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: A plurality of independent cache units and nonvolatile memory units are provided in a disk controller located between a host (central processing unit) and a magnetic disk drive. A plurality of channel units for controlling the data transfer to and from the central processing unit and a plurality of control units for controlling the data transfer to and from the magnetic disk drive are independently connected to the cache units and the nonvolatile memory units through data buses and access lines.

Abstract: A television with integrated signal switch (100) for sharing a television screen (14), a plurality of console devices compliant with an industry standard (16, 18) and at least one peripheral devices (20) with any computer system in a plurality of computer systems (12), is provided comprising a CPU (30); a hub switch module (32) connected to the CPU (30) and configured to communicate with any of the plurality of computer systems (12), and the at least one peripheral devices (20); a device control module (38) for emulating, according to the industry standard, the plurality of console devices, connected to the CPU (30) and the hub switch module (32); a host control module (44) connected to the CPU (30) and configured to communicate with the plurality of console devices (16, 18); and a video control module (50) connected to the CPU (30) and configured to communicate with the television screen (14).

Abstract: In order to reduce overhead of a CPU, a relay apparatus for relaying communication from a CPU to a peripheral device includes communication information holding sections for holding information required for communication with the peripheral devices inside the relay apparatus; and command holding sections, which are provided adjacent to the communication information holding section, for holding commands used to communicate desired information inside the communication information holding section to the peripheral device. The CPU writes desired information in the communication information holding section and the command holding section inside the relay apparatus by burst-mode communication, and the relay apparatus performs communication with the peripheral devices in accordance with instructions from the command holding section after the writing of the desired information in the communication holding section and the command holding section is completed.

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

Abstract: 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 network interface is described in which a single computer bus is split over a long distance into two or more inter-communicating buses. On one bus, processing and applications are provided and on the other remote bus, peripheral and local controllers are provided. The buses communicate through a series of: bridge, FPGA, FPGA and bridge. Between the FPGAs, a communication path provides long distance communication.

Abstract: A computer has at least one input device. The input device includes at least one RF transponder that is configured as part of an RFID device, the at least one RF transponder being controllable by a user to be selectively capable or incapable of transmitting a signal. The computer also includes a computing arrangement including a reader and a microprocessor, the computing arrangement being adapted to receive and decode the signal from the at least one RF transponder.

Abstract: Systems, methodologies, media and other embodiments associated with configuring a port are described. One exemplary system embodiment includes a computing system that includes a port configured to operably connect an external device to the computing system. The example system may also include a mode controller operably connected to the port and that is configured to configure the port between a powered mode and a non-powered mode in accordance with a programmatically selected port configuration.

Abstract: A host-side wireless interface services communications between a wireless user input device and a serviced host. The host-side wireless interface includes a wireless network interface, a host-side wireless interface, and may include additional components. The wireless network interface wirelessly communicates with the wireless user input device. The wireless user input device and the serviced host computer interact to setup the operation of the wireless user input device with the serviced host computer without requiring input from another user input device. In setting up the wireless user input device, the host-side wireless interface storing configuration information in non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for viewing on a client device document data representing at least a part of a document to be printed. The method includes transferring the document to be printed from a client device to a print server, converting at the print server the document to be printed into document data, and transferring the document data from the print server to the client device. The document data are at least part of a raster image file obtained by a raster conversion function, the raster conversion function being used to print the document.

Abstract: A device for signal switching and processing. A plurality of control signal output terminals are connected to a plurality of computers. A control signal input terminal receives control signals from an input device. A signal processor determines a control signal output terminal to output the control signals, thus, the User interface (UI) of a first computer connected thereto is controlled. A plurality of video input terminals connect to the computers. A video output terminal is connected to a display. An image processor receives UI screens of the computers from the video input terminals, integrates the UI screens into an integrated screen, and outputs the integrated screen to the display, thus, current UI screens of the computers reflecting the control signals are simultaneously displayed.

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 environment such as within a connector interface system environment to facilitate the transfer of status information.

