Abstract: A modular mass storage device suitable for use with computers and other processing apparatuses. The mass storage device includes a controller board having a system interface connector, a memory controller, a cache device, and a second connector. The mass storage device further includes a daughter board having at least one non-volatile memory device for data storage, a read-only memory device containing firmware of the mass storage device, and a daughter board connector configured to mate with the second connector of the controller board and thereby form command, address and data paths between the memory controller and the memory device of the daughter board. The memory controller and the memory device are configured so that the memory controller reads the firmware of the read-only memory device when the daughter board connector is mated with the second connector of the controller board.

Abstract: A computer system for multi-processing purposes. The computer system has a console comprising a first coupling site and a second coupling site. Each coupling site comprises a connector. The console is an enclosure that is capable of housing each coupling site. The system also has a plurality of computer modules, where each of the computer modules is coupled to a connector. Each of the computer modules has a processing unit, a main memory coupled to the processing unit, a graphics controller coupled to the processing unit, and a mass storage device coupled to the processing unit. Each of the computer modules is substantially similar in design to each other to provide independent processing of each of the computer modules in the computer system.

Abstract: A removable electronic circuit card having both a memory module with a non-volatile mass storage memory and a separate input-output module so that data transfers may be made through the input-output module directly to and from the mass storage memory in a direct memory access (DMA) type transfer when the card is inserted into the host system but without having to pass the data through the host system. Once the host gives a DMA command, the data transfer is accomplished independently of the host system, except for the host supplying power and possibly a clock signal and other like support, during such a data transfer directly with card. The data for the transfer can be communicated between the input-output module and the exterior device through either wireless or an electrical connection means.

Abstract: A method comprises a system comprising a host device coupled to a first remote device actively operating according to a state diagram that the host device and all remote devices follow during operation of the system. The method further comprises powering up a second remote device while the host device and first remote device are actively operating according to the state diagram. The second remote device determines whether to initialize to a standard protocol or to an advanced protocol. Upon determining to initialize to the advanced protocol, the second remote device then waits for a synchronization point sequence.

Abstract: The invention discloses a single-host multi-workstation computer system and its equipment configuration method. The system includes a host, in which installs at least one separate graphic card and at least one workstation card; the workstation card is integrated with graphic cards and input/output interfaces. The method includes the steps: (a) identify all workstation cards connected to the host; correlate each workstation card with an extended workstation; correlate all separate graphic cards with a primary workstation; (b) allocate human-machine interaction (HMI) devices connected to the same workstation card and graphic cards on the workstation card to the extended workstation corresponding to the workstation card; allocate other HMI devices to the primary workstation.

Abstract: An electronic health record storage device is provided. The device is configured for operation in conjunction with a host device to generate and store health record data about a user. According to one embodiment, the system comprises memory including executable instructions stored in the memory, the executable instructions including an autorun file and operating instructions; one or more sensors configured for engagement by the user; an interface configured for interfacing with a host device; and a controller in operable communication with the memory, the one or more sensors, and the interface, and wherein the controller is configured to execute the executable instructions stored in the memory, the controller further configured to receive power from the host device, retrieve data from the host device, receive health data from the one or more sensors, generate a health record comprising timing data and health data, and store the health record in the memory.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for providing resources from a plurality of on-board device nodes to a hot-plugged device node in a computer is provided. The apparatus comprises a resource manager configured to receive a resource request over a bus system indicative of a set of desired resources from the hot-plugged device node. The resource manager is further configured to probe a parent device and at least one upper level device node positioned above the parent device node for the set of desired resources. The resource manager is further configured to provide the set of desired resources from the parent device node and one or more nodes of the at least one upper level device node over the bus system for transmission to the hot-plugged device node to enable the hot-plugged device node to operate in the intended manner.

