Abstract: A storage device includes a casing, non-hot-pluggable hard disks, and an operating portion. The casing includes a fringe area next to an exterior of the casing, and a central area in an interior of the casing. The non-hot-pluggable hard disks are positioned at the central area of the casing, and the hot-pluggable slots are positioned at the fringe area of the casing. The operating portion is located at the fringe area. Hot-pluggable slots are defined in the operating portion and are adapted for insertion of hot-pluggable hard disks therein. The disclosure also provides a related method storage device disk replacement, and a related data transmission method for storage device disk replacement.

Abstract: A distributed PCIe adapted to support a hot-plug process triggered by any change in a status of a distributed link, comprises an upstream bus unit including a first bridge connected to a root component and adapted to maintain a first configuration space and a copy of a second configuration space, the first configuration space bridge includes at least hot-plug registers specifying at least capabilities and status of a slot of the first bridge; and a second bridge connected to an endpoint component and adapted to maintain the second configuration space, the second configuration space includes at least hot-plug registers specifying at least capabilities and status of a slot of the second bridge.

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: A system includes a master device and a number of slave devices connected to the master device via a bus. Each slave device includes a control unit, a switch unit, and a lock unit. When a new slave device is connected to the system, the control unit of the new slave device transmits a request signal to the master device. The master device detects whether the master device is communicating with the already connected slave devices after receiving the request signal, and outputs an enable signal to the new slave device according to the detected result. The control unit of the new slave device controls the lock unit of the new slave device to turn on and turn off the switch unit of the new slave device according to the enable signal.

Abstract: A method and system for hotplug removing a device in a virtual machine system. A computer system hosts a virtual machine that runs a guest. A hotplug manager in the computer system sends a request to the guest for hotplug removal of a device associated with the guest. The hotplug manager detects an indication of reboot of the guest, and completes the hotplug removal in response to detection of the reboot.

Abstract: A computer, such as a portable computer, can include a removable interface module. The module can contain a device having a computer interface. The device can be a radio or a fiber optic communications device, for example. The use of such a module can facilitate repair and reconfiguration of the portable computer in the field. Such computers can be used by military personnel, police, emergency medical personnel, fire fighters, and the like.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for device dynamic addition processing, and a method and an apparatus for device dynamic removal processing. A dynamic addition dependency relationship list may be obtained from a BIOS, and dynamic addition processing is performed on a certain device to be dynamically added, according to the dynamic addition dependency relationship list; a user is prompted to dynamically add the target device, and when there is a certain device to be dynamically removed, a dynamic removal dependency relationship list and a dynamic addition dependency relationship list of a corresponding device may be obtained from the BIOS as needed, and dynamic removal analysis and processing are performed according to the combination of the dynamic removal dependency relationship list and dynamic addition dependency relationship list of the corresponding device, so as to prompt the user to dynamically remove the target device.

Abstract: A circuit module includes: control object circuits which start operations when a power supply voltage reaches a target value; a current sink circuit which consumes a current supplied thereto; and a power supply activation control unit which increases the current flowing into the current sink circuit at a predetermined rate before starting the operations of the control object circuits and which starts the operations of the control object circuits and simultaneously blocks the supply of the current to the current sink circuit in a case where an amount of the current flowing into the current sink circuit is equivalent to an amount of current to be increased by starting the operations of the control object circuits when the power supply voltage reaches the target value.

Abstract: A cascade-able serial bus device for coupling between a host device and another serial bus device is disclosed. The host device includes a serial bus interface. The serial bus device includes a first connection interface, a second connection interface and a bypassing module. The first connection interface is coupled to the serial bus interface of the host device. The second connection interface is coupled to the second serial bus device. The bypassing module is coupled to a chip select (CS) signal line of the serial bus interface and the second connection interface for selectively bypassing or non-bypassing the CS signal to the second serial bus device.

Abstract: A service is configured by provisioning the service for a facility on a network access device (NAD). The service endpoint is created in an operationally disabled state responsive to provisioning the service. A first network interface unit (NIU) is detected connecting to the facility. The first NIU has an identification code associated therewith. The service transitions to an operationally enabled state responsive to detecting the first NIU connecting to the facility. The identification code is associated with the facility. The first NIU is detected disconnecting from the facility. The service transitions to an operationally disabled state responsive to detecting the first NIU disconnecting from the facility. A second NIU is detected connecting to the facility. The second NIU has an identification code associated therewith. The identification code of the second NIU is compared with the identification code of the first NIU.

