Via Common Units And Peripheral-specific Units Patents (Class 710/64)
  • Patent number: 8176224
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a communication bus having a physical layer for interacting with a peripheral device. The physical layer is configured to be adjacent to a link layer on the peripheral device. The electronic device further includes a connector at a junction of the physical layer and the link layer. Communication through the communication bus is maintained through the physical layer when the link layer of the peripheral device is disconnected from the physical layer at the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Souders, Jamal Haque
  • Patent number: 8171176
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a SAS controller device that abstract access from one or more virtual machines operating on a host system to SAS physical devices connected to the SAS controller without a routing table for port-to-port messaging on the SAS controller. An embodiment may create a virtual expander for each physical port of the SAS controller and further create virtual ports within the virtual expanders to provide abstracted access to SAS physical devices for the virtual machines. The SAS physical devices may be replicated/cloned within the virtual ports. Each replicated/cloned SAS physical device may be assigned a unique SAS address for the SAS controller (i.e., unique for the SAS controller such that other replicates/clones on other virtual ports have a different SAS address).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventors: Sayantan Battacharya, Lawrence J. Rawe, Edoardo Daelli
  • Patent number: 8171194
    Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Clark Schubert, Wang Chun Leung, Gregory T. Lydon, Scott Krueger, Paul Phillip Holden, John Archibald, Lawrence G. Bolton, Donald J. Novotney, John Benjamin Filson, David Tupman
  • Patent number: 8171195
    Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Clark Schubert, Wang Chun Leung, Gregory T. Lydon, Scott Krueger, Paul Phillip Holden, John Archibald, Lawrence G. Bolton, Donald J. Novotney, John Benjamin Filson, David Tupman
  • Patent number: 8171180
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus is disclosed that is connected to a device and generates data processable by the device based on device information about the device. The information processing apparatus includes a processing content setting unit that specifies, based on the device information, processing content to be executed by the device; a command retrieving unit that, if the processing content specified by the processing content setting unit contains unknown information, retrieves a command corresponding to the unknown information from the device information; and a data generating unit that generates, based on the command retrieved by the command retrieving unit and the processing content, data processable by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akeo Maruyama
  • Patent number: 8166220
    Abstract: A dual-interface connector for providing an interface to a storage device and an interface to a host and for connecting between a storage device and a host includes a storage device interface, for connecting with a storage device, and a host interface, for connecting with a host. A controller is operable in at least two distinct modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the controller enables a session to be opened, by the host, between the storage device and the host when the storage device is connected to the storage device interface and the host is connected to the host interface. In a second mode of operation, the controller is operative, if an open session exists between the storage device and the host, to maintain the open session between the storage device and the host even after the storage device is disconnected from the storage device interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sandisk IL Ltd.
    Inventors: Shai Ben-Yacov, Itzhak Pomerantz, Judah Gamliel Hahn
  • Patent number: 8156268
    Abstract: A multifunction device has a plurality of functions and capable of being connected to a computer via a universal serial bus (USB) interface, the computer having an operating system (OS) installed thereon that recognizes the multifunction device as a device having at least one logic unit capable of transferring data according to a USB-compliant system, at least one of the at least one logic unit being a compound logic unit corresponding to two or more specific functions among the plurality of functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Fumitoshi Uno
  • Patent number: 8140734
    Abstract: A signal switch for sharing a video monitor, a plurality of console devices compliant with an industry standard and one or more than one peripheral device in any of a plurality of computer systems, is provided comprising a CPU with a first memory for storing a management program for managing the signal switch; a hub switch module connected to the CPU and configured to communicate with any of the plurality of computer systems, and the one or more than one peripheral device; a device control module for emulating according to the industry standard the plurality of console devices, connected to the CPU and the hub switch module; a host control module connected to the CPU and configured to communicate with the plurality of console devices; and a video control module connected to the CPU and configured to communicate with a video monitor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Aten Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Lou, Kevin Chen, Sampson Yang
  • Patent number: 8135883
    Abstract: Hub apparatus that supports multiple high speed devices and a super speed device. The hub apparatus may include at least one upstream port for coupling to a host device and at least one downstream port for coupling to at least one downstream device. The hub apparatus may further include an embedded device as well as an internal hub coupled to the upstream port, the embedded device, and the at least one downstream port. The internal hub may be configured to provide a connection between the host device and the embedded device at a first speed (e.g., USB high speed). However, when supported by the host device, the embedded device may communicate with the host device at a higher speed than the first speed (e.g., USB super speed), e.g., without using the internal hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Standard Microsystems Corporation
    Inventors: Morgan H. Monks, Terry R. Altmayer, Satish N. Anand
  • Patent number: 8135891
