmental service module (ESM) is coupled to one or more array controllers. The ESM is configured with a central processing unit and one or more assist functions. The assist functions may include nonvolatile memory. This nonvolatile memory may be used for write caching, mirroring data, and/or configuration data. The assist functions, or the ESM, may be controlled by the array controllers using SCSI or RDMA commands.

Abstract: At least one first numbered phy of a first SAS expander is grouped with at least one second numbered phy of a second SAS expander physically separate from the first SAS expander into at least one common SAS wide port. An identical SAS address is assigned to the first SAS expander and the second SAS expander for operating the first SAS expander and the second SAS expander to behave and respond as a single, cohesive SAS expander. The first SAS expander is directly connected to the second SAS expander for inter-expander communications.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for management of scalable storage architectures are disclosed. The system includes one or more storage backplanes, each storage backplane configured to interface with one or more hard disk drives. The system includes a baseboard management controller, which includes an interface to communicate with one or more of the storage backplanes and programmable logic configured to detect the presence of one or more hard disk drives in an interfaced storage backplane and control one or more status indicators, wherein each status indicator is related to at least one of the hard disk drives in the interfaced storage backplane.

Abstract: A flash device for secure delivery of media content is provided. The flash device can include a controller module and a memory module. The controller module can include at least one local central processing unit, at least one register having factory initialized data written therein, and at least one memory module interface. The factory initialized data can include: a vendor identification (“VID”) string, a product identification (“PID”) string, and a manufacturer identification string. The memory module can include at least one read-only partition having digital data disposed therein, where at least a portion of the digital data comprises at least one machine executable instruction set.

Abstract: A flash memory card includes a differential datapath that enables communications between the flash memory card and a host device to be performed using differential signals. The differential datapath can translate between the differential signals and card-specific signals that control read/write operations to the memory array of the flash memory card. The card-specific signals can be standard MultimediaCard, Secure-Digital card, Memory Stick, or CompactFlash card signals, among others. A host device that provides differential data transfer capability can include a similar differential datapath. By using differential data transfer rather than conventional clocked data transfer, overall data bandwidth between a flash memory card and a host device can be significantly increased, while simultaneously decreasing power consumption and pin requirements.

Abstract: A multi-core bus termination apparatus includes a protocol analyzer and a plurality of drivers. The protocol analyzer is disposed within a processor core and configured to receive one or more protocol signals, and is configured to indicate whether or not the processor core owns the bus. The plurality of drivers is coupled to the protocol analyzer. Each of the plurality of drivers has one of a corresponding plurality of nodes, and each is configured to control how the one of the corresponding plurality of nodes is driven responsive whether or not the processor core owns the bus. Each of the plurality of drivers has protocol-based multi-core logic. The protocol-based multi-core logic is configured to enable pull-up logic if the processor core owns the bus, and is configured to disable the pull-up logic if the processor core does not own the bus.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a circuit for detecting the insertion of a component into a docking station, e.g., an audio plug. When the component is inserted into the docking station, an electronic switch can be opened. When the switch is opened, a detector (e.g., monostable multivibrator) for detecting a change in state of the switch can be activated. Responsive to the detected change in state, the detector can issue a signal to a control device. Responsive to the signal, the controller can look to a resistive identification circuit and, based on its resistance, determine whether the component has just been inserted or removed from the docking station.

Abstract: A method for receiving data with a secure digital input/output (SDIO) interface, which is utilized for providing a data transmission connection between a master device and a slave device, starts with receiving a first packet of the data from the slave device. The first packet is transferred with a plurality of data blocks. A first data block of the plurality of data blocks has reception information of a second packet. The method then generates a control signal to receive the second packet from the slave device according to the reception information of the second packet, which is a next packet of the first packet in the data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a changeable central processing unit (CPU) module apparatus for a computer, comprising a system control module board, a CPU module board and a heat-dissipating device. A second bus connector of the CPU module board is a golden finger plug extending from the CPU module board and is installed on a socket plug of a first bus connector of the system control module board. With the invention, a user can reduce the cost of updating the CPU and increase the period of using a peripheral equipment of the computer.

Abstract: A device includes a serial port for connecting as a slave to a master device through a serial link. The device further includes a detection circuit for detecting the presence of an impedance of the master device, linked to a terminal of the serial port. The device can be used with microprocessor cards comprising a USB port.