Abstract: In a method of controlling an information processing system in which an information processing device is connected to each of a plurality of input/output ports provided in a routing device and having a first property or a second property, for conducting data transmission among the information processing devices via the routing device, a step of causing all of the information processing devices to halt data transmission, a step of resetting properties and identification information of the input/output ports with the second properties other than the input/output port with the first property which cannot be used, in the routing device, and a step of causing the information processing devices to restart the data transmission after the reset of the identification information are executed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for optimally placing memory devices within a computer system. A memory controller may include circuitry configured to retrieve or one or more performance metrics a plurality of memory devices connected thereto. Based on the performance metrics and one or more predefined rules for placing memory devices, the circuitry may determine an optimal placement of the memory devices in the system.

Abstract: There is provided an interface card system for SD bus control. The interface card system for SD bus control includes a CPU bus interface 11a and/or an SD bus interface 11b, a host interface module 16 connected to the interfaces which interprets an SD command and controls operation of the whole of the interface card system, first and second internal SD host engines 15a and 15b which function as a host controller, first and second selectors 14a and 14b respectively connected to the internal SD host engines which each select a path for data or a command, first and second SD bus interfaces 13a and 13b respectively connected to the selectors, and a data pass-through control section 17 connected to the SD bus interfaces connected to the selectors which allows an SD command and data to pass through.

Abstract: A file system adapter card that may be plugged into a host computer system for providing hardware-based file system accesses outside the purview of a host operating system running on the host computer system. The file system adapter card includes a hardware-implemented or hardware-accelerated file service subsystem and a computer bus that permits a host computer system to communicate directly with the file service subsystem for providing file service requests and receiving file service responses. The file service subsystem includes dedicated hardware that operates outside the immediate control of a host operating system, including specialized circuitry for performing at least one major subsystem function.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus in which a memory unit containing a memory and a controller to access the memory in response to an externally input command can be installed. The electronic apparatus comprises a first acquiring section which acquires identification information from the memory unit, a second acquiring section which, on the basis of the identification information acquired by the first acquiring section, acquires one from a plurality of control programs to control the controller of the memory unit, and a setting section which sets an operating environment so as to apply the control program acquired by the second acquiring section to the process of inputting and outputting data to and from the memory unit.

Abstract: As described herein, a gateway device may include one or more expansion ports to add functionality. The added functionality can be of any desired type, such as adding telephone call routing capabilities, or high-definition radio capabilities. The added functionality can include new wireless communication abilities, such as adding Bluetooth capability, and the combination may allow greater networked communication.

Abstract: A card adapter includes a first memory card interface configured to be connected to a first memory card. The first memory card is associated with a first file system. The card adapter includes a second memory card interface that is configured to be connected to a second memory card. The second memory card is associated with a second file system. The card adapter also includes a host interface configured to connect to a host. The card adapter includes a controller operatively interposed between the first and second memory card interfaces and the host interface. The controller is configured to control the first memory card interface and the second memory card interface to control connections between each memory card that is connected thereto with the host. The controller is also configured to operate in each of two selectable modes. In a first mode the controller is operative to emulate a virtual file system that presents to the host the first file system and the second file system as a unified image.

Abstract: Memory apparatus and methods utilizing multiple bit lanes may redirect one or more signals on the bit lanes. A memory agent may include a redrive circuit having a plurality of bit lanes, a memory device or interface, and a fail-over circuit coupled between the plurality of bit lanes and the memory device or interface.

Abstract: A memory card of one published standard, such as the Multi-Media Card (MMC) or Secure Digital Card (SD), is modified to include the function of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) according to another published standard. The controller of the memory card communicates between electrical contacts on the outside of the card and both the memory and the SIM. In one specific form, the memory card has the physical configuration of the current Plug-in SIM card with a few external contacts added to accommodate the memory controller and data memory. In another specific form, the memory card has the physical configuration of the current SD card, including external contacts.

Abstract: A method of transmitting a stream of data bits from a memory card to a host device includes determining, at the memory card, a first number of data lines between the memory card and the host device, from one to a plurality of data lines. If the first number of data lines is determined to be a plurality of data lines, the method includes switching, at the memory card, the data stream between one of the first number of data lines and another of the first number of data lines after each occurrence of a second number of one or more bits of the data stream having passed toward the host device. The method also includes, if the first number of data lines is determined to be one data line, transmitting, from the memory card, the stream of data bits over the one data line to the host device.

