Application-specific Peripheral Adapting Patents (Class 710/72)
  • Patent number: 8359416
    Abstract: An interface includes a port and a port control module. The port control module detects whether a remote device communicating with the port is one of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device and a satellite digital transceiver (DT) device. The port control module selectively generates one of a USB configure signal and a satellite DT configure signal. A USB control module selectively configures the interface to communicate with the USB device when the USB configure signal is received. A satellite control module selectively configures the interface to communicate with the satellite DT device when the satellite DT configure signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhenyu Zhang, Sheng Lu
  • Patent number: 8356132
    Abstract: A position sensing system controls selection of channels in a KVM switch having a plurality of channels. The system has a sensor interface for receiving a sensor reading indicating a current position of a position movable component. Each position of the movable component is associated with one of the plurality of channels. The position sensing system also includes a position component for selecting channels of the KVM switch according to the sensor reading. The position component comprises a position definition component and a translation component. The definition component identifies one of the channels corresponding to the sensor reading based on one of a position definition. Each position definition provides sensor readings corresponding to the positions associated with one of the channels. The translation component generates a signal for selecting the determined channel at the KVM switch. This signal is provided to the KVM switch to switch the KVM channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Derek Kwan
  • Patent number: 8347002
    Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting a video signal includes a signal detector, a multiplexer and a transmitter. The signal detector detects the video signal from the source to determine whether the horizontal sync signal and the vertical sync signal of the video signal are independent or composite. The multiplexer generates a composite sync signal by combining the horizontal sync signal and the vertical sync signal with reference to timing characteristics of the horizontal sync signal and the vertical sync signal while the horizontal sync signal and the vertical sync signal are detected as independent signals, and passes the composite sync signal while the horizontal sync signal and the vertical sync signal are detected as the composite sync signal. The transmitter transmits the video signal with the composite sync signal to the destination via a media. A method for transmitting the video signal is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Aten International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fu-Chin Shen, Chia-Cheng Liu
  • Patent number: 8341318
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide various communication techniques for communication between a mobile computing device and an accessory. An accessory protocol that is generic to the mobile computing device can be used for some communication. An application executing at the mobile computing device can communicate with the accessory using an application communication protocol. In some embodiments, the application communication protocol can be different from the accessory communication protocol. In other embodiments the application protocol may only be recognized by the application and the accessory. In some embodiments, messages conforming to an application protocol can be communicated between the application and the accessory by packaging the messages inside a message conforming to the accessory communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Holden, Lawrence Bolton, Nitin Ganatra, Shyam Toprani
  • Patent number: 8340855
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an automotive diagnostic tool which facilitates data communications between an automobile and diagnostic device, such as a personal computer. More particularly, the present invention relates to electrically isolating the data communications using a Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) device situated between an automobile's communication diagnostic port and the personal computer. The VCI contains logic circuitry to translate the automobile's On Board Diagnostic (OBD II) signals to an embedded Ethernet controller. Ethernet signals are then non-galvanicly exchanged with an Ethernet to USB controller with an Ethernet transformer. A personal computer is attached via a USB cable to the VCI's Ethernet to USB Controller, permitting information exchange between the automobile and the personal computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Manokar Chinnadurai, Kurt Raichle, Paul Sontheimer
  • Patent number: 8341313
    Abstract: Provided is a serial control device that makes the length of data transferred as one frame variable. The serial control device transfers serial data having an arbitrary length, and uses end information indicating inclusion or non-inclusion of end data of the serial data. The serial control device transfers data having a transfer unit length in the serial data when the end information indicates non-inclusion of the end data, and transfers an untransferred part of the serial data when the end information indicates inclusion of the end data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Sanchi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8332552
    Abstract: An integrated processor design includes physical interface macros supporting heterogeneous electrical properties. The processor design comprises a plurality of processing cores and a plurality of physical interfaces to connect to a memory interface, a peripheral component interconnect express (PCI Express or PCIe) interface for input/output, an Ethernet interface for network communication, and/or a serial attached SCSI (SAS) interface for storage. Each physical interface may be programmatically connected to a selected interface controller, such as a memory controller, a PCI Express controller, or an Ethernet controller, for example. A plurality of such controllers may be connected to a switch within the processor design, with the switch also being connected to each physical interface macro. Thus, the physical interface macros may be programmatically connected to a subset of the plurality of controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ravi K. Arimilli, Claude Basso, Jean L. Calvignac, Daniel M. Dreps, Edward J. Seminaro