    Abstract: A method, system, and connector interface for transferring status information between a media player and an accessory. The method includes determining, by the accessory, when a button event occurs; and transmitting, by the accessory, at least one button status command to the media player, where the one or more button status commands comprise a context-specific button status command and at least one command associated with a particular media type. According to the method and system disclosed herein, the media player and accessory may utilize a plurality of commands in a variety of environments such as within a connector interface system environment to facilitate the transfer of status information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Lydon, Lawrence G. Bolton, Emily C. Schubert, Jesse Lee Dorogusker, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
  • Patent number: 8127046
    Abstract: A medical system includes an input assembly for receiving one or more user inputs. The input assembly includes at least one slider assembly for providing an input signal. Processing logic receives the input signal from the input assembly and provides a first output signal and a second output signal. A display assembly is configured to receive, at least in part, the first output signal from the processing logic and render information viewable by the user. The second output signal is provided to one or more medical system components. The information rendered on the display assembly may be manipulatable by the user and at least a portion of the information rendered may be magnified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Kevin L. Grant, Douglas J. Young, Matthew C. Harris
  • Patent number: 8117362
    Abstract: The present invention provides a programmable multi-function adapter for a wireless network that includes a wireless communications module, a control module, a data communications interface and a programmable non-volatile memory. The data communications interface is coupled to the control module, while the programmable non-volatile memory is coupled to the control module and the wireless communications module. The programmable non-volatile memory stores information accessible by the control module and the wireless communications module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: HomeRun Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Yan Rodriguez, Ben Garcia
  • Patent number: 8112563
    Abstract: An arrangement including a first semiconductor chip and a second semiconductor chip connected thereto, where the second semiconductor chip is additionally connected to electrical loads and drives these electrical loads on the basis of a timing which is prescribed to it by load control data, and where the first semiconductor chip transmits to the second semiconductor chip the aforementioned load control data and pilot data which control the second semiconductor chip, and where the second semiconductor chip transmits to the first semiconductor chip diagnostic data which represent states prevailing in the second semiconductor chip or events which occur. The diagnostic data are transmitted via a first transmission channel and the load control data and the pilot data are transmitted via a second transmission channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignees: Infineon Technologies AG, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Barrenscheen, Peter Rohm, Angela Rohm, legal representative, Hannes Estl, Axel Aue, Jens Graf, Herman Roozenbeek
  • Patent number: 8103811
    Abstract: A device such as for example a electronic medical device has a memory that has prestored therein a number of programs or routines for performing various functions. Some of those functions are optional functions that were not enabled when the equipment was put into service. If the user of the equipment desires thereafter to activate any one of those optional functions, an options card that has a number of memory blocks each specifically configured to enable one of the prestored optional functions is sent to the user. The user can then insert the options card into a receptacle integrated into the device and, upon power up of the device, elect a menu for enabling the desired optional function(s) prestored in the device. The options card may be configured to have a count number that indicates the number of devices the card may be used for enabling a particular optional function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Wille
  • Patent number: 8099536
    Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Clark Schubert, Wang Chun Leung, Gregory T. Lydon, Scott Krueger, Paul Phillip Holden, John Archibald, Lawrence G. Bolton, Donald J. Novotney, John Benjamin Filson, David Tupman
  • Patent number: 8095704
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an integrated circuit implementing a storage-shelf router, used in combination with path controller cards and optionally with other storage-shelf routers, to interconnect SATA disks within a storage shelf or disk array to a high-bandwidth communications medium, such as an FC arbitrated loop. When two, four, six, or eight or more storage-shelf routers are used within a storage shelf, and the interconnections between the storage-shelf routers, disk drives, and external communications media are properly designed and configured, the resulting storage shelf constitutes a discrete, highly-available component that may be included in a disk array or in other types of electronic devices. The storage-shelf router features a disk-drive adaptation layer that allows a storage-shelf router to interface to, and manage, any of many different types of disk drives. The disk-drive adaptation layer includes a disk-profile table and associated firmware logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sierra Logic
    Inventors: Joseph H. Steinmetz, Avinash Nidumbur, Randeep S. Sidhu
  • Patent number: 8094330
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided, in which the image forming apparatus includes service modules for performing system side processes on image formation, wherein applications can be added to the image forming apparatus separately from the service modules, and the image forming apparatus includes an application launch part for referring to launch selection information indicating at least a location that stores one or more applications, and launching the one or more applications from the at least a location according to the launch selection information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ohishi, Kohji Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8095716