Abstract: When initializing a card-shaped device inserted in a card interface, operation mode acquiring means incorporated in an electronic device acquires operation mode information, stored in a register file incorporated in the card-shaped device, by a predetermined procedure using a predetermined pin. Operation mode setting means incorporated in the electronic device executes signal assignment on a plurality of data pins peculiar to an operation mode indicated by the acquired operation mode information, thereby switching a data transfer width, and allowing the card-shaped device to operate in the operation mode.

Abstract: A system includes a minicard host connector and an open NAND flash interface host connector. The minicard host connector is configured to receive a minicard. The open NAND flash interface host connector is in physical communication with the minicard host connector and configured to receive an open NAND flash interface card. The open NAND flash interface host connector includes first and second retention arms extending from opposite ends of the open NAND flash interface host connector. The open NAND flash interface host connector is sufficiently wide for the minicard host connector to fit between the first and second retention arms.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a system and method that utilizes external memory devices to cache sectors from a rotating storage device (e.g., a hard drive) to improve system performance. When an external memory device (EMD) is plugged into the computing device or onto a network in which the computing device is connected, the system recognizes the EMD and populates the EMD with disk sectors. The system routes I/O read requests directed to the disk sector to the EMD cache instead of the actual disk sector. The use of EMDs increases performance and productivity on the computing device systems for a fraction of the cost of adding memory to the computing device.

Abstract: Multiple computing devices are connected together using a high-speed wireless link. The wireless link enables expansion of available resources to the host device, such as one or more of volatile memory resources, non-volatile memory resources, and additional processor resources.

Abstract: A non-volatile storage device has first and second controllers that provide external access to non-volatile memory using different protocols. In response to a request from the first controller, the second controller retrieves parameters from the non-volatile memory and provides the retrieved parameters to the first controller. In one embodiment, the device parameters are USB descriptors, which may include a vendor ID, a product ID, a product string, and/or a serial number. The first controller may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) card reader controller. Examples of the second controller include a Secure Digital (SD) controller, a CompactFlash (CF) controller, a MemoryStick controller, or a different type of controller that is able to provide external access to the non-volatile memory. The first controller provides the device parameters to a host during enumeration of the non-volatile storage device. The device parameters may be used to establish settings for the first controller.

Abstract: A circuit board system for connecting with at least an expansion card that includes a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) electrically coupled to the expansion slot. The PLD is configured to detect whether the expansion card is compatible with the circuit board system. If the PLD detects that the expansion card is not compatible with the circuit board system, the logic controller cuts off the connection between the main power supply and the expansion slot.

Abstract: A filter driver may be instantiated in a smartcardreader class, and used to modify the smartcard status in an operating system.

Abstract: A detachable wireless communication module and a method for activating the same are disclosed. The detachable communication module, to be connected to a corresponding host connector of an electronic device, includes a housing, a short-range radio frequency module embedded into the housing, and a module connector. When the wireless communication module is detachably connected to the electronic device, the housing becomes a portion of a casing of the electronic device. The module connector, disposed on the housing, is detachably connected to the host connector of the electronic device. The module connector is used for communication between the short-range radio frequency module and a host circuitry of the electronic device. When the wireless communication module is detachably connected to the electronic device, a contact of the module connector is used for module detection to indicate that the short-range radio frequency module is embedded in the wireless communication module.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, related to smart card reader field, for recognizing a card reader with multiple card holders. The method includes connecting, by the card reader with multiple card readers, to a host and loading, by the host, card reader device bus driver; obtaining, by the card reader device bus driver, the device information of the card reader with multiple card readers and creating physical device object according to the device information; installing and loading, by the host, smart card function driver for each physical device object and registering a standard smart card driver library for every smart card function driver; creating, by the smart card service of the host, a new smart card device record in the resource manager of the smart card service according to the smart card function driver loaded and the smart card driver library registered and recognizing the card reader with multiple card readers as a plurality of smart card devices.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a hand-hold measuring-equipment recoding device that is mainly improvements aimed at the small sized hand-hold measuring equipment. The measuring machine body having a display, several buttons, and a sensor set in it, and is characterized in that a memory card slot is set in the machine body to provide for the insertion of the SD card. And, there are set with a microprocessor, a sensor circuit, and a memory card driver circuit in the machine body. Through these, the measured data records and measuring time are saved directly in the SD memory cards, then the SD memory cards is utilized to be inserted in the computer to read data and perform a further data analysis. Thus, it can solve the former problems of inconvenience caused by the measuring equipment must connect with the computer through a transferring cable and must proceed the measuring at the measuring site simultaneously while measuring.