  • Patent number: 8332846
    Abstract: A virtual machine (VM) application may run a guest operating system (OS) and allow the guest OS to connect to USB devices connected to a computer. The VM application may filter the functions associated with the USB device so that only some of the functions of the USB device are exposed to the guest OS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Per Emil Astrand
  • Patent number: 8327041
    Abstract: A storage device is connected to a tape library having a plurality of tapes holding data and a host device. The storage device includes a receiving section, a first determining section and a reading section. The receiving section receives a request for data held in one of the tapes from the host device. The first determining section determines whether the data requested by the host device is stored in a storage section on the basis of the request received by the receiving section. The reading section reads the data in a predetermined amount to a memory from the tape in a case where the first determining section determines that the data is not stored in the storage section. The transferring section transfers the data in the memory to the host device and writes it on the storage section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Tomohiko Muroyama
  • Publication number: 20120297098
    Abstract: A method for transmitting keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) data includes converting, by a service board, KVM data into a KVM packet; sending the KVM packet to a switch board through a BASE channel, so that the switch board forwards the KVM packet to a remote console. The embodiments of the present invention are mainly applied to a process for implementing KVM data transmission based on ATCA architecture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Yansong LI, Fan Wang
  • Patent number: 8316165
    Abstract: A device has a controller and a function module configured to be in communication with the controller as a result of the controller receiving a pass-through vendor specific command. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive the pass-through vendor specific command from an application software module of a host through an interface that is configured in accordance with a standard that does not allow communication to occur between the controller and the function module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Anson Ba Phan, Jerrold Allen Beckmann
  • Patent number: 8307228
    Abstract: An integrated network chip and an electronic device using the chip are illustrated. The integrated network chip includes at least a first access interface, at least a second access interface, a power management unit (PMU) and an interface bridge. The first access interface and second access interface respectively provides the electronic device with a local area network connection function and a memory card access function. The interface bridge integrates the first access interface and second access interface by providing a hub-like functionality. The PMU provides the power and the ground to the first access interface, second access interface and the interface bridge. When the PMU detects the second access interface enters a power saving mode, the PMU provides a lower operation voltage to the second access interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Hsin-Hung Shen
  • Patent number: 8307131
    Abstract: A system and method to control a device having at least one configurable parameter. Enumerating the device as a first peripheral device and as a second peripheral device wherein the first peripheral device corresponds to a first microcontroller connected to a storage medium and the second peripheral device corresponds to a second microcontroller. Controlling the at least one configurable parameter of the first microcontroller with respect to the storage medium by the second microcontroller. On initialization of the device, transmitting the at least one configurable parameter from the second microcontroller to the first microcontroller. Other systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Gemalto SA
    Inventors: Sylvain Prevost, Ksheerabdhi Krishna, Ruchirkumar D Shah, Mehdi Asnaashari
  • Patent number: 8301809
    Abstract: A storage virtualization computer system. The storage virtualization computer system comprises a host entity for issuing an IO request, a storage virtualization controller coupled to the host entity for executing IO operations in response to the IO request, and a at least one physical storage device, each coupled to the storage virtualization controller through a point-to-point serial-signal interconnect, for providing storage to the storage virtualization computer system through the storage virtualization controller. As an example, the point-to-point serial-signal interconnect can be a Serial ATA IO device interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Infortrend Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ling-Yi Liu, Tse-Han Lee, Michael Gordon Schnapp, Yun-Huei Wang, Chung-Hua Pao
  • Patent number: 8301810
    Abstract: A storage virtualization computer system. The storage virtualization computer system comprises a host entity for issuing an IO request, a SAS storage virtualization controller coupled to the host entity for executing IO operations in response to the IO request, and at least one physical storage device, each coupled to the storage virtualization controller through a SAS interconnect, for providing data storage space to the storage virtualization computer system through the SAS storage virtualization controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Infortrend Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-Te Pang, Michael Gordon Schnapp, Shiann-Wen Sue, Cheng-Yu Lee
  • Patent number: 8284768
