Abstract: A method, computer program product, and distributed data processing system for directly destroying the resources associated with one or more virtual adapters that reside within a physical adapter is provided. A mechanism is provided for directly destroying the resources associated with one or more virtual adapters that reside within a physical adapter, such as a PCI, PCI-X, or PCI-E adapter.

Abstract: An electronic Input/Output Interface and device abstraction system used in gaming machines includes: a game central processing unit (game “CPU”); an intelligent input/output controller board (“IOCB”); an Industry Standard Architecture PC bus (“ISA” bus); and a framed message transport protocol. The IOCB facilitates communications between the game CPU and virtual device services, which are peripheral devices associated with the gaming system. The game CPU communicates to gaming peripherals by sending virtual device messages across the ISA bus to the IOCB. The IOCB routes virtual device messages to appropriate virtual device services. Virtual device services are responsible for handling specific hardware, and include virtual device drivers on the game CPU that communicate with virtual devices on the IOCB. Use of the IOCB and the high speed interface enables the game CPU to use more of its available functions for controlling gaming functions rather than one operation of its associated peripheral devices.

Abstract: A rack-mounted, combined KVM switch with console is described. The combined KVM switch with console is attached to the rack by affixing the switch to two front posts of the rack. The monitor and input module of the console are hinged to the switch so that they can be independently swiveled. The user may easily position the monitor and the input module in various different positions for various purposes. A first locking mechanism releasably locks the input module to a horizontal position, and a second locking mechanism releasably locks the monitor to a vertical position.

Abstract: An integrated control and display system for operating a plurality of separate computer systems each having a visual display, includes at least one cursor control device for seamlessly moving a cursor among the visual displays of the separate computer systems, the cursor control device operating to control the computer system associated with the display on which the cursor appears.

Abstract: A control machine which uses a data amount stored in an FIFO as a trigger and allows a DMA transfer to be started according to a capacity of the FIFO allows a control machine for preparing for the DMA transfer to start to prepare a command and the like for the DMA transfer. The control machine for preparing for the DMA transfer issues the prepared command to a control machine for transferring DMA data, so that a process according to the command is started. At the time of the DMA transfer, a burden on a host CPU is reduced.

Abstract: A video signal transmitting device having analog and digital video signal output functionality is adapted to transmit a video signal, and has a cable unit, a digital visual interface integrated input port disposed at one end of the cable unit and adapted to receive the video signal, and a digital visual interface output port and an analog video signal output port disposed at the other end of the cable unit. The digital visual interface integrated input port has a first pin set for digital video signals, and a second pin set for analog video signals. The digital visual interface output port is connected to the first pin set through the cable unit, and the analog video signal output port is connected to the second pin set through the cable unit so as to achieve an effect of respectively outputting digital video signals and analog video signals.

Abstract: A compact KVM switch with a remote selection control device that incorporates a memory card adapter is described. The KVM switch is adapted to connect two or more computers to a set of user interface devices, and is designed to dangle from a cable plugged into one of the user interface devices such as the monitor. The remote control is connected to the KVM switch housing by a thin cable and readily accessible by the user to conveniently select the computer to be connected to and managed by the user interface devices. A memory card adapter is provided on the remote control device and can be accessed by the currently selected computer. In one example, the remote control device has a disk shape with a selection button on its front face, and the memory card adapter has a card slot opening on the side of the disk shape.

Abstract: A wire connection assembly for connecting a computer mainframe and an external device includes an arranging portion, a connector, a wire winder, and a signal control panel. The arranging portion, the wire winder, and the signal control panel are compatible to a computer mainframe, and the connector is compatible to the arranging portion, wherein the wire winder can reel in or release a signal transmission cable therein, an end of the signal transmission cable connects to the connector, and the other end connects to the signal control panel. The connector has an installing portion which is installable to or detachable from the compatible arranging portion, an electrical connection is provided through the installation between the connector and the external device and through the wire winder the connector can be dragged away from a computer mainframe and remains connected.

Abstract: A method for directly destroying one or more virtual resources that reside within a physical adapter and that are associated with a virtual host. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a mechanism for sharing conventional Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) I/O adapters, PCI-X I/O adapters, PCI-Express I/O adapters, and, in general, any I/O adapter that uses a memory mapped I/O interface for host to adapter communications.