Abstract: A receiver multi-protocol interface includes a wide bandwidth amplifier, a data sampling module, and a clocking module. The wide bandwidth amplifier amplifies a first formatted input signal or a second formatted input signal to produce an amplified input signal. The data sampling module converts the amplified input signal into a first data stream in accordance with at least one first sampling clock signal when the interface is configured in the first mode and to converts the amplified input signal into a second data stream in accordance with at least a second sampling clock signal when the interface is in a second mode. The clocking module generates the first sampling clock signals from a reference clock when the multi-protocol interface is in a first operational mode and generates the second sampling clock signals based on the reference clock when the interface is in the second operational mode.

Abstract: A portable data converting and processing device with standard data interface, wherein the data processor is a connector-controller, a conversion-controller with functional processing or an integrative or separate combination of them. The connector and the data processor are integrated to form the body unit, and an electric interface for an external unit is set in said body unit. The present invention comprises three modules: a standard interface, a processor and an optional external unit, which can construct communication between storage devices and PC. The processor can obtain the ability to access data from various cards. The present invention can ensure the controlling and transmitting of data, and the external unit, such as converting processor, infrared receiver, RF module or identification module, or the storage devices are the fittings of peripheries.

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 information processing apparatus which makes it easier to carry out setting of a wireless interface necessary for enabling a device or apparatus to be used via the wireless interface, using a wire interface. An information processing apparatus carries out first communication setting so as to enable an apparatus or device to be controlled via a wire interface, communicates with the apparatus or device via the wire interface after the first communication setting to carry out second communication setting for enabling communication with the apparatus or device via a wireless interface. This simplifies the communication setting for enabling communication with the apparatus or device via the wireless interface.

Abstract: An interface circuit reads data for a few sectors from a card-type memory and stores the data in a buffer. When a receiving unit receives a read-access from an image forming apparatus, a data checker decides whether data corresponding to the read-access exists in the buffer, and a transmitter sends the data corresponding to the read-access from the buffer to the image forming apparatus. If data corresponding to the read-access does not exist in the buffer, some of the data is deleted from the buffer, data corresponding to the read-access is read from the card-type memory, stored in the buffer, and sent to the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: Various approaches for interfacing an application-independent hardware object with an application system are disclosed. The various approaches involve instantiating a first object that contains at least one configuration parameter. The configuration parameter specifies a location of a configuration bitstream for implementing functions of the hardware object in a programmable logic circuit. A second object is instantiated and is configured to open, in response to a program call to a first function provided by the second object, an interface to the programmable logic circuit. A programmable logic circuit is configured with the configuration bitstream in response to instantiation of the second object, and, in response to a program call to the first function, an interface to the programmable logic circuit is opened.

Abstract: A KVM switch cable is described. The KVM switch cable transmits and converts signals between a USB interface and a PS/2 interface for a computer and a KVM switch. Therefore, the life-span and application scope of the KVM switch with PS/2 interfaces can be efficiently extended. The KVM switch cable has a set of computer connectors, a transmitting cable, and a combination connector, and further has a signal converting device installed in the set of computer connectors or the combination connector. The transmitting cable can transmit video signals of the computer to the KVM switch, mouse and keyboard signals to the computer, and can further simultaneously transmit microphone signals and speaker signals for the computer and the KVM switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a network device interface and method for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels, such as sensors, actuators, and subsystems, to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. Data retrieved from the sensor is converted into digital signals and transmitted to the controller. In some embodiments, network device interfaces associated with different data channels coordinate communications with the other interfaces based on either a transition in a command message sent by the bus controller or a synchronous clock signal.

Abstract: A cable including circuitry for asserting information to a user or external device and a system including such a cable. The cable can include conductors, a memory storing cable data, and circuitry configured to respond to a request received on at least one of the conductors by accessing at least some of the cable data and asserting the accessed data serially to at least one of the conductors (e.g., for transmission to an external device). Other aspects of the invention are methods for accessing cable data stored in a cable and optionally using the data (e.g., to implement equalization). The cable data can be indicative of all or some of cable type, grade, speed, length, and impedance, a date code, a frequency-dependent attenuation table, far-end crosstalk and EMI-related coefficients, common mode radiation, intra pair skew, and other information.

Abstract: A method for determining and communicating the existence of a hybrid bus is disclosed. The method determines whether a connected node is a border node and forwards isochronous and asynchronous requests if the node is not a border node. If the node is a border node, a Border low request is issued if there are no asynchronous requests to forward. If there are asynchronous requests to forward then these asynchronous requests are forwarded. A Border low request is issued if there are no isochronous requests to forward; otherwise any isochronous requests to be forwarded are forwarded.