Abstract: A motherboard expansion device includes a motherboard having a expansion slot conforming a first standard, an expansion card conforming a second standard, a converter card positioned between the motherboard and the expansion card, and the converter card connects to the expansion slot and the expansion card, respectively; a converter chip is mounted on the converter card for converting signals between the expansion slot and the expansion card, and one or more motherboard components mounted on the motherboard. The expansion card is mounted vertically above the motherboard, and is supported by the converter card, and the converter card defines a cutout between the converter card and the motherboard to partially receive the motherboard component.

Abstract: A card host LSI includes M card host I/Fs for N-bit card modules, and M card bus terminals. A bridge circuit sets coupling relationship of signal lines so that a card host I/F corresponding to a card bus coupled to an (M×N)-bit card module and the other card host I/F(s) operate in conjunction with each other to control the card module, when an enable signal indicates the (M×N)-bit mode.

Abstract: A system includes a minicard socket, a controller, a south bridge, and a differential multiplexer. The minicard socket is configured to receive a plurality of types of minicards. The controller is in communication with the minicard socket, and is configured to determine which one of the plurality of types of minicards is received within the minicard socket. The south bridge is configured to communicate with the minicard received within the minicard socket. The differential multiplexer is in communication with the controller and with the minicard socket. The differential multiplexer configured to switch the south bridge and the minicard socket between communicating over a plurality of buses based on the type of minicard received within the minicard socket.

Abstract: A computing device that allows for a flexible allocation of bandwidth among peripheral devices using a peripheral bus is disclosed. The computing device includes a peripheral bus and at least two slots. The computing device may be used with a single peripheral card or multiple peripheral cards. In a multi-card configuration the invention allows the bandwidth on the peripheral bus to be shared by all the cards. In a single-card configuration, the computing device allows available bandwidth on the peripheral bus to be used by a single card. The device is particularly useful with PCI express compliant expansion cards, such as graphics adapters.

Abstract: A server system includes a management board having a baseboard management controller provided thereon; a plurality of middle boards separately connected to the management board; a plurality of mainboards separately connected to the middle boards; and a hard disk (HD) module connected to the middle boards. Each of the middle boards has a plurality of mainboard connection ports and at least one HD signal connection port. The mainboards are separately connected to the mainboard connection ports, and the baseboard management controller manages the mainboards via the middle boards. The HD module has an HD backplane being connected to the HD signal connection ports, and the mainboards are connected to the HD module via respective correspondingly connected middle board.

Abstract: A multiprocessor system is provided, comprising a baseboard, for arranging peripheral equipments; and a plurality of processor modules, each equipped with a processor and a board-to-board connector; wherein the plurality of processor modules are stacked up, with board-to-board connectors being electrically connected between the processor modules and between the processor modules and the baseboard; the processors communicate with the peripheral equipments in accordance with a specific bus specification; and the operations of the plurality of processor modules are coordinated by routes provided between the processor modules and between the processor modules and the baseboard.

Abstract: A method to facilitate data transfer to a line replaceable unit that lacks a transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) interface is provided. The method comprises interfacing a memory-processing card to the line replaceable unit. The memory-processing card includes a memory, a central processing unit module, an interface to the line replaceable unit, an interface to an access point communicatively coupled to the central processing unit module, and a bus arbitrator communicatively coupled to the memory, the central processing unit module, and the interfaces. The method also includes determining a state of the line replaceable unit at the bus arbitrator responsive to the interfacing, providing access at the bus arbitrator from the central processing unit module to the memory when the determined state of the line replaceable unit is OFF, and providing access at the bus arbitrator from the line replaceable unit to the memory when the determined state of the line replaceable unit is ON.