Abstract: A video signal transmitting device having analog and digital video signal output functionality is adapted to transmit a video signal, and has a cable unit, a digital visual interface integrated input port disposed at one end of the cable unit and adapted to receive the video signal, and a digital visual interface output port and an analog video signal output port disposed at the other end of the cable unit. The digital visual interface integrated input port has a first pin set for digital video signals, and a second pin set for analog video signals. The digital visual interface output port is connected to the first pin set through the cable unit, and the analog video signal output port is connected to the second pin set through the cable unit so as to achieve an effect of respectively outputting digital video signals and analog video signals.

Abstract: High-speed reliable parallel data transmission between a computer and a parallel peripheral is provided by a peripheral controller by way of a virtual parallel UART (VPU). The VPU provides a novel parallel interface for higher speed parallel interface operation. The VPU is included in the peripheral controller along with a conventional RS-232 UART. The peripheral-side interface of the peripheral controller provides full bidirectional handshaking with the parallel peripheral. The host-side interface of the peripheral controller provides a legacy serial port compatible interface. Mode information selectively configures operation in either a VPU (parallel) or a UART (serial) mode. Both modes appear identical to software executing on the computer, enabling the use of standard serial I/O drivers without modification, and providing transparent legacy mode compatibility even when the hardware is configured for VPU mode.

Abstract: A connector interface system is disclosed. The connector interface system includes an interface and a protocol in communication with which allows a media player to communicate with external devices over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a plurality of accessory lingoes. The accessory lingoes comprise a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, a RF transmitter lingo and an extended interface lingo.

Abstract: A peripheral such as a printer is controlled to receive data from different data ports. A first port receives data formatted according to a first protocol. A second port receives data formatted according to a second protocol. A first processor is associated with the peripheral. A second processor is associated with the second port. A switch is adapted to receive (i) first data from the first port and (ii) second data from the second port after processing by the second processor. The switch is controlled in response to a command received via the second port to couple either the first data or second data to the first processor for use in controlling the peripheral. New firmware can be downloaded to the peripheral via the second port in response to the command. The command can be communicated to the first processor via a separate port at the first processor and a memory shared with the second processor.

Abstract: A connector interface system is disclosed. The connector interface system includes an interface and a protocol in communication with which allows a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a plurality of accessory lingoes. The accessory lingoes comprise a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, a RF transmitter lingo and an extended interface lingo.

Abstract: A connector interface system is disclosed. The connector interface system includes an interface and a protocol in communication with which allows a media player to communicate with external devices over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a plurality of accessory lingoes. The accessory lingoes comprise a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, a RF transmitter lingo and an extended interface lingo.

Abstract: A computer peripheral toy device is provided that connects to a personal computer and enables a child user to create drawings, animated figures, cards, posters, and other projects and items. The device includes a housing having a drawing tablet and a stylus that connects to the housing for use on the drawing tablet. There a plurality of buttons on the top surface of the housing that a user depresses when engaging in a drawing activity. Computer software is provided for installation on the personal computer in order to display data associated with a drawing activity. When executed by the computer, the computer software causes the computer to respond to the messages received from the controller to engage in a drawing activity using drawing style parameters based on which of the drawing style buttons, color palette buttons and design tool buttons are selected by a user.

Abstract: A connector interface system is disclosed. The connector interface system includes an interface and a protocol in communication with which allows a media player to communicate with external devices over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a plurality of accessory lingoes. The accessory lingoes comprise a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, a RF transmitter lingo and an extended interface lingo.

Abstract: An interface device is configured for printing from a host having a communications port to an imaging apparatus having a PictBridge port for receiving print data from a camera. The host includes an operating system having a spool subsystem. The interface device includes an input port configured to communicatively connect to the communications port; an output port configured to communicatively connect to the PictBridge port; and a controller interconnecting the input port and the output port. The controller is configured to execute program instructions to print from the host via the communications port to the imaging apparatus via the PictBridge port in real time using an output of the spool subsystem.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for transmitting measurement data between an object-detection device and an evaluation device are provided, the evaluation device sending to the object-detection device one or more data packets with the object identifiers relevant for the evaluation device, the object-detection device inserting the current measurement data of the detected objects into a fixed, predetermined number of data packets, the objects, which the evaluation device with the aid of the object identifiers marked as relevant, being entered preferentially, and the apparatus outputting the data packet to a data bus via the connector element to the data bus.