Abstract: A portable computer can be selectively configured with a first hard disk or a second hard disk. The portable computer includes a controller, an interface connector, and a second interface adapter. The controller includes a first interface controlling unit and a second interface controlling, for respectively controlling the first hard disk and the second hard disk. The interface connector, electrically coupled with the first interface controlling unit and the second interface controlling unit, can be selectively electrically coupled with the first hard disk or the second hard disk. Parts of the ground pins and the floating pins of the interface connector are provided for transmitting signals to the second hard disk. Parts of the ground pins and the power pins are commonly used by the first and the second hard disks.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based system includes multiple peripherals, which can be accessed by the microprocessor over a system bus, with the aid of address decoding logic. Depending on the required functionality of the system at any time, one or more of the peripherals can be disabled. When a peripheral device is disabled, the address decoding logic of the system is modified to ensure that no attempts are made to access that peripheral device.

Abstract: When a peripheral LSI has a memory space which is other than the memory space of a CPU, access is made without one of the memory spaces being aware of the other memory spaces. A flexible bus controller BSC makes address translation according to information on the relation between addresses of both memory spaces. The invention assures wider latitude in CPU type selection and makes it easy to reuse an existing program or develop a new program.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide PCI Express support on a programmable device. A device includes a hard-coded transceiver that supports functionality associated with the PCI Express physical layer and link layer. The hard-coded transceiver can also support part of the PCI Express transaction layer. Soft-coded logic is used to support higher layer functionality including a portion of the transaction layer to allow custom configuration of PCI Express features such as virtual channels, buffers, prioritization, and quality of service characteristics. The hybrid solution reduces logic resource cost and provides an effective custom configurable solution.

Abstract: A processor includes a core for providing speed reduction in communications between a transmission media and a processor having an upper link layer in a parallel-serial architecture. The core includes a lower logic layer, serial lanes connecting the logic layer to the transmission media, at least one selector connected to the serial lanes for supporting at least two differing data widths. The logic layer controls the selector, and multiple buffers are interposed in the serial lanes. The selector enables the speed reductions is the upper link layer of the processor. The processor is particularly applicable to interface components used in InfiniBand-type hardware.

Abstract: A low power multimedia playing system is provided. The system includes a portable computer and a portable media player. The portable computer includes an activation switch, an interface, a storage unit, a microcontroller, and a bus controller. The activation switch is for a function of playing audio files. The storage unit is for storing the audio files. The interface configured is for communicating with the portable media player. The microcontroller is operated when the portable computer is not powered, and is programmed for controlling the media player connected thereto to play the audio files stored in storage unit. The bus controller configured is for controlling a battery to supply power to the storage unit and the microcontroller, in response to an operation on the activation switch.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a Mass Storage Class Digital Imaging Device using a SCSI pass through protocol. The protocol is based on industry standard SCSI protocol with modifications and extensions to allow transparent communication over a medium and is referred to as SCSI Pass Through (SPT). This protocol defines a set of commands that are initiated in a computer. The commands also include and extend industry standard Picture Transfer Protocol and are targeted for application and execution in a Mass Storage Class Digital Imaging Device. The invention includes the definition of data buffers in the form of data structures that can be used for packaging, passing, and receiving information related to the digital imaging device. The protocol is applicable to communication mediums that can be utilized in connecting any digital storage device to a computing device.

Abstract: The invention is a communication management module for effectively controlling an optical interface that uses a control panel indicator in an appliance for communication. The module includes a physical, framing, transport, dispatch, and application layers. The module is implemented to verify the integrity of data frames and to correlate data frames and responses with applications in the application layer.

Abstract: A plurality of independent cache units and nonvolatile memory units are provided in a disk controller located between a host (central processing unit) and a magnetic disk drive. A plurality of channel units for controlling the data transfer to and from the central processing unit and a plurality of control units for controlling the data transfer to and from the magnetic disk drive are independently connected to the cache units and the nonvolatile memory units through data buses and access lines.

