Abstract: A method and system for testing a modular data-processing component. Register information associated with a modular data-processing component to be tested at a test location can be identified and stored. The modular data-processing component can then be tested and removed from said test location. Thereafter, the register information can be retrieved and provided for use with testing of a new data-processing component at said test location without losing said register information during testing of multiple modular data-processing components. The register information can be, for example, PCI configuration data and the modular data-processing component can be an HAB.

Abstract: A portable computer adapted for electrical connection to a docking station having multiple power modes of operation is described. The portable computer has one or more CPU chips which have at least two power modes of operation, a low power mode and a high power mode. When the portable computer is operated as a stand-alone computer, it operates in the low power mode. When the portable computer is operated while electrically connected to the docking station, it operates in a high power mode. The docking station has greater cooling capacity than the portable computer alone to provide enhanced cooling of the high power mode of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a plug and play function, a digital image processing system using the same, and a method thereof are provided. The apparatus includes: a device searching module for searching a connected device; a connection state analyzing module for determining whether the searched device is previously connected by comparing the type of device and a previous connection state; a storing unit for storing information about the type and the previous connection state; an information managing module for searching detail information of data stored in the connected device; a reproducing function verifying module for determining whether the data stored in the connected external device is processable; and a plug and play module for displaying the determination result and a selection menu for controlling the connected device to perform a target function according to a user's input.

Abstract: A portable computer adapted for electrical connection to a docking station having multiple power modes of operation is described. The portable computer has one or more CPU chips which have at least two power modes of operation, a low power mode and a high power mode. When the portable computer is operated as a stand-alone computer, it operates in the low power mode. When the portable computer is operated while electrically connected to the docking station, it operates in a high power mode. The docking station has greater cooling capacity than the portable computer alone to provide enhanced cooling of the high power mode of operation.

Abstract: A docking apparatus for a portable communications device includes a cradle adapted to receive and hold a portable communications device, a memory card slot adapted to receive an erasable nonvolatile memory card, and circuitry configured to synchronize private user data stored in a memory of the portable communications device with private user data stored in the erasable nonvolatile memory card. The private user data is synchronized when the portable communications device is being held in the cradle of the portable communications device and after the erasable nonvolatile memory card is inserted in the memory card slot of the docking apparatus.

Abstract: A portable computer adapted for electrical connection to a docking station having multiple power modes of operation is described. The portable computer has one or more CPU chips which have at least two power modes of operation, a low power mode and a high power mode. When the portable computer is operated as a stand-alone computer, it operates in the low power mode. When the portable computer is operated while electrically connected to the docking station, it operates in a high power mode. The docking station has greater cooling capacity than the portable computer alone to provide enhanced cooling of the high power mode of operation.

Abstract: A server system includes a plurality of printed circuit assemblies including at least one host processor card. A management card is coupled to the plurality of printed circuit assemblies. The management card is dedicated to monitoring and managing operation of the server system, including monitoring and managing on-line insertion and removal of the printed circuit assemblies in a compact peripheral component interconnect (cPCI) server system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a display apparatus is provided with a support base including an upright wall and a support wall projecting horizontally from the upright wall, a holder holding a read/write device, a mounting member including a first portion opposed to the holder from above and a second portion horizontally opposed to the upright wall, a first elastic member interposed between the support wall and the holder, a second elastic member interposed between the first portion of the mounting member and the holder, and a fastening member fixing the second portion of the mounting member to the upright wall in a direction perpendicular to a back surface of a display panel. The first elastic member is pressed toward the support wall by a weight of the read/write device.

Abstract: A portable information handling system powered through a docking station charges an internal battery based on available power sensed at the docking station and communicated to a charger of the information handling system. A dock sensor on the information handling system selectively interfaces a local power sensor if the information handling system is not docked or a docking station sensor if the information handling system is docked. Available power sensed at the docking station is communicated to a battery charger of the information handling system by a differential wire pair interfaced through a docking connector.