Abstract: A peripheral interface device includes a plurality of ports, each of which supports corresponding ones of first interface methods; a plurality of interface converters each connected to respective ports, and converting a first signal of the corresponding ones of the first interface methods from the corresponding ports into a second signal of a second interface method; and a port selection unit supplying power to one of the interface converters and cutting off the power from an other one of the interface converters to selectively operate the interface converters.

Abstract: This invention discloses a data access device for using in computer of power off status, which comprises a power multiplexer, a DC to DC converter, a serial bus signal to storage interface signal controller, a data storage interface signal multiplexer, and a controller. Therefore, if controller detects an external device wants to access data storage device of computer at power off, it will control power multiplexer to retrieve the standby power of the power device and process power transformation to provide a required power for driving the storage device, and by using serial bus signal to storage interface signal controller, external device can access the data from storage device at power off.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interfacing a personal digital assistant (PDA) with a communications appliance is provided. The method comprising a communication station receiving semi-structured data from a personal digital assistant (PDA) in a format native to the PDA, and parsing the semi-structured data to identify a type of the semi-structured data. If the semi-structured data is destination data, sending a job to a destination indicated by the semi-structured data.

Abstract: A device may include an upstream port and several downstream ports configured to transfer data at a different data transfer rate than the upstream port. The device may also include several downstream data handlers, each coupled to a respective one of the downstream ports, and an upstream data handler coupled to the upstream port. The data handlers are configured to implement a USB protocol. The upstream data handler is configured to provide data received via the upstream port to each of the downstream data handlers. Accordingly, the upstream data handler is shared between the various downstream data handlers.

Abstract: A method for directly destroying the resources associated with one or more virtual adapters that reside within a physical adapter is provided. A mechanism is provided for directly destroying the resources associated with one or more virtual adapters that reside within a physical adapter, such as a PCI, PCI-X, or PCI-E adapter.

Abstract: A display unit having a processor adapted to control display of the display unit and a communication controller capable of bi-directionally communicating with a video source. The communication controller communicates information received from the video source to the processor.

Abstract: A display unit for displaying an image based on video signals and synchronization signals inputted from an externally connected video source, includes a video circuit adapted to display an image based on the video signals sent by the externally connected video source, a memory which stores an identification number for identifying the display unit, and a communication controller which sends the identification number stored in the memory to the video source. The communication controller is capable of bi-directionally communicating with the video source.

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.

Abstract: The server/client system comprises a server and at least one client which is connected to said server via a communication line and is provided with at least one I/O port, and is so configured that said server is provided with a device driver for controlling said I/O port, and a virtual I/O port for providing an interface having the same function as said I/O port for said device driver, for transmitting an input/output control signal from said device driver to said client, and for receiving an event from said client to indicate said event to said device driver, and said client is provided with a device handler which is connected to said virtual I/O port via said communication line and controls said I/O port.

Abstract: An electronic Input/Output Interface and device abstraction system used in gaming machines includes: a game central processing unit (game “CPU”); an intelligent input/output controller board (“IOCB”); an Industry Standard Architecture PC bus (“ISA” bus); and a framed message transport protocol. The IOCB facilitates communications between the game CPU and virtual device services, which are peripheral devices associated with the gaming system. The game CPU communicates to gaming peripherals by sending virtual device messages across the ISA bus to the IOCB. The IOCB routes virtual device messages to appropriate virtual device services. Virtual device services are responsible for handling specific hardware, and include virtual device drivers on the game CPU that communicate with virtual devices on the IOCB. Use of the IOCB and the high speed interface enables the game CPU to use more of its available functions for controlling gaming functions rather than one operation of its associated peripheral devices.