Abstract: Electronic devices, and methods, for transmitting, transferring and/or conveying a multi-bit digital signal as a voltage signal via a single pin. Devices and methods according to the invention substantially reduce the pin count of a device because inputting of a multi-bit digital signal preferably does not use more than one input pin. In addition, the speed of transmission is improved because the multi-bit digital signal is transmitted as a voltage signal substantially at one time as opposed to serially.

Abstract: Accessing some storage-area networks (SANs) requires a client computer to include a special electronic component, known as a host bus adapter (HBA). However, the present inventor recognized that conventional host bus adapters add considerable expense to the cost of accessing the storage-area network. Accordingly, the present inventor devised a host bus adapter that is implemented in software and thus referred to as a “virtual” host bus adapter. One exemplary embodiment of the virtual host bus adapter includes a hardware-emulation module that makes the virtual host bus adapter appear to operating system environments as a conventional host bust adapter with dedicated hardware.

Abstract: A wrist-worn phone is disclosed which includes a main housing with a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface including speaker holes, the front surface having a display. The wrist-worn phone further includes a first strap attached to a first end of the main housing, the first strap having an outer end. A second strap may be attached to the second end of the main housing, the second strap having an outer end, the outer end of the first strap for connecting with the outer end of the second strap. The second strap may be made from a shape retaining material for forming a generally elongated C shape such that the rear surface of the main housing is on an interior of the C shape. The wrist-worn phone may include an ear latch for hanging the main housing upon a human ear. A body-worn data storage device may include a plug mounted onto a strap of the device for insertion into a port of a computing device.

Abstract: The invention transfers a data element from a device to a handheld computer. In general, the method receives a device-based data element at a docking station based co-processor, performs a driver conversion to convert the device-based data element into a bus-enabled data element, and places the bus-enabled data element on a handheld compatible bus. The method may also transform a data packet by detecting an input packet, retrieving a packet identifier (ID) from the input packet, and dispatching the input packet to a device driver based on the packet ID, the device driver capable of converting the input packet from a handheld computer packet type to a device packet type. The invention is also the systems that enable the method. As a device, the invention is an intelligent docking station.

Abstract: A port monitor allows a computer, digital camera, or other device to send a print job to a target printer, where the only known information about the printer is its network address. Communication is attempted to the network address, sequentially using each of a plurality of port numbers. If none of the plurality of port numbers is successful in initiating communication to the network address, communication to the network address is attempted using an LPR port number, sequentially using each of a plurality of LPR queue names.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for transferring data. In one embodiment, a system and method pertain to configuring a first device to send data, touching an external contact of the first device to an external contact of a second device, and transmitting data from the first device to the second device via the touching contacts.

Abstract: A plurality of independent cache units and nonvolatile memory units are provided in a disk controller located between a host (central processing unit) and a magnetic disk drive. A plurality of channel units for controlling the data transfer to and from the central processing unit and a plurality of control units for controlling the data transfer to and from the magnetic disk drive are independently connected to the cache units and the nonvolatile memory units through data buses and access lines.

Abstract: In a system including multiple enclosures, unique enclosure addresses can be set automatically via software. The enclosure addresses may be stored in non-volatile memory within the enclosures. In a storage system, several enclosures contain several disk drives, wherein each disk drive requires a unique device address related to the enclosure in which it resides. A unique address is automatically assigned via software to each enclosure.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium device includes apparatus and a computer-readable medium. To a computing device, according to a predetermined command set behavior of the computer-readable medium device, the apparatus outputs a description of first and second features of the computer-readable medium device. The first feature is other than an identification of the computer-readable medium device. The second feature is an indication of whether the computer-readable medium device executes a predetermined write strategy. From the computing device, the apparatus receives a signal. In response to the signal, the apparatus accesses the computer-readable medium, according to the first and second features.

Abstract: When reading/writing data between a computer and a mass storage of a mass storage apparatus, the data transmitted from the computer are immediately confirmed by using an output device attached to the mass storage apparatus. There is provided a control device 101 for interpreting a command received from a control device 120 and for carrying out an output processing to an output device 103 if it is decided that the received command is a command for giving an instruction for outputting data stored in a mass storage 102 to the output device 103 in a state of a connection to the control device.