Abstract: One embodiment is a method for establishing a link between a source device and a sink device. The method comprises enabling a hot plug detect (HPD) handler in the source device, utilizing the HPD handler to receive an HPD interrupt upon the sink device being coupled to the source device, applying one or more predetermined parameters corresponding to the HPD interrupt to establish the link between the source device and the sink device, and adjusting the one or more predetermined parameters if the link between the source device and the sink device is not established.

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 master-slave communication circuit includes a master device, a number of slave devices, and a bus providing communication channels between the master device and the slave devices. Each slave device includes an identification (ID) address setting unit, a plug-in detecting pin, and a plug-out detecting pin. The identification (ID) address setting unit is connected to the bus to receive an ID address setting signal transferred from the master device, and set an ID address to the corresponding slave device. The master sets the ID addresses of the slave devices according to voltage levels of the plug-in detecting pin and the plug-out detecting pin, to make the ID addresses of the slave devices connected to the bus are different.

Abstract: Described are systems that employ configurable on-die termination elements that allow users to select from two or more termination topologies. One topology is programmable to support rail-to-rail or half-supply termination. Another topology selectively includes fixed or variable filter elements, thereby allowing the termination characteristics to be tuned for different levels of speed performance and power consumption. Termination voltages and impedances might also be adjusted.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for displaying enabling the transmission, formatting, and display of multimedia data after a hot plug event during a start-up dead period. In particular, approaches for transmission, formatting, and display of multimedia data in the absence or non-operation of a hot plug detect system or signal, so that multimedia information can be displayed in a proper format even during the dead period when no hot plug detect signal is received.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed herein for maintaining an inventory of assets located at an insured property covered under an insurance policy based on data received from IP-addressable devices located at the property. The system includes an inventory database for storing inventory information about assets located at an insured property, a communication interface for receiving registration and operational data associated with an IP-addressable device, and a business logic computer. The business logic computer creates a data structure for storing inventory information about assets located at the insured property in the inventory database for each insured property. The business logic computer determines, for the insured property, the inventory information about the insured property's assets based on registration and operational data received from its IP-addressable devices located at the property.

Abstract: The portable computer includes a PCIe controller, a DisplayPort connector, and a combination switch. The DisplayPort connector includes a hot plug pin. The combination switch is connected between the PCIe controller and the DisplayPort connector. The combination switch includes a selecting pin electronically connected to the hot plug pin. When the DisplayPort connector is electronically coupled to a discrete graphics card using PCIe, the hot plug pin sends a hot plug voltage signal to the selecting pin, and the combination switch electronically connects the DisplayPort connector to the PCIe controller after receiving the signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a Hot Plug Detect (HPD) function in a portable terminal using High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) are provided. The apparatus includes an HPD unit for generating an HPD signal using an operation voltage of a first modem upon connecting to a display apparatus through an HDMI cable, the first modem for enabling a second modem upon detecting the HPD signal, and the second modem for outputting video data upon being enabled by the first modem.

Abstract: An interface card with extensible input/output interface used for being inserted into a slot of a mainboard and for transmitting a bus signal to a remote backplane having a plurality of input/output interfaces, including a repeater, a serializer, a processor, and an interface unit is disclosed. The repeater is used for enhancing the bus signal. The serializer is connected to the repeater and is used for serializing the bus signal. The processor is connected to both the repeater and the serializer and is used for monitoring the transmission of the bus signal and for compensating the bus signal. The interface unit is connected to both the repeater and the serializer and is used for transmitting the serialized bus signal to the remote backplane.

Abstract: A computer software system is disclosed for facilitating a user's replacement or insertion of devices in a computer server network system. The system allows a user to swap or add peripheral devices while the system is running, or in a “hot” condition, with little or no user knowledge of how the system carries out the “hot swap” or “hot add” functions. The system, which consists of a graphical user interface (GUI) and associated computer software modules, allows the user to select a desired peripheral device location within a server, and then provides the modular software structure to automatically execute a series of steps in the hot swap or hot add process. Each step is prompted by the user from the GUI, to invoke commands to instruct a network server through its operating system and hardware to suspend the appropriate device adapters, if necessary, power down the desired device slot or canister, allow the user to replace or insert a new device, and finally restart the adapters and the slot power.