Abstract: A memory card with a wireless communication module attached and its associated terminal for using the memory card are disclosed. A memory card that provides both of an external memory to an information communication terminal and a connectable memory card WPAN add-on to an information communication terminal lacking a built-in wireless communication module, and its associated information communication terminal are disclosed. According to the disclosure, the memory card with the extra wireless communication module adds the WPAN function to the information communication terminal lacking a built-in wireless communication module by inserting it into a card slot of the terminal, protecting the wireless communication module from external impacts and permitting the module to be left and secured inside the terminal at the card slot without a concern to lose such a module.

Abstract: With conventional redrivers used for external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (eSATA), there is no ability to indicated to a host that an external device (like a hard disk drive) is not present. As a result, power is consumed by a host because of nearly continual transmission of communication reset signals. Here, a redriver has been provided that includes a cable disconnect terminal and circuitry within a controller that is able to detect whether an external device is present. This redriver enables a host to be powered down or placed in a low power mode while also enabling the use an eSATA compliant connector.

Abstract: A multi-interface controller having a first logic circuit and a second logic circuit. The first logic circuit supports a first interface. The second logic circuit supports a second interface. The first logic circuit is enabled based on a first command. The second logic circuit is enabled based on a second command.

Abstract: A design structure embodied in a machine readable storage medium for at designing, manufacturing, and/or testing a design is disclosed for initializing expansion adapters installed in a computer system having similar expansion adapters that include detecting an expansion adapter installed in a computer system having a plurality of expansion adapters, the detected expansion adapter having an option ROM containing initialization code, identifying similar expansion adapters installed in the computer system that correspond to the detected expansion adapter, each of the identified similar expansion adapters having an option ROM containing initialization code, disabling the option ROM of each of the identified similar expansion adapters, and initializing the plurality of expansion adapters installed in the computer system without executing the initialization code of the identified similar expansion adapters.

Abstract: A memory card that adapts its operation according to the application to which it applied or the conditions under which it is operated. This allows the card to dynamical self optimize. In a first set of embodiments, the card uses host profiling where it will learn about the host during host-card interactions and the card's controller will optimize its algorithms accordingly. In another set of embodiments, the host and card will report to one another their capabilities for a quality of service negotiation. A further set of embodiments allows the storage device to memorize access sequences issued by the host under various predefined conditions, such as host reset or a power on boot sequence. The storage device can use this information to optimize operation for the expected commands. On deviation from an expected sequence, the device would memorize the new command sequence and save it, thus operating in a self-adaptive manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic board (C) comprising: a microcontroller; a first interface means (11) with a communication bus (BUS); and a second interface means (12) with a supervisory computer (SUP); said microcontroller being programmed for: receiving first commands across said second interface means; extracting, from said commands, a piece of addressing information and, on the basis of said information, executing said first commands or moreover transmitting them over said communication bus; and receiving second commands from said communication bus and executing them. The invention relates to a system comprising: a communication bus; a plurality of electronic boards such as described above, connected to said communication bus, at least one of said boards also being connected to a respective supervisory computer.

Abstract: An Accelerated Storage Controller (ASC) in an electronic device allows both conventional (slower) application processor to memory interfaces to be employed transparently to existing software, while also allowing software configuration to realize an accelerated storage architecture on demand. Some use cases for the electronic device do not require accelerated storage, and a bypass mode does not require any modification to existing software. Other use cases (such as fast download of multiple gigabytes of media) benefit from an accelerated storage architecture offloading transfer from the electronic device application processor, but could also work with the traditional processor to memory interface, at the cost of slower downloads. Embodiments of the present invention provide for both these possibilities in a software-configurable architecture. Furthermore, a number of other connectivity options are provided under software control to optimize performance and connectivity for different use case scenarios.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adding or removing a logical unit of a mass storage device connected to a host computer through a universal serial bus (USB) interface are provided. The method may comprise: dynamically managing a logical unit table associated with the logical unit; generating a corresponding hot plug and play (PnP) event in the mass storage device; and informing the host computer of the hot PnP event. The mass storage device may comprise: a logical unit managing apparatus; a hot PnP event generating apparatus; and an informing apparatus for informing a host computer of the hot PnP event through a USB.