Abstract: A multimedia system includes an information handling system, and a plurality of multimedia devices operatively and electrically connected to a computer of the system. Software modules residing in computer memory interpret control commands. This includes receiving a high level device control command, generating a generic device control script based on a device interconnect model and the high level device control command, interpreting the generic device control script, and transmitting specific device control commands to a device through a device interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for one computing device (the “provider”) to provide peripheral services to another device (the “host”). A user directly runs the host. The host accesses the provider as if the provider were a set of peripheral devices attached to the host. In this way, the host and provider become, in effect, one device with the combined capabilities of both devices. The provider switches between two modes: In standalone mode, the provider acts as an individual device; upon switching to auxiliary mode, the provider provides peripheral services to the host but can still run applications and present an input/output interface to its own user. When the peripheral device provided to the host is a display screen, the host can map the provided screen into the host's own video memory, thus hiding implementation details from applications that use the screens. One device can simultaneously act as provider and host.

Abstract: A portable external hard disk system is provided. The hard disk system includes a hard disk unit and a conversion unit that is attachable to and detachable from the hard disk unit. The hard disk unit has an IDE interface terminal. The conversion unit has an IDE interface terminal and a USB terminal. Also, the conversion unit includes therein a secondary battery. The conversion unit supplies the combined power of the power of a USB power line and the power of the secondary battery to the hard disk unit.

Abstract: A system and method intelligently control power consumption of distributed services using a computer system that provides independent computing elements each capable of entering a power saving mode. In accordance with the present invention, three different algorithms are disclosed. The first algorithm is a reduced load power saving algorithm. As the load decreases, duplicate instances of services can be gracefully suspended and the host processor cards hosting these instances can enter a power saving mode. The second algorithm is a priority-based power consumption reduction algorithm. If power consumption must be reduced, services having less of a contribution to revenue are suspended before components that having a higher contribution to revenue. The third algorithm is a minimal power-consuming redundant computing hardware algorithm that allows a “cold spare” host processing card to be pressed into service if another card fails.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and a device avatar system for providing at least one electronic service for a first physical electronic device associated with a first device avatar. In the system, an avatar hosting infrastructure includes at least the first device avatar and provides an encapsulated autonomous system that facilitates communication between the first device avatar and the first physical electronic device. The first device avatar, coupled to receive at least communications from a first controller, provides the at least one electronic service to the first physical electronic device. The first controller, coupled to the first device avatar, enables an owner to implement the at least one electronic service for the first physical electronic device. The first physical electronic device is coupled to the first device avatar and operates in a predetermined fashion in accordance with the at least one electronic service.

Abstract: The present invention provides an SDIO controller, an SDIO wireless communication card, an SDIO wireless communications module, and a method for transmitting write data from an SDIO host device to an SDIO application. Specifically, the SDIO controller is a single-chip semiconductor device connecting an SDIO-compliant SDIO host device with a plurality of applications via an SD bus, wherein the controller includes: (a) an SD interface operably connectable with the SDIO host device to decode commands received from the SDIO host device, and to return a response to the SDIO host device; (b) one or more application interfaces; and (c) a temporary memory operably connected between the SD interface and the one or more application interfaces.

Abstract: In order to provide desirable features of a low power personal digital (PDA) and a powerful computing personal computer (PC), the PDA and the PC are combined as one integrated computer architecture. When low power consumption is desired, the PDA controls the computer architecture, and when increased computing power is needed the PC is given control of the computer architecture. To maintain portability feature of a small size PDA a removable or detachable PDA is integrated into the chassis housing the computer architecture. The PDA is housed in a package that may be placed in an expansion bay or connected to the exterior of the chassis. The PDA has its own separate memory, input device, display and battery so it can operate independently. Interface connections are provided on the PDA in order to connect to the computer architecture.

Abstract: A digital home electronic device is provided with a storing unit for storing correspondence data formed by corresponding sets of commands corresponding to classification informations for classifying a plurality of commands according to prescribed criteria, and a target device information indicating a target device which enables the digital home electronic device to execute the commands, and a command execution judgement unit for judging whether or not to execute a received command, according to the received command, a source information indicating a device which is a source of the received command, and the correspondence data, by judging whether the source information and the target device information corresponding to the received command coincide or not.