Abstract: A data storage device carrier system includes a carrier configured to support one or more data storage devices, a backplane, including one or more coupling connector devices configured to electrically couple with a motherboard, and an interposer board operable to couple a plurality of the data storage devices supported by the carrier with the backplane. In an embodiment, the one or more coupling connector devices are operable to transfer communication signals and electrical power. The interposer board is operable to provide the electrical power from a single port on the backplane to each of the plurality of the data storage devices. The interposer board is also operable to pass communication signals between a primary port on the backplane to a first one of the plurality of the data storage devices, and to pass communication signals between a secondary port on the backplane to a second one of the plurality of the data storage devices.

Abstract: A system that includes a docking station comprising a graphics processor and a transceiver. The system also includes a computer comprising a display. The computer is in communication with the docking station. The graphics processor receives input signals from the computer and, as a result, provides output signals to the computer. The computer uses the output signals to display images on the display.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for illuminating a subject using a light pipe that transmits light from a source, such as an LED ring illuminator to an outlet that directs the light appropriately as either bright field illumination, dark field illumination or both. The light pipe can include concentric cylinders, typically with a bright field illuminator nested within a dark field illuminator. The tip of the dark field illuminator may be angled so as to internally reflect light inwardly toward the central optical axis of a camera at a low angle. The tip can be located near the focal plane of the camera for the desired field of view. The field of view of the camera sensor can be modified to reject data outside of a illumination field of a particular shape. This illumination field can be created by shaping the light pipe in a predetermined form that projects the modified illumination field.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for enabling communication with a computer management device. According to a method one or more vendor specific commands for communicating with a management device are defined according to a first communication standard. The one or more vendor specific commands are then transmitted to the management device over a communication link conforming to a second communication standard. A device conforming to the second communication standard may be emulated on the communication link. If vendor specific commands are received by the management device that are not intended for the emulated device, the commands may be used for communicating with the management device.

Abstract: A power management apparatus is configured to manage a switch having line-cards with ports. The management apparatus includes a tracking module configured to track activity for each port in a line-card in the switch, and a control module configured to determine whether the line-card is to be disabled. The management apparatus also includes output module configured to initiate a deactivation process for the line-card if all the ports are inactive.

Abstract: A wireless universal serial bus system (WUSB) includes a device, a first host, and a second host. The first host communicates with the device through a first superframe according to a wireless USB protocol. The first host sets a host-adding bit in the first superframe when the second host transfers a second superframe to the first host according to the wireless USB protocol to enable communication between the second host and the device.

Abstract: A modular input/output system has a power supply unit, a central processing unit, and at least a pair of input/output module units. Each input/output unit has a base and an input/output module. The base includes a backplane printed circuit board having an input/output module interface. The base has a pair of connectors connected to the printed circuit board and capable of connecting to other units. The base has a field connection terminal block for connecting to external sensors and controls. The input/output module includes a circuit for interfacing with external sensors and controls and the CPU unit. The modular input/output system allows installation and removal of input/output modules of one of the input/output module units without affecting other input/output modules. The system can have multiple power supply units for powering the I/O modules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to enable a plurality of standard USB peripheral devices, utilizing the USB specification, to be distributed at various nodes across a network, wherein communications across the network may take advantage of any pre-existing network connectivity of a standard, non-modified USB host computer. In particular, a reflector function is added in order to reflect data communications towards a pre-existing transceiver. As a result, the host computer establishes a first profile and second profile for data communication purposes, and uses these profiles to communicate across the network using pre-existing data communication components.

Abstract: A motherboard assembly of a computer includes a motherboard (80) and an expansion device. The expansion device is connected to the motherboard. The expansion device includes a BIOS chip (10), a first connector (20) and at least one second connector (30). The first connector is connected to a socket (40) mounted on the motherboard. The second connector is capable of connecting to a burning device (90) for restoring the BIOS chip. The BIOS chip is connected to the first connector, the second connector, and to a signal choice terminal of the motherboard which acts to access the BIOS chip through the first connector and the socket such that the BIOS chip of the expansion device can replace a BIOS chip mounted on the motherboard to be accessed when the computer is powered up to be tested, thereby protecting the BIOS chip mounted on the motherboard being damaged in test.

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