    Abstract: Dynamic bus-based virtual channel multiplexing may be accomplished by establishing one or more virtual channels with a multiplexing device function driver and a multifunction device coupled to a bus, determining one or more functions to be activated on the device, and for each activated function, launching a second-tier function driver to handle operation of the activated function. The second-tier function driver has a function driver type. Establishment of the one or more virtual channels is accomplished using a multiplexing protocol and multiplexing device function driver with the multifunction device via a bus driver coupled to the bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Tilakraj Roychoudhury, Richard Thomas Kavanaugh
  • Patent number: 8281057
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a first host bus adaptor that has a first storage section and expands the function of the information processing apparatus. Multiple first input/output devices are connected to the first host bus adaptor. A first firmware issues a first inquiry to each of the first multiple input/output devices and stores a first response to the first inquiry obtained from each of the first multiple input/output devices in the first storage section. A second host bus adaptor has a second storage section and expands the function of the information processing apparatus. Multiple second input/output devices are connected to the second host bus adaptor. A second firmware issues a second inquiry to each of the second multiple input/output devices independently from the first inquiry and holds a second response to the second inquiry obtained from each of the second multiple input/output devices in the second storage section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Takaaki Kitamura
  • Patent number: 8271705
    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: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
  • Publication number: 20120233365
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an input interface providing USB apparatus which is capable of providing an input interface for a variety of external devices in Bluetooth communication with the USB apparatus without a separate input means by connecting the USB apparatus to USB ports of a terminal and sharing an input means of the terminal with the external devices, and an interface providing method. The input interface providing USB apparatus and method in accordance with the present invention is capable of providing an input interface for a variety of external devices in Bluetooth communication with the USB apparatus without a separate input means by connecting the USB apparatus to USB ports of a terminal and sharing an input means of the terminal with the external devices, thereby providing excellent user convenience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Joon Hyun BAEK
  • Patent number: 8255590
    Abstract: Even if a write operation onto a storage media on an external storage device is interrupted, consistency of management information on the storage media is improved. An image file transfer device includes a transferor which transfers an image file stored on a storage media to an external device, a retriever which obtains management information in relation to a file system from a storage media included in the external device, before the transfer of the image file by the transferor, a non-volatile storage which stores the management information obtained by the retriever, and a deleter which deletes the management information stored in the non-volatile storage in response to a completion of the transfer of the image file by the transferor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Tomikura, Masafumi Nosaka, Ryohei Wakai, Ryohei Kinugawa
  • Patent number: 8255476
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically sharing a tape drive in a heterogeneous computing environment that includes a first computer and second computer. The first computer receives a message that includes a shared tape drive identifier, a source port identifier of the second computer, and a reservation status change for the tape drive. Based on the tape drive identifier, the first computer determines that the tape drive is connected to the first computer. The source port identifier is determined to not identify any host bus adapter installed in the first computer. In response to the first computer determining that the reservation status change indicates a reservation or a release of the tape drive for the second computer, the first computer sets the tape drive offline or online, respectively, in an application executing in the first computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nils Haustein, Leonard George Jesionowski, Wolfgang Muelller-Friedt, Ulf Troppens
  • Patent number: 8250266
    Abstract: A data storage device comprises a data storage medium and a connector that provides an interface between the data storage medium and a host device. The connector has a shape that substantially conforms to an internal storage interconnect standard. The connector comprises a first set of electrical contacts that substantially conform to the internal storage interconnect standard, and a second set of contacts configured to provide connectivity with the host device in accordance with an external storage interconnect standard. Also described are cables for connecting the data storage device to a host via the external storage interconnect standard as well as an interconnect detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: William L. Rugg, Nicholas C. Seroff
  • Patent number: 8250261
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an application method for universal serial bus (USB) file transfer device. When USB file transfer device is connected between two computers loaded with operating such systems as Window, Mac, Linux, etc., that support Mass Storage Class standard while the USB file transfer device also supports Mass Storage Class, either computer can access system information provided in the USB file transfer device. Since the application program is stored in the USB file transfer device and the USB file transfer device is simulated as an auto-run storage device, such as a floppy disc drive, a hard disc drive or a CD-ROM drive, etc., the USB file transfer device in the present invention is capable of carrying out file transfers automatically without having to install drivers and programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ours Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Shih-Chou Juan
  • Patent number: 8250284