Abstract: When an active data copy process relative to a logical storage device is performed without involving a computer, an access permission/rejection of the computer to the logical storage device is checked by referring to a correspondence between WWN of the computer and a logical storage device identifier LUN to thereby determine whether an access to a copy source logical storage device and a copy destination logical storage device is permitted or not. It is therefore possible to prevent an outflow of illegal data from a storage subsystem to be caused by an active copy instruction command.

Abstract: A buffer chip having a first data interface for receiving a data item which is to be written and for sending a data item which has been read, having a conversion unit for parallelizing the received data item and for serializing the data item which is to be sent, having a second data interface for writing the parallelized data item to a memory arrangement via a memory data bus and for receiving the data item read from the memory arrangement via the memory data bus; having a write buffer storage for buffer-storing the data item which is to be written, having a control unit in order, after reception of a data item which is to be written via the first data interface in line with a write command, to interrupt the data from being written from the write buffer storage via the second data interface upon a subsequent read command.

Abstract: A connector interface system 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. Heretofore, all these features have not been implemented in a connector. Therefore, this would 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.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting character interactive input/output operation in a half-duplex block-mode environment including a workstation and a server. Keystrokes at the workstation received into an auto enter, non-display entity on the workstation display are automatically transferred as entered from the workstation to a server application which processes the keystroke and responds in a manner appropriate to the context of the application.

Abstract: A computer apparatus that interconnects a standard commercial off the shelf (COTS) computer to a proprietary system. The standard COTS computer replaces a proprietary computer and assumes its roles of controlling a workstation and a display thereof of the proprietary system. The computer apparatus comprises a frame that carries the COTS computer, a power converter, adapters, a video module, Ethernet and UBS connectors, a hard drive and the like. The frame mates with slots of a backplane of the proprietary system.

Abstract: A data storage device includes a data storage medium, for example one or more flash memory modules, and a direct interface, to the data storage medium, that supports a file system protocol. Preferably, the data storable device also includes a physical communication interface such as a USB interface or a wireless interface, a user interface and a power source. The scope of the invention also includes appliances that include such data storage devices.

Abstract: A vertical device for mounting to a host having a horizontal surface with an upwardly oriented host service interface providing a mechanical service and at least one electrical service as well as an adapter for mounting a vertical device to a host of this type. The device or adapter has a main body with a horizontal portion and a vertical portion extending generally downwardly from the horizontal portion. A device service interface extends downwardly from the horizontal portion for engagement with the host service interface. At least one functionality is provided on the vertical portion of the vertical device or the adapter.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for enabling a user to access internal storage in the computing device when the computing device is inactive are disclosed. The computing devices include a primary bus and a secondary bus to access an internal storage device in the computing device, and a bus switch capable of detecting if the computing device is inactive connected to the primary bus and the secondary bus. When the computing device becomes inactive (e.g., is malfunctioning, lacks sufficient power, and is switched off), the bus switch switches access to the internal storage device from being via the primary bus to being via the secondary bus. As such, an external computing device is capable of accessing data in the computing device relatively easily when the computing device is inactive.

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.

Abstract: An integrated I/O controller in an integrated circuit is provided for centralized data management. The integrated circuit includes a host interface, a disk interface, and a mapping controller implemented in hardware to speed data processing and provide fault tolerance as exemplified with RAID configurations. The mapping controller provides block mapping across a plurality of peripherals or disk drives in a disk array. The integrated I/O controller can be utilized in storage area network systems and network area storage systems as well as other networking systems or devices.

Abstract: In a USB device comprising a plurality of functional modules that includes a control circuit for switching a functional module to be activated from among the functional modules included in the USB device according to a potential level of a power applied from a host connected to the USB device. The control circuit includes: a voltage detector for discriminating a voltage value of power; a switch for controlling powers to be applied to the respective functional modules; and memories for storing descriptors relating to the USB device. The control circuit makes power applied to a functional module to be activated by the switch into ON state according to a discrimination result of the voltage value of the power by the voltage detector, thereby transferring the descriptors stored in the memories to a host.

Abstract: A universal serial bus (USB) keyboard includes a keyboard main body and a USB keyboard wire. The keyboard main body includes a USB interface and a plurality of keys for inputting data. The USB keyboard wire includes a first USB connector configured for connecting to a USB interface of a computer, and a second USB connector configured for connecting to the USB interface of the keyboard main body to thereby communicate the keyboard main body with the computer.