    Abstract: A method and system for allowing a media player to determine if it supports the capabilities of an accessory are disclosed. The method and system comprise requesting information about the capabilities of the accessory by the media player and providing information about the capabilities of the accessory by the accessory to the media player. The method and system further include utilizing the information to determine if the capabilities of the accessory are supported by the media player. Accordingly, a method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a system that allows a media player to obtain information from an accessory about the accessory's capability. A media player can then utilize this information to allow for the maximum functionality of the accessory when connected to the media player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Holden, Greg Marriott, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
  • Publication number: 20110320652
    Abstract: Access to an input/output adapter by a configuration is controlled. For each requested access to an adapter, checks are made to determine whether the configuration is authorized to access the adapter. If it is not authorized, then access is denied. If it is authorized, but access should be temporarily blocked, then instruction execution is altered to indicate such. If access is permitted, but should be blocked for another reason (other than temporarily), then access is denied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Craddock, Mark S. Farrell, Beth A. Glendening, Thomas A. Gregg, Dan F. Greiner
  • Publication number: 20110320643
    Abstract: A measurement facility is provided for capturing and presenting fine-grained usage information for adapter functions in an input/output subsystem. Adapter specific input/output traffic is tracked on a per function basis and the results are dynamically presented to the user. This information is useful for performance tuning, load balancing and usage based charging, as examples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank W. Brice, JR., David Craddock, Beth A. Glendening, Thomas A. Gregg, Eric N. Lais, Peter K. Szwed, Stephen G. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 8082376
    Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Clark Schubert, Wang Chun Leung, Gregory T. Lydon, Scott Krueger, Paul Phillip Holden, John Archibald, Lawrence G. Bolton, Donald J. Novotney, John Benjamin Filson, David Tupman
  • Patent number: 8078777
    Abstract: A method of managing a network. The method includes receiving an activation key transmitted from a device connected to the network, automatically transmitting a configuration to the device, automatically maintaining the configuration of the device, and receiving log information from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Clearpath Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Staats, Clifford H. Young
  • Patent number: 8051220
    Abstract: A process control system is provided having a plurality of I/O devices in communication using a bus. A primary redundant I/O device and a secondary redundant I/O device are coupled to the bus, where the secondary redundant I/O device is programmed to detect a primary redundant I/O device fault. The secondary redundant I/O device, upon detecting the primary redundant I/O device fault, publishes a primary redundant I/O device fault message on the bus. The controller may deactivate the primary redundant I/O device and activate the secondary redundant I/O device responsive to the primary redundant I/O device fault message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Apel, Steven L. Dienstbier
  • Patent number: 8041859
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for connectivity in networks configured for non-disruptive disconnection of one or more peripheral devices are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first logical layer associated with a first peripheral device, the first peripheral device arranged in a network configured for non-disruptive disconnection of at least one peripheral device, at least a second logical layer associated with at least a second peripheral device, the at least a second peripheral device arranged in the network configured for non-disruptive disconnection of at least one peripheral device, at least one power source associated with the first logical layer and the at least a second logical layer, and a first electrically conductive link coupled to the first logical layer, the at least a second logical layer, and the at least one power source associated with the first logical layer and the at least a second logical layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Honywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Souders, Jamal Haque
  • Patent number: 8037221
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamic allocation of DMA buffers in the DRAM banks of an I/O adaptor. The method and apparatus determine the functional status of the adaptor, allocate critical, volatile DMA buffers in non-critical DRAM banks if the adaptor is fully functional, and allocate critical, volatile DMA buffers in critical DRAM banks if the adaptor is partially functional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Paul Norgaard, Brian Eric Bakke
  • Patent number: 8019907
    Abstract: A memory controller including a dual-mode memory interconnect includes an input/output (I/O) circuit including a plurality of input buffers and a plurality of output drivers. The I/O circuit may be configured to operate in one of a first mode and a second mode dependent upon a state of a mode selection signal. During operation in the first mode, the I/O circuit may be configured to provide a parallel interconnect for connection to one or more memory modules. During operation in the second mode, the I/O circuit may be configured to provide a respective serial interconnect for connection to each of one or more buffer units, each configured to buffer memory data that is being read from or written to the one or more memory modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald R. Talbot
  • Patent number: 8015332
    Abstract: A KVM switch includes: an inputting portion that is capable of inputting a plurality of video signals output from an information processing apparatus; and a transmitting portion that adds the pieces of identification information of the respective corresponding video signals to the plurality of video signals input by the inputting portion, and transmits the plurality of video signals to which the pieces of identification information are added, to a remote terminal via a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventor: Mitsuru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8001304