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to properly estimate a storage capacity or the performance of a storage device to be prepared in a remote site. In an information system 1, a first storage device 100 stores data of a first host computer 200 in a first virtual volume provided by thin provisioning using a first volume as a resource, and a second storage device 100 stores data of a second host computer 200 in a second virtual volume provided by thin provisioning using a second volume as a resource. An information apparatus (management device 400) in the information system 1 acquires the history of data writing in the new data area of the first volume on the basis of the base volume and the differential volume, then generates a transition of an allocation capacity of a storage area of the first volume on the basis of the acquired history of data writing in a new data area of the first volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koh Nakamichi, Yuichi Taguchi
  • Patent number: 8244941
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, system and method for controlling a data acquisition device and inserting the acquired data into the memory of an electronic device with minimal buffering of the data. An interface device, separate from the electronic device and capable of highly accurate timing, controls a data acquisition device. This interface device provides an interface between real time data and non real time operating system running on the electronic device. By sending data to a non-real time system in a near real-time manner, the non-real time system can continue the processing of the data either in near real time, or it can store the data for later processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: E-Trolz, Inc.
    Inventors: James Robertson, Al Strelzoff, Ed Szczesuil, Jay Ward
  • Patent number: 8244942
    Abstract: An adapter for mounting a device in a computer enclosure is disclosed herein. A computer storage device adapter includes an adapter chassis configured to be installed in at least one drive bay of a computer, and to house a storage device. The adapter further includes a bezel attached to the chassis. The bezel has a color, texture, and relief pattern matching a color, texture, and relief pattern of a portion of a front panel of the computer directly adjacent to the at least one drive bay in which the adapter is to be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Dean, Tom J. Searby
  • Patent number: 8235304
    Abstract: The invention concerns a control device for at least one heating, air-conditioning, ventilation or refrigeration system with a memory for a temperature control program and a signal outlet. It is endeavoured to simplify the programming. For this purpose, the memory is arranged in an element (5), which comprises a communication interface (6) and which can be dismounted from the control device, the communication interface (6) being connectable to an external input device and the control device (1) comprising an electrical supply device (3) which can transmit electrical energy to the element (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Eva Kühne, Bjarne Frederiksen, Anders Oestergaard Clausen
  • Patent number: 8239606
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a switching device is configured to couple a first computer to a first peripheral device and one or more second peripheral devices. The switching device includes: (a) a switch configured to couple to the one or more second peripheral devices; (b) a first hub including: (1) a first upstream port configured to couple to the first computer; (2) a first downstream port configured to couple to the first peripheral device; and (3) at least one second downstream port coupled to the switch. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Wiler
  • Patent number: 8230144
    Abstract: A reduced instruction set computer (RISC) includes at least one arithmetic logic units (ALUs), which are arranged to evaluate logical conditions. A processing pipeline is arranged to solve a decision problem that is representable as a decision tree including at least three nodes by processing a sequence of pipelined instructions that traverse the decision tree. At least some of the pipelined instructions instruct the one or more ALUs to evaluate respective logical conditions, such that the pipeline flushes the instructions from the pipeline no more than once in the course of processing the sequence regardless of whether the logical conditions evaluate to true or false.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Eli Aloni, Gilad Ayalon, Oren David
  • Patent number: 8225018
    Abstract: An adapter having a plurality of functions and a plurality of ports, in which the mapping between functions and ports is configurable. In certain embodiments, device memory can be programmed with a desired mapping scheme that overrides a default mapping scheme for the adapter. In certain embodiments, device memory can be reprogrammed with a different desired mapping to enable the adapter to dynamically respond to system conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: QLOGIC, Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley S. Sonksen, Vi Chau, Rajendra R. Gandhi
  • Patent number: 8214567
    Abstract: The invention relates to a versatile optical storage driving device for multimedia video system incorporated with functions of a compact-disc (CD) driver, a digital versatile disc (DVD) driver, a frequency modulated (FM) radio and a MP3 music CD player, such versatile optical storage driving device is characterized in the possibility of being a built-in and/or external-connected CD-ROM/CD-RW driver operated through the operating system with personal computer (PC) on or being a stand-alone CD-ROM/CD-RW driver operated by itself with PC off, and being a digital picture viewer and video player capable of displaying photograph/picture and video disc through a built-in/external-connected display device as well as being a digital recorder capable of recording video signal, such device comprises: a video/audio input/output selector; a video/audio encoder/decoder; a microprocessor; a optical storage device; a memory card reader; a display controller; a status display; a power amplifier; and a speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nosica International Co.