Abstract: A data storage device (DSD) tester for testing a DSD is disclosed. The DSD tester comprises a plurality of bays, a screen, and control circuitry operable to detect when a first DSD has been inserted into a first bay. Independent of operator input, a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the screen is automatically updated to reflect the first DSD has been inserted into the first bay. Independent of operator input, a DSD test is automatically executed on the first DSD. When the first DSD is removed from the first bay, independent of operator input, the GUI is automatically updated to reflect the first DSD has been removed from the first bay.

Abstract: A network adapter for plugging into a host computer is provided. The network adapter may include an internal memory and connection means for connecting the host computer to a communications network. The network adapter may include resident application software stored in the network adapter's internal memory, whereby the resident application software automatically activates when the network adapter is plugged into the host computer.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for encoding a set of configuration data for a given expander and at some later point comparing the configuration data to a discovered configuration derived from an attempt to discover the operability of each phy or connection point of the storage system. The configuration identifies the phys or connection points that are operable and the mapping of operable connection points to wide ports communicatively of an expander.

Abstract: In an information system, for I/O migration, the migration management module detects a first I/O function associated with a first I/O device to which the OS is connected, selects a second I/O function associated with a second I/O device which is the same type of the first I/O device, and instructs to hot-add the second I/O function to the OS. And the OS sets a teaming for a first virtual MAC address of a first virtual NIC corresponding to the first I/O function and a second virtual MAC address of a second virtual NIC corresponding to the second I/O function, and disconnects the first virtual MAC address of the first virtual NIC corresponding to the first I/O function.

Abstract: A host chipset heartbeat may be utilized, in some embodiments, to handle interrupts from external devices on a power efficient basis. The availability of the host chipset heartbeat may be signaled to external devices and those external devices may time their activities to a period of time when not only are resources available, but the assertion of the activity is advantageous because the host chipset is already transitioning from a lower power consumption state.

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 device list is created for an operating system and/or a virtualized operating system. A bus node is created for each bus. Interface nodes are created as child nodes of the respective bus and a status indicator indicates whether a device connected to the interface is accessible. A device node is created for the device connected to the interface. Virtualized interface nodes are created as child nodes of the device node for each virtual device included in the device and a status indicator indicates whether the respective virtual device is accessible. Then, devices and/or virtual devices may be added and/or removed utilizing the list. After a device and/or virtualized device has been removed for one operating system and/or virtualized operating system, it may then be added to another. In this way, devices and/or virtualized devices can be virtually hot plugged without physically connecting and/or disconnecting devices.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for IEEE 1394 interface includes an IEEE 1394 interface control chip, an interface circuit, and a power circuit. The IEEE 1394 interface control chip outputs transmission protocol signals. The interface circuit is electrically connected to the IEEE 1394 interface control chip by a number of differential signal transmission lines. The interface circuit receives the transmission protocol signals and exchanges data with a peripheral device according to the received transmission protocol signals. The power circuit has a voltage decreasing circuit and provides working voltage to the interface circuit. The voltage decreasing circuit receives a DC voltage and converts the received DC voltage to the working voltage.

Abstract: An adapter apparatus has a function of determining the type of a memory card, by communicating with the memory card at plural communication speeds and determining whether or not there is a response therefrom. A communication speed setting unit has a function of setting plural communication speeds for communication with the memory card, and a response determining unit determines whether or not there is a response to a type determination signal. A type determining unit determines the type of the memory card based on the communication speed set by the communication speed setting unit and whether or not there is a response to the type determination signal sent at the communication speed.