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Ka Ian Yung, Steven Sprouse, Dhaval Parikh, Nathan Rapaport
  • Patent number: 7996579
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer-code are disclosed where an impending decoupling between a peripheral device and a host is detected. In some embodiments, in response to the detected impending disconnection, a user alert signal is generated. In some embodiments, an ‘onboard detector’ that is associated with housing of the peripheral device and operative to detect the impending disconnection is provided. In some embodiments, the user alert signal is generated in accordance with inter-device data flow between the host and the peripheral device. Exemplary peripheral devices include but are not limited to transient storage devices such as a USB flash drives (UFD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: SanDisk IL Ltd.
    Inventors: Yehuda Hahn, Mordechai Teicher, Itzhak Pomerantz
  • Publication number: 20110191480
    Abstract: A passive cable adaptor for connecting a data source device with a display device is described. The adaptor has a packet-based interface connector at one end, the connector having a positive main link pin, a negative main link pin, a positive auxiliary channel pin, and a negative auxiliary channel pin. At the other end is a micro serial interface connector, wherein multimedia content is transmitted over the cable adaptor and electrical power is supplied over the cable adaptor simultaneously. The cable adaptor has an auxiliary and hot plug detect (HPD) controller utilized to map the auxiliary channel and HPD signals of the packet-based digital display to the micro serial interface ID signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Osamu Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20110191510
    Abstract: A method relating to wireless human interface device (HID) coordination is disclosed. A first human interface device (HID) is wirelessly coupled to two or more computing devices, wherein the first HID is configured to toggle between interactions with each of the two or more computing devices. An inquiry or paging message is broadcast to one or more HIDs, including a second HID wirelessly coupled to the two or more computing devices, wherein the second HID is configured to receive and provide a response to the inquiry or paging message. The second HID is located based on the response to the inquiry or paging message. A wireless link is established between the first HID and the second HID based on the identifying, wherein the first HID is configured to coordinate, via the wireless link, interactions with the two or more computing devices by both the first HID and the second HID based on the toggle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Asif Grushkevich
  • Patent number: 7979600
    Abstract: A multifunction device has a plurality of functions, including at least a data storage function and a function different from the data storage function, and capable of being connected to a computer via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, the multifunction device including: a device data outputting unit that outputs information forcing an OS (operating system) in the computer to recognize the multifunction device as a USB storage class device according to the USB standard when establishing a connection with the computer; and a controlling unit that, when output data including a command in a SCSI-compliant data format is transferred from the computer, determines which one of the plurality of functions the output data is for controlling, based on a value stored in a logic unit number (LUN) field provided in the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Fumitoshi Uno
  • Publication number: 20110145451
    Abstract: The present invention presents apparatuses and systems for operating multiple computers from a single console using a secured KVM device, while preventing information leakage between the computers. The system comprises several hosts connected through a secured KVM device to keyboard and mouse and one or more user displays. Secured KVM enables standard bi-directional communication between Secured KVM and user keyboard and mouse and between hosts peripheral ports and Secured KVM. Secured KVM physically enforces unidirectional data flow from attached keyboard and mouse to attached hosts peripheral ports to avoid potential leakages between hosts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: HIGH SEC LABS
    Inventors: Aviv Soffer, Oleg Vaisband
  • Patent number: 7962660
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus is disclosed that is connected to a device and generates data processable by the device based on device information about the device. The information processing apparatus includes a processing content setting unit that specifies, based on the device information, processing content to be executed by the device; a command retrieving unit that, if the processing content specified by the processing content setting unit contains unknown information, retrieves a command corresponding to the unknown information from the device information; and a data generating unit that generates, based on the command retrieved by the command retrieving unit and the processing content, data processable by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akeo Maruyama
  • Patent number: 7958286
    Abstract: Programmable on-chip identification circuitry and associated method are disclosed that provide integrated circuits with the ability to select and report from multiple different vendor and system identification configurations. The integrated circuit device includes programmable circuitry that utilizes vendor identification, system identification, configuration or other device information provided or selected at least in part based upon selection information from a source external to the integrated circuit. The selection information may be provided through one or more externally generated digital and/or analog control signals that are then processed within the integrated circuit device to select, access and utilize desired identification information stored in an on-chip database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Bresemann, Alan F. Hendrickson, Robert C. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7953899
    Abstract: Numerous types of hardware devices and memory included in a computing system can be accessed with a universal interface that has common interface commands. The universal interface aids engineers and technicians working on the system. This is particularly useful in a data storage system that includes a plurality of nodes for providing access to a data storage facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: 3PAR Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher D. Hooper