Abstract: A docking station, serving as a digital hub and cable management platform, support a laptop computer (42) in an upright position with the laptop screen (43) in a comfortable viewing position relative to the working position of the user. The laptop (42) is positioned in an upright slot (4) in the docking station, with the connection ports easily seen and accessed. The surface of the laptop slot (4) is lined with non-slip surface (3) to ease insertion and control of the laptop (42) as it is lowered into the slot (4). An adjustable front cover (15) defining the front boundary of the slot (4) covers the keyboard of the mobile computer (42) so that the user does not need to view two keyboards, and the appearance of the docked laptop (42) is clean and aesthetic. Wireless data and power transmission into the laptop (42) is provided while the laptop (42) is in the slot (4) so that the laptop (42) can be used in the docking station without a need for cable connections (45, 46) at all.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus and a method for controlling operations of low sound output in an audio system. Embodiments of an apparatus and a method for controlling an operation of an audio woofer in a machine provided with an audio system such as a portable computer can operate using at least one or more information of an audio data type, an audio signal, an audio channel number and a power source. Therefore, it is possible to accurately select and listen to an audio of a high-pass component only by stopping operations of a low-pass component for an audio as reproduced. In addition, embodiments of the present invention can extend a time for using a battery by controlling operations of a woofer, when using the battery power.

Abstract: A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a single docking station and a plurality of inserts that are placed in the docking station so that the docking station can accommodate hand held devices with differing sizes and shapes. The docking system is configured with a docking station and insert that matingly engage with one another via a rotating action. The docking system is also configured with a latching retention mechanism that secures the insert to the docking station when the insert is rotated into engagement with the docking station.

Abstract: A portable computer adapted for electrical connection to a docking station having multiple power modes of operation is described. The portable computer has one or more CPU chips which have at least two power modes of operation, a low power mode and a high power mode. When the portable computer is operated as a stand-alone computer, it operates in the low power mode. When the portable computer is operated while electrically connected to the docking station, it operates in a high power mode. The docking station has greater cooling capacity than the portable computer alone to provide enhanced cooling of the high power mode of operation.

Abstract: A portable computer adapted for electrical connection to a docking station having multiple power modes of operation is described. The portable computer has one or more CPU chips which have at least two power modes of operation, a low power mode and a high power mode. When the portable computer is operated as a stand-alone computer, it operates in the low power mode. When the portable computer is operated while electrically connected to the docking station, it operates in a high power mode. The docking station has greater cooling capacity than the portable computer alone to provide enhanced cooling of the high power mode of operation.

Abstract: An expansion interface module having protection circuit disposed on a front-side case panel and electrically connected to a main board. The expansion interface module includes a circuit board, a plurality of connectors, a protective element, and a connecting port. The connectors, protective element and the connecting port are electrically connected to the circuit board. The protective element is a semiconductor element. The protective element and the circuit board form a protection integrated circuit. One side of the main board is connected to a bus line. The bus line is inserted in the connecting port to provide electrical connection between the circuit board and the main board. Through this configuration, when an external device experiences abnormal operations, the protective element of the expansion interface module shields the resulting over current and signal spikes from entering and damaging the main board.

Abstract: In one aspect the present disclosure is directed to a media system having a base unit and a portable media player. The base unit may be adapted to playback and record media content being received from an external media source. The base unit may further be adapted to analyze the media content and to automatically extract therefrom, without intervention by a user of the system, intermittent, designated portions of the media content as the media content is received by the base unit, and to store the designated portions of the media content as media files for subsequent playback. The portable media player may be docked to the base unit so that stored media files from the base unit may be uploaded to the portable media player.

Abstract: Use of a control unit with PCI bus and SCSI bus with program equipment for the electronic semiconductor disk of a computing system. The electronic semiconductor disk includes a processor and semiconductor memory, selected from a group comprising dynamic memory, synchronous dynamic memory, static memory and flash type memory. A computing system with electronic semiconductor disk with processor, where this processor is connected by a PCI bus to a PCI adapter, which is linked through the PCI bus to a semiconductor memory, connected by the local bus to a processor. The PCI adapter comprises a unit of the programmable SCSI control unit, connected both to the interface of the PCI bus for communicating with the electronic semiconductor disk, and to the interface of the SCSI bus for communicating with the external computing system with the SCSI control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for docking of a mobile device supporting a docking station are provided. The apparatus includes a connection detector, an undock execution unit, and a hotdock execution unit. The connection detector performs a function for transitioning to a hotdock mode. The undock execution unit performs a function for transitioning from the hotdock mode to an undock mode. The hotdock execution unit performs a function for transitioning from the undock mode to the hotdock mode.

Abstract: A portable computer adapted for electrical connection to a docking station having multiple power modes of operation is described. The portable computer has one or more CPU chips which have at least two power modes of operation, a low power mode and a high power mode. When the portable computer is operated as a stand-alone computer, it operates in the low power mode. When the portable computer is operated while electrically connected to the docking station, it operates in a high power mode. The docking station has greater cooling capacity than the portable computer alone to provide enhanced cooling of the high power mode of operation.