Abstract: A module is provided for installation in a drive bay of a computer and is adapted to accommodate expansion circuitry rather than the electromechanical devices conventionally installed in drive bays. A system interface board is provided for insertion into an expansion socket on the computer's motherboard and is connected to the module, thus interfacing the expansion circuitry to the computer. The expansion circuitry can be greater in volume and is more accessible and more easily cooled than expansion circuitry installed in expansion sockets on the motherboard.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a computer that includes a carrier board having a board management controller (BMC), a power supply, and a carrier bus. The method includes coupling a module to the carrier board, determining, by the carrier board, a type of the module, and providing power to the module based on the module type such that a voltage component of the power is one of a first voltage and a second voltage that is different than the first voltage.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an information processing apparatus includes a main board, an expanded CPU board connector, an external device connector, a detection unit. A first CPU is mounted on the main board. The expanded CPU board connector is disposed on the main board. An expanded CPU board is connectable to the expanded CPU board connector. A second CPU is mounted on the expanded CPU board. The external device connector is disposed on the main board. An external device is connected to the external device connector. The detection unit detects that the expanded CPU board is installed to the expanded CPU board connector. The first CPU controls the information processing apparatus to change a master of control of the information processing apparatus from the first CPU to the second CPU.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises initiating shutdown of network traffic of a line card while the line card is coupled to a connector chassis and exchanging network traffic, the initiating shutdown in response to actuation of a magnetic switch associated with the line card, the magnetic switch being actuated in response to movement of actuating structure that unlocks the line card for removal from the connector chassis; and completing the shutdown of network traffic in the line card prior to permitting complete removal of the line card from the connector chassis.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, system and program products. A mobile computing device determines that the mobile computing device has physically paired with a docking system. Wireless communication between the mobile computing device and the docking system is automatically established in response to said determining that the mobile computing device has physically paired with the docking system. Data that encodes an audio signal is transmitted, by the mobile computing device and to the docking system as part of the wireless communication, so as to cause speakers of the docking system to audibly output the audio signal from the mobile computing device.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, system and program products. A mobile computing device determines that the mobile computing device has physically paired with a docking system. Wireless communication between the mobile computing device and the docking system is automatically established in response to said determining that the mobile computing device has physically paired with the docking system. Data that encodes an audio signal is transmitted, by the mobile computing device and to the docking system as part of the wireless communication, so as to cause speakers of the docking system to audibly output the audio signal from the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A method of improving memory power efficiency is disclosed. The method includes the following steps: a ground pin of a memory socket connecting to a power source, the ground pin is connected to a controller; the ground pin outputting a high level signal to the controller when the memory socket is without a memory component; and the controller sending an off-command to a regulator to cut off a supplying power to the memory socket after the controller receives the high level signal.

Abstract: An I/O adapter is installed in a slot in a computer system. Online deletion of the I/O adapter is achieved by a three step process, in which a device driver that controls the adapter first attempts to quiesce the adapter, the slot is then powered off, if it is possible to do so, and finally, if the quiesce operation was successful or the slot is powered off, the driver completes the delete operation by unmapping buffers and cleaning up datastructures associated with the device driver.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products. A mobile computing device is determined to have electrically coupled by physical contact with a docking system that is adapted to supply electrical power for charging the mobile computing device. The docking system is determined to be a first type of docking system from a plurality of types of docking systems. A first user interface profile that corresponds to the first type of docking system is selected from among a plurality of user interface profiles. Each of the plurality of user interface profiles corresponds to a respective type of docking system from the plurality of types of docking systems. The first user interface profile is presented by the mobile computing device in response to selection of the first user interface profile.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products. A mobile computing device is determined to have electrically coupled by physical contact with a docking system that is adapted to supply electrical power for charging the mobile computing device. The docking system is determined to be a first type of docking system from a plurality of types of docking systems. A first user interface profile that corresponds to the first type of docking system is selected from among a plurality of user interface profiles. Each of the plurality of user interface profiles corresponds to a respective type of docking system from the plurality of types of docking systems. The first user interface profile is presented by the mobile computing device in response to selection of the first user interface profile.

Abstract: A modular card issuance system comprises a plurality of sequentially ordered modules configured such that each module is in electrical communication with its adjacent modules. This system also comprises a main controller that is in electrical communication with each of the modules. Upon power-up of the system and without assistance from the main controller, each module determines its own identity, its relative position among the plurality of modules and the total number of modules in the system. This information is then reported to the main controller upon request from the main controller.

Abstract: An interface monitoring device can be used with at least one differential interface port with a positive and a negative data line for connecting a peripheral device. The interface monitoring device has a monitoring circuit and a deactivation circuit. The monitoring circuit is designed to monitor at least one signal level dependent on the signal level of the positive and/or the negative data line and the deactivation circuit is designed to stop data traffic via the positive and/or the negative data line of the at least one interface port.