    Inventors: Kuo Chuan Wu, Tun Jen Chen, Chin Chuang Hsiao, Shin Shin Chu
  • Patent number: 8214568
    Abstract: A device system and method is disclosed. The device includes a first USB port configured to couple with a USB port on a camera, and circuitry configured to send USB signals to the camera and/or to receive USB signals from the camera, and to operate in USB Host mode, and/or USB OTG (on the go) mode, as the camera operates in Device mode. The device may also include a second USB port configured to couple with a PDA. The circuitry may be further configured to send USB signals to the PDA and/or to receive USB signals from the PDA, and to operate in USB Host mode, and/or USB OTG mode, as the PDA operates in Device mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Kevin James King
  • Patent number: 8200867
    Abstract: A KVM switch which is connected between a plurality of servers, and a client to which a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and a speaker are connected, and switches a server connected to the client, the KVM switch including: a sound input portion that inputs sound data emitted from each server; an abnormal sound determination portion that determines whether the input sound data is an abnormal sound; and a notification portion that notifies the client of abnormality detection when it is determined that the input sound data is the abnormal sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Shinichi Katayama, Naoyuki Nagao, Mitsuru Kobayashi, Kenichi Fujita, Akihiro Matsunaga, Yu Sato
  • Patent number: 8200868
    Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to techniques for configuring a mobile device according to detection of one or more peripheral devices in an environment using short-range wireless communication. In one example, a method includes, receiving, by a computing device that communicates with a peripheral device using short-range wireless communication, a unique identifier of the peripheral device. If the computing device recognizes the unique identifier of the peripheral device, the computing device may determine a configuration operation based on the unique identifier that changes a current operating state of at least one application executing on the computing device to a different operating state. If the computing device does not recognize the unique identifier of the peripheral device, the computing device may send a lookup request to a network resource external to the computing device that requests data specifying the configuration operation for the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Maarten 't Hooft
  • Patent number: 8200862
    Abstract: A flash-card reader improves transmission efficiency by using bulk streaming of multiple pipes. A bulk data-out pipe carries host write data to the card reader and can operate in parallel with a bulk data-in pipe that carries host read data that was read from a flash card attached to the card reader. Status packets do not block data packets since the he status packets are buffered through a separate status pipe, and commands are buffered through a command pipe. Flash data from multiple flash cards are interleaved as separate endpoints that share the bulk data-in pipe. A data in/out streaming state machine controls streaming bulk data through the bulk data-in and data-out pipes, while a status streaming state machine controls streaming status packets through the status pipe. Transaction overhead is reduced using bulk streaming where packets for several commands are combined into the same bulk streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Super Talent Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Lee, Frank Yu, Abraham C. Ma
  • Patent number: 8195852
    Abstract: A host device comprises a controller and a connector. The host connector comprises fixed-function and multi-function pins. A first group of host connector pins comprises one or more of the fixed-function pins and a second group of pins comprises the remainder of the fixed-function pins and the multi-function pins. The host connector can be releasably attached to a connector of an accessory device. The first group of host connector pins can be used to discover the functions of the accessory connector. The host device can select functions to be enabled at the host and accessory connectors from among the functions mutually supported by the two connectors. The host can enable the selected functions at the host connector and can instruct the accessory to enable the selected functions at the accessory connector. The host can reconfigure host connector functions in response to a different accessory being attached to the host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Andras Tantos, Todd L. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 8195851
    Abstract: A display, possibly in combination with a computer, is used to manage the shape and position of various inputs, so that the inputs can be presented in combination. Possible combinations include displaying a subset of one input with another input, either overlapping or adjacent, displaying a temporal subset of one input