Abstract: A control system comprising an electronic device equipped with a port, a hub being connectable to multiple external devices and to be connected to the port of the electronic device, and one or more external devices to be connected to the hub, the operation of the external devices connected via the hub being controlled using the electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises a supplying section for supplying currents to the hub connected to the port and the external devices connected via the hub, and a storage section for storing the magnitude of the total current supplied from the supplying section.

Abstract: An FM transmitter accessory for a digital music player having a display screen uses a microprocessor to create image files that are transferred to the digital music player such that they are displayed on its screen. When a user input on the accessory is manipulated on the accessory to select a transmission frequency for the FM transmitter, the microcontroller generates a new image file that corresponds to the selected frequency and transfers the generated image file to the digital music player such that the selected frequency is displayed on the screen of the digital music player. In addition, by constantly generating new displays based upon user inputs, the accessory can display menus on the screen of the digital music player that can be manipulated by user to select between a number of displayed options.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device (10) for providing predetermined functions for a user (1) of the device, with a man-machine interface of the device for allowing function-related inputs by the user and function-related outputs from the device, a processor-controlled computer device for processing the inputs of the user and generating the outputs from the device, and coupling means for the electrical and/or mechanical connection of the device to a device support (14) associated with the device. To achieve simpler operation and a wider scope of application for such a device, provision is made according to the invention for the device to have means of detection for detecting the presence of a connection of the device (10) to the device support (14), and for the processor-controlled computer device to effect a modification of the man-machine interface (12) in the presence of the connection.

Abstract: A smart docking system is provided by a portable electronic device that is adapted to dock with a media player shuttle. When docked, the media player shuttle adds the capability for rendering media content that is stored on the shuttle to the native functionality that is supported by the portable electronic device. The native functionality may vary, and may include that provided by a digital camera or handheld game device, for example. The media player shuttle includes storage for media content such as audio and video and a digital media processing system, but does not include a display screen or user controls. Instead, the display screen and user controls are provided by the portable electronic device when the shuttle is docked.

Abstract: Methods, system and computer program products for detection of frequent improper removals of and changing writing policies to prevent data loss in memory sticks. Exemplary embodiments include a method including detecting insertions of the memory stick, detecting removals of the memory stick, tracking a number of times the memory stick has been docked when removed, tracking a number of times the memory stick has been undocked when removed, determining a removal ratio of times the memory has been removed when docked to the number of times the memory stick has been removed when undocked, comparing the removal ratio to a predetermined threshold, caching writes and directory updates, and committing the writes and directory updates to the memory stick when the removal ratio is below the predetermined threshold and, flushing all writes and updates to the memory stick when in the removal ratio is equal to or above the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An expandable system for mobile navigation facilitates a modular implementation of structural units to add desired functionality to a base navigation device. The system is embodied as a handheld mobile navigation device in one arrangement, including a base unit housing containing circuitry for determining a geographic location of the navigation device and a module unit housing containing circuitry for delivering additional functional activity. In particular, the base unit housing includes a primary interface for interconnecting with a secondary interface of the module unit housing, to enable signals generated or handled by a circuitry component of the module unit to be relayed to the circuitry of the base unit housing. Additionally, the module unit housing is configured to be releasably attached directly with the base unit housing upon the primary interface and secondary interface interconnecting with one another, to form the mobile navigation device as a physically connected package.

Abstract: It has been proposed in the past to provide a series of different cordless appliances, any one of which will fit onto a docking station or base unit from which power is supplied. The invention provides a data connection (4, 12) between the base unit (1) and the cordless appliance (9) so that the base unit (1) knows what appliance is currently in use. This allows a control system (12) to be fitted in the base unit (1) that is sufficiently sophisticated to be able to control any of the cordless units, the identity of the unit (9) currently in use, and therefore the way in which it is to be controlled, being derived via the data connection (4, 12).

Abstract: This invention is to provide a half-sized PCI CPU card and a computer device having the capability of PCIe expansion, wherein the half-sized PCI CPU card comprises a PCI golden finger and a PCIe golden finger aligned at an edge of the half-sized PCI CPU card so that the half-sized PCI CPU card may be inserted by means of the golden fingers into corresponding PCI and PCIe slots provided on a backplane of the computer device, enabling the half-sized PCI CPU card to utilize the hot pull-plug and high transmission properties of the PCIe bus and communicate with a PCIe bus compatible peripheral inserted into the back plane.