  • Patent number: 7949805
    Abstract: A method relating to wireless human interface device (HID) coordination is disclosed. A first human interface device (HID) is wirelessly coupled to two or more computing devices, wherein the first HID is configured to toggle between interactions with each of the two or more computing devices. An inquiry or paging message is broadcast to one or more HIDs, including a second HID wirelessly coupled to the two or more computing devices, wherein the second HID is configured to receive and provide a response to the inquiry or paging message. The second HID is located based on the response to the inquiry or paging message. A wireless link is established between the first HID and the second HID based on the identifying, wherein the first HID is configured to coordinate, via the wireless link, interactions with the two or more computing devices by both the first HID and the second HID based on the toggle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Asif Grushkevich
  • Patent number: 7949810
    Abstract: A method, system, and connector interface for controlling an accessory. The method includes obtaining, by a portable media player, tuning information from the accessory; and controlling, by the portable media player, the accessory based on the tuning information. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the portable media player and accessory may utilize a plurality of commands utilized in a variety of environments such as within a connector interface system environment to control access to the portable media player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Gregory T. Lydon, Terry Tikalsky, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
  • Publication number: 20110113167
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a peripheral component configured to control an external interface of an integrated circuit. For example, the peripheral component may be a memory interface unit such as a flash memory interface unit. The internal interface to the peripheral component may be shared between data transfers to/from the external interface and control communications to the peripheral component. The peripheral component may include a command queue configured to store a set of commands to perform a transfer on the interface. A control circuit may be coupled to the command queue and may read the commands and communicate with an interface controller to cause a transfer on the interface responsive to the commands. In an embodiment, a macro memory may store command sequences to be performed in response to a macro command in the command queue. In an embodiment, an operand queue may store operand data for use by the commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Douglas C. Lee, Diarmuid P. Ross, Tahoma M. Toelkes
  • Patent number: 7930453
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and methods for transmitting video and audio data over twisted pairs are described. A differential signal that contains video color information is transmitted over each twisted pair. Data representing digital samples of at least one audio signal is transmitted on two or more of the twisted pairs as a common mode signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Adder Technology Limited
    Inventors: Nigel Anthony Dickens, Darrin John Steel, Philip Edward Hudson
  • Patent number: 7925806
    Abstract: An information transceiver including a storage unit storing usage information transferred from a provider device, an information transferring unit transferring the usage information to a user device when a usage start request is received in a state of being connected to the user device, an information monitoring unit performing processing for making the user device monitor a usage of the usage information and store usage record information after the usage information is transferred to the user device, an ending processing unit performs processing for making the user device read and transfer the usage record information after the user device deletes the usage information when a usage end request is received in the state of being connected to the user device, a location information monitoring unit obtaining present location information from an external location information service site for transmission when a communication request is received from the provider device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Inage
  • Patent number: 7877532
    Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Clark Schubert, Wang Chun Leung, Gregory T. Lydon, Scott Krueger, Paul Phillip Holden, John Archibald, Lawrence G. Bolton, Donald J. Novotney, John Benjamin Filson, David Tupman
  • Patent number: 7870301
    Abstract: A mechanism for modifying resources in a logically partitioned data processing system is provided. A request to modify resources associated with a virtual adapter allocated on a physical adapter is invoked. The resources associated with the virtual adapter comprise a subset of the physical adapter resources. The request to modify the physical adapter is conveyed to the physical adapter. Responsive to receipt of the request by the physical adapter, the physical adapter modifies the resources allocated to the virtual adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Louis Arndt, Giora Biran, Patrick Allen Buckland, Harvey Gene Kiel, Vadim Makhervaks, Renato John Recio, Leah Shalev, Jaya Srikrishnan
  • Patent number: 7853746
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
  • Patent number: 7853740
    Abstract: The present invention provides an intelligent, modular multimedia computer management system for coupling a series of remote computers to one or more user workstations to allow each user workstation to selectively access and control one or more remote computers. The computer management system incorporates a centralized switching system that receives keyboard, cursor control device, audio, and auxiliary peripheral device signals from the user workstation and transmits and applies the signals to the remote computer in the same manner as if the keyboard, cursor control device, audio input source, or auxiliary peripheral device of the user workstation were directly coupled to the remote computer. Also, the user workstation receives audio signals and auxiliary peripheral device signals from the remote computer. In addition, the multimedia computer management system transmits video signals from the remote computer over an extended range for display on the video monitor of the user workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: RIIP, Inc.