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 waits for a synchronization point sequence. Upon detecting the synchronization point sequence, the second remote device implements a predetermined feature set and synchronizes itself to the state diagram at a common point as the host device and first remote device.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a main body and a panel unit removable from the main body. The electronic apparatus also includes an attachment unit in the panel unit that indirectly attaches a removable memory device to the main body through the panel unit. The main body includes a control unit that logically disconnects a data line logically connecting the removable memory device to the main body through the attachment unit, upon an operation before a power line electrically connecting the removable memory device to the main body through the attachment unit is physically disconnected.

Abstract: A method for controlling icon display corresponding to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Mass Storage is provided. The USB Mass Storage is electrically connected to a USB port of a personal computer. The method includes: when it is detected that there is nothing inserted into any memory card slot of the USB Mass Storage, preventing the USB Mass Storage from triggering a specific icon to be displayed, wherein the specific icon is selectively utilized for indicating that at least one USB device is electrically connected to the personal computer; and when it is detected that a memory card is inserted into any of at least one memory card slot of the USB Mass Storage, allowing the specific icon to be displayed. An associated personal computer and a storage medium storing an associated USB Mass Storage driver for controlling icon display corresponding to the USB Mass Storage are further provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus include a program for performing a process concerning image formation by using a hardware resource, and a slot which a recording medium is inserted into and removed from. A status monitoring part monitors whether or not a recording medium is inserted or removed; a recording medium starting part starts the recording medium inserted into said slot into a state in which said recording medium is assessable; and a program starting part reads a program from said recording medium started into the accessible state, and starting said program.

Abstract: A computer software system is disclosed for facilitating a user's replacement or insertion of devices in a computer server network system. The system allows a user to swap or add peripheral devices while the system is running, or in a “hot” condition, with little or no user knowledge of how the system carries out the “hot swap” or “hot add” functions. The system, which consists of a graphical user interface (GUI) and associated computer software modules, allows the user to select a desired peripheral device location within a server, and then provides the modular software structure to automatically execute a series of steps in the hot swap or hot add process. Each step is prompted by the user from the GUI, to invoke commands to instruct a network server through its operating system and hardware to suspend the appropriate device adapters, if necessary, power down the desired device slot or canister, allow the user to replace or insert a new device, and finally restart the adapters and the slot power.

Abstract: The method for reconfiguring an information processing apparatus includes: transmitting, by the system management unit, a register setting request to set a register included in the control unit to a predetermined value to all of the system boards within the information processing apparatus, when a system board is added to or removed from any of the partitions; setting, by the system board that receives the register setting request, a register of a control unit of the local system board to the predetermined value, if a partition to which the local system board belongs includes the system board to be added or removed; and ignoring, by the system board that receives the register setting request, the register setting request if the partition to which the local system board belongs does not include the system board to be added or removed.

Abstract: A programmable input/output circuit includes a programmable output circuit configured to drive an output signal to an input/output pad at a plurality of voltages. The programmable input/output circuit further includes a programmable input configured to detect an input signal from the input/output pad at a plurality of voltages. The voltage levels of the input and output circuits may be independently and dynamically controllable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an activation method, and a program which allow activation to be performed more quickly so as to enter a state according to a user's operation. A host CPU (11) causes a state to transition to an initial state, which is an initial state of a working state and in which execution of application processing is inhibited, before entering a suspend state. An embedded controller (33) acquires from an input unit (11) a signal indicating an activating factor that serves as an activation trigger. When activating from the suspend state, the host CPU (11) executes return processing to the initial state, and upon returning to the initial state by activation, causes a state to transition to an application execution state in which the application processing according to the activating factor is executed. The present invention can be applied to a digital still camera.

Abstract: A quick port-switching method and associated apparatus are provided. A quick port-switching display control circuit includes a display controller, a first TMDS port, a second TMDS port and an analog video port. The display controller has a first GPIO pin and a second GPIO pin. The first TMDS port, second TMDS port and analog video port are coupled to the display controller for receiving a first TMDS input, a second TMDS input and an analog video signal, respectively. The first TMDS input and second TMDS input include a first hot-plugging signal and a second hot-plugging signal to be received by the first GPIO pin and second GPIO pin, respectively. The display controller determines whether the first TMDS input is valid by detecting whether the first hot-plugging signal is asserted, and determines whether the second TMDS input is valid by detecting whether the second hot-plugging signal is asserted.