Abstract: A device and method are provided that generate an early warning disconnect signal from an electrical connector supplying external power to a connected device. The connected device includes an early warning disconnect power management circuit, operational to generate power consumption control information in response to generation of the early warning disconnect signal from the electrical connector. In one example, the electrical connector includes a lock release mechanism and a signaling mechanism, the signaling mechanism is operationally coupled with the lock release mechanism and configured to generate the early warning disconnect signal from the electrical connector to the connected device prior to the lock release mechanism being in an unlocked state.

Abstract: Described herein is a point-to-point memory communications architecture, having a point-to-point signal line set associated with each of a plurality of connectors or module positions. When the system is fully populated, there is a one-to-one correspondence between signal line sets and memory modules. In systems that are not fully populated, the system is configurable to use a plurality of the signal line sets for a single memory module.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system for use with a core module for diagnostic ultrasound, the system comprising at least one core module having a housing, system electronics package and a I/O port and one or more docking station(s) in electronic communication with a plurality of peripheral devices, the docking station capable of releasable connection to the core module. The invention further details the individual modular components of the system, being a receptacle connector, a docking station, a multiple transducer adaptor and a mobile docking station.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing dismount time for a peripheral device connected to an external host device are presented. Instead of waiting for a dismount procedure to complete, a reply message indicating that dismount operations have been completed is sent to the external host device. This triggers a message from the external host device that the peripheral device is ready to be safely removed. The peripheral device completes the dismount operations including cache and memory cleanup after the reply message indicating that dismount operations have been completed is sent to the external host device. The dismount operations may be completed under battery power if necessary. This enables quicker unplugging of the peripheral device from the external host device and can allow the peripheral device to transition from a first mode into a second mode faster.

Abstract: A child monitoring system includes a transmitter configured to capture information and transmit a signal indicative of the captured information, and a receiver configured to receive the signal and to generate an output in accordance with the captured information. The receiver includes a portable unit and a docking station configured to engage the portable unit. The receiver includes a detector configured to determine whether the portable unit and the docking station are engaged. The receiver includes a processor configured to control generation of the output in accordance with whether the portable unit and the docking station are engaged.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hot swappable power supply device comprises power supply circuitry for receiving input power at a first voltage and for providing output power to a voltage bus at a second voltage, a latch element that selectively mechanically couples the power supply device to an external frame structure, and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit responds to a power down signal by powering down the power supply circuitry and releasing mechanical coupling to the external frame structure by the latch element after energy has been substantially dissipated from the power supply circuitry.

Abstract: A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device.

Abstract: A computing system having expansion modules. One of the expansion modules is identified as a master module. The other modules act as slaves to the master module. The central processing unit routes a task to either the master module for portioning out or to all of the expansion modules. The master module then receives completion signals from all of the active slave modules and then provides only one interrupt to the central processing unit for that task.

Abstract: A data key, for use with a programmable food service device, comprises: an insertion portion, for insertion into a key aperture in the programmable food service device; a data memory for storing data relating to the operation of the programmable food service device; and a data connection portion for connecting directly with a data port on a computer, to allow the computer to access the data memory.

Abstract: A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a single docking station and a plurality of inserts that are placed in the docking station so that the docking station can accommodate hand held devices with differing sizes and shapes. The docking system is configured with a docking station and insert that matingly engage with one another via a rotating action. The docking system is also configured with a latching retention mechanism that secures the insert to the docking station when the insert is rotated into engagement with the docking station.

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: A universal serial bus (USB) device is comprised of a receiver for receiving signals from a USB host through data lines, and a pull-up resistor circuit connecting pull-up resistors to data lines in response to control signals. The pull-up resistor circuit selectively connects a plurality of pull-up resistors with a data line in response to control signals. The pull-up resistor circuit controls a number of the plurality of pull-up resistors connected with the data line to cause a voltage level of the signal to be lower than a threshold voltage when the USB host resets the USB device.

Abstract: An IC includes a processing module, on-chip memory, one or more block input/output (I/O) interfaces for coupling to one or more off-chip block I/O devices, one or more character I/O interfaces for coupling to one or more off-chip character I/O devices when active, a main memory interface for coupling to off-chip main memory, a baseband processing module, an RF section, a processing module interface, and an IC bus structure. The processing module interface couples the processing module to an off-chip connection structure, wherein, when a handheld computing unit that includes the IC is docked to an extended computing unit, the off-chip connection structure couples the handheld computing unit to the extended computing unit such that the IC is in a docked mode.

Abstract: A full-size keyboard with an integrated laptop stand. In one embodiment, the laptop stand is part of a cover for a portable keyboard, with the cover unfolding and including a pop-up stand for supporting a portable computer. The stand is thus connected to the keyboard rather than being a separate article. The cover includes electronics, such as a USB hub and ports, an MP3 player docking station, speakers, etc. A flexible hinge connects the keyboard and cover, with imbedded electrical flex connectors. A presence sensor, such as a PIR sensor, shuts off battery use by these electronics when the user is not around.

Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for automatically switching a computer system between multiple display profiles in response to a system event, such as a hardware event. The present technique detects the system event, identifies the hardware configuration of the computer system, and automatically reconfigures the computer system to accommodate the hardware configuration in real-time. The system event may be a physical rotation of a display between landscape and portrait orientations or between viewing and writing orientations. The system event also may be a physical docking or undocking of a first computing device with a second device in a variety of mounting positions. Any suitable sensor, switch, or hardware/software detection mechanism may be used for the foregoing event detection.

Abstract: A method for configuring or reconfiguring an automation device and an automation device suitable for a configuration or a reconfiguration are provided. The automation device has a programmable controller (14) with a CPU unit (14a) and decentralized peripheral devices (16, 17, 18). In this method and automation device, newly supplied configuration data can be evaluated for changes in the hardware configuration and can be integrated during a configuration or a reconfiguration interval (21) without the automation device having to switch to a STOP mode. As a result, it is not necessary for centralized and/or decentralized peripheral modules to adopt a controlled (safe) state, which means that control can be resumed immediately after the reconfiguration.

Abstract: A method for a portable media player to control power provided an accessory is disclosed. The method includes requesting information about the power capabilities of the accessory by the portable media player. The method further includes providing information about the power capabilities of the accessory by the accessory to the portable media player, and utilizing the information to set the power of the accessory. A method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a system that allows a portable media player to obtain information from an accessory concerning its power requirements. A portable media player can then utilize the power requirements information to allow for the powering of the accessory when connected to the portable media player.

Abstract: A wireless power adapter that mounts to the docking station port of a portable computer, such as a laptop computer, notebook computer or tablet computer. The wireless power adapter includes a docking port electrical connector selected to interface with the pre-existing docking port electrical connector on the portable computer. The adapter docking port electrical connector includes power pins to connect with the pre-existing power pins of the portable computer docking port electrical connector. The wireless power adapter may include an inductive secondary to wirelessly receive power from an inductive primary. The wireless power adapter may include a mechanical connector that interfaces with the pre-existing docking station mechanical connector on the portable computer. The present invention may also include a remote inductive power supply having a base adapted to support the laptop and adapter combination.

Abstract: A circuit board is used in common for the first electronic apparatus as the first configuration and for the second electronic apparatus as the second configuration, and the circuit board includes an area which is used in common for installing the first electronic device in installing the circuit board into the first electronic apparatus, and for installing the second electronic device in installing the circuit board into the second electronic apparatus, wherein the first electronic device is used only for the first electronic apparatus, and the second electronic device is used only for the second electronic apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an adapter unit for a personal digital assistant. More specifically, this invention relates to an adapter unit that provides additional functionality, and improved ergonomics and increased ruggedness to the personal digital assistant. The additional functionality includes the ability to automatically change the function of one or more of the application buttons on the personal digital assistant upon the attachment of the adapter unit.

Abstract: A personal speaker system has one or more speakers, a wireless transceiver, and a detachable user control interface, the user control interface including a digital music player, a graphics display, and a digital medium executing software code for enabling configuration and control of system functions by a user.

Abstract: A switch having integrated connectors for connecting to computers has a casing, multiple peripheral ports, at least two integrated connectors and a switch unit. The peripheral ports are mounted on the casing and are for connecting respectively to multiple corresponding peripheral devices. Each integrated connector is a peripheral component interconnect express type connector and is for connecting one-to-one to a corresponding computer. The switch unit is mounted in the casing and is connected between the integrated connectors and the peripheral ports to allow a user to select one computer to be connected to the peripheral devices at a time.

Abstract: A docking station includes a port with a corresponding status indicator.