    Inventors: Yee Liaw, Lech Glinski
  • Patent number: 7848089
    Abstract: A keyboard assembly includes a main keyboard and a numeric keyboard. The main keyboard includes a first connector formed on a first end surface and a second connector formed on a second end surface. The numeric keyboard includes a third connector formed on a first side surface and a fourth connector form on a second side surface. When the numeric keyboard is located at the first end surface of the main keyboard, the fourth connector is connected to the first connector. When the numeric keyboard is located at the second end surface of the main keyboard, the third connector is connector is connected to the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: An-Gang Liang, Zheng-Heng Sun
  • Patent number: 7849239
    Abstract: An interface (4) between a digital device (6) for transmitting and/or receiving a digital stream and a computer (2) comprises a digital stream transmitter/receiver (transceiver) (20), a computer bus interface (12) and a data converter (14, 16 & 18). The digital transceiver transmits digitally streamed content and/or receives digitally streamed content to/from the digital device. The computer bus interface receives/provides data to/from a computer bus of a computer for use by the computer and/or as provided by the computer. The data converter converts data received by the digital stream receiver into data useable by the computer from the computer bus and/or converts data received by the computer bus interface into digitally streamed data for transmission by the digital stream transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Nadarajah Sriskanthan, Woan Shu Hung, Zheng Lei, Tan Su Lim
  • Patent number: 7844762
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a device includes a bus, a parallel source, and a parallel sink. The parallel source is to provide parallel groups of signals including video signals to the bus, wherein the bus has a number of lanes that is fewer than a number of signals used to represent a pixel such that pixels are represented in more than one of the parallel groups. The parallel sink is to receive the parallel groups of signals from the bus, wherein the parallel sink includes a signal extractor to separate at least a portion of the groups of signals into multiple channels, and encoder and serializer circuits to encode and serialize the separated signals. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Silicon Image, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Banks, Paul D. Wolf
  • Patent number: 7844764
    Abstract: A unitary control module having adjustable input and output mapping functionality, including methods of configuring such devices for use in different applications, are disclosed. The unitary control module can include a unit type selector such as a DIP-switch that can be used by an installer to configure the control module to emulate a particular type of controller. The control module can be configured to run a selection algorithm for configuring the mapping of the input terminals and output terminals for the device based on the controller type selected. In use, the control module may run different control algorithms for controlling the system components based on the controller type selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Eric B. Williams
  • Patent number: 7836232
    Abstract: Disclosed is a single wire communication system for communicating between integrated circuits. The single wire communication system comprises an upper control device generating control commands, a to-be-controlled chip operating with the control commands, and a single wire communication module transferring the control commands. The single wire communication module processes the control commands from the upper control device with the control commands separated into a start signal, a data signal, an end signal, and an ack signal, converts them to at least one or more bits of data bits, and the transfers them to the to-be-controlled chip. By doing so, the present invention can transfer the control commands from the upper control device to the to-be-controlled chip without any loss or distortion caused from unstable factors such as noises, and enables high speed process of a number of commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: KEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kyung Tak Lee