Abstract: A method of wake-up scan for a keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) switch is disclosed. The method of wake-up scan includes steps (a) to (d). The step (a) is switching to a target computer. The step (b) is sending a simulated keyboard and/or mouse signal to the target computer for waking up the target computer. The step (c) is transmitting a video signal of the target computer to a console display and the step (d) is returning to step (a) until a termination command is received. The KVM switch includes a switching mechanism for switching to the least one target computer. The switching mechanism can includes a first switching device for video signal and a second switching device for keyboard and/or mouse signal. Alternatively, the switching mechanism includes a crosspoint switch to transmit the video signal, to detect the video signal and to send the simulated keyboard and/or mouse signal simultaneously.

Abstract: A process control system includes a plurality of input/output (I/O) devices and a controller in communication using a bus. Each I/O device has an interface for communicatively linking the I/O device with the bus, and includes a device processor which, upon detection of a potential I/O device fault, severs the communication link provided by the interface with the bus to thereby remove the I/O device from the bus and to prevent the I/O device from keeping other I/O devices on the bus from communicating over the bus.

Abstract: A bi-directional reflective memory channel between a pair of storage controllers is used to maintain a mirrored copy of each storage controller's native buffer contents within the buffer of the other storage controller. To maintain such mirrored copies, buffer write operations that fall within a reflective memory segment of one storage controller are automatically reflected across this channel to the other storage controller for execution, and vice versa. The write operations are preferably transmitted across the reflective memory channel using a protocol that provides for error checking, acknowledgements, and retransmissions. This protocol is preferably implemented entirely in automated circuitry, so that the mirrored copies are maintained without any CPU intervention during error-free operation. When a failover occurs, the surviving storage controller uses the mirrored copy of the failed storage controller's native buffer contents to assume control over the failed storage controller's disk drives.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for storing and using recovery state information during a data stream transfer, such as a download. During the download of compressed, archived data, the system tracks the position of the last file boundary and the position of the last compression block boundary before the last file boundary, and the system stores this information as a recovery state. If the download is interrupted, the system uses the recovery state information to resume the download at an efficient location in the data stream.

Abstract: A circuit card assembly provides signal conditioning for signal discretes in control systems integrating a legacy, distributed processing architecture and a distributed I/O control system. Signal conditioning functions are determined, and the necessary physical circuits to perform the signal conditioning functions are incorporated into a circuit card. The Integrated Signal Conditioning Circuit Card Assembly is installed within the control system between legacy controllers and distributed I/O modules. The Integrated Signal Conditioning Circuit Card Assembly may leave any discrete signal unaltered or otherwise condition discretes with interrupt, interrupt on demand, over-ride, and monitor circuits. The centralized processor accesses and controls the conditioned discretes transmitted over a common hardware connection for use in system feedback and control.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first plug to couple the apparatus to a host connection and a second plug to couple the apparatus to a display connection. The apparatus further comprises a metallic transmission medium coupled to the first plug and link extender circuitry coupled to the metallic transmission medium and the second plug. The link extender circuitry including equalization circuitry coupled to the metallic transmission medium to restore voltage levels on signals transmitted on the metallic transmission medium, differential signaling receive circuitry coupled to the equalization circuitry; and differential signaling transmit circuitry coupled to the differential signaling receive circuitry and the second plug.

Abstract: A UART including a logic unit is disclosed, wherein the logic unit automatically enables or disables the UART receiver port whenever data is being processed by the UART for wireless transmission. More specifically, a logic unit is connected to a data store, to a transmit FIFO and to a UART processing unit as well as to an external CPU, wherein the logic unit analyzes the logic states of each of the signals from each of the specified connections to determine whether to enable or disable the receiver unit. An inventive method is also disclosed wherein the logic unit only enables the receiver when the data store is empty and the transmitter FIFO is empty and a receiver enable flag is set to true and a half duplex mode of operation has been specified by an external CPU. Otherwise, the logic enables the receiver only when a full duplex mode of operation has been specified and the receiver enable flag is set to a logic one.