Abstract: A device may include a link configured to transmit signals. The signals may provide at least one network topology, such as a bus. A tapping structure may be connected to the device using, for example, at least one of a snap fit, a friction fit or an interference fit. The tapping structure may be configured to tap in-band signals, out-of-band signals, or both in-band signals and out-of-band signals.

Abstract: A reciprocating plug detector is configured at the connector of a portable device and is pushed to generate a control signal when the portable device is plugged into a host system. A controller of the portable device then performs a command when receiving the control signal. When the portable device is unplugged from the host system, the reciprocating plug detector may also be used for generating the control signal and before the portable device totally leaves the host system, the controller performs other pre-defined command during these few milliseconds. The portable device is implemented with a variety of computer controllability and provided with power-failure protection for data.

Abstract: With an external memory to be inserted and removed through an adapter, insertion and removal of the external memory are reliably detected and data destruction with insertion or removal is prevented. A detector includes a card detection section (32) for detecting that a memory card (10) has been inserted into a connector (31), acquiring the ID of the detected memory card (10), and acquiring card information of the memory card (10), an application section (36) for making an access request to a memory card, and a card access section (34) for acquiring the ID of a memory card (11) inserted into the connector (31) at the time of the access request, making a comparison between the ID of the memory card (10) and the ID of the memory card (11), determining whether or not the IDs are identical, and acquiring card information concerning the memory card (11) if the IDs are not identical.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory card which can be attached to a host apparatus and can be removed from the host apparatus includes a plurality of data transfer terminals, and an internal circuit transmitting a first signal to at least one first data transfer terminal comprising at least one of the data transfer terminals and transmitting a second signal to at least one second data transfer terminal comprising at least one of the data transfer terminals different from the first data transfer terminals. The second signal is generated by executing a logical operation on the first signal.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an attachment unit, an image processing unit, a storage unit, a discrimination unit and a control unit. A memory unit storing at least one piece of information is detachably attached to the attachment unit. The image processing unit performs image processing. The storage unit stores the information stored in the memory unit through the attachment unit or stores a result of processing executed by the image processing unit. The discrimination unit discriminates processing information inputted externally for instructing the image processing unit to execute processing. The control unit controls a process of transferring the information stored in the memory unit or the result of processing executed by the image processing unit and stored in the storage unit in accordance with a result of discrimination executed by the discrimination unit.

Abstract: A wireless communication device includes a first protocol modem, a second protocol modem, a control module, a switch circuit, a first card slot, and a second card slot. One smart card may be inserted in the first card slot or the second card slot, and furthermore two smart cards may be inserted in the first card slot and the second card slot simultaneously. The wireless communication device may work in a first protocol network and a second protocol network with optional insertion of the smart card.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory card includes a first and a second pin group used for reading/writing data in a first and a second modes and an interference portion that prevents the semiconductor memory card from being inserted up to a normal position of a card insertion hole of a connector dedicated to the first mode. One of the first and the second pin group is arranged in a tip portion in an insertion direction and the other in a rearward position therefrom, each of which in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction aligned adjacent to each other. The insertion direction into the connector is identical regardless of which mode the semiconductor memory card is used in.

Abstract: A memory card to be used in an apparatus having an inbuilt processor incapable of independently exporting digital data externally of the apparatus, the digital data being captured by the apparatus, the memory card comprising a central processor configured to control the export of data from the apparatus, a storage module operably connected to the central processor and being configured to store the data to be exported, and a wireless module configured to export the digital data from the storage module and being operably connected to one of: the central processor, and the memory. A corresponding method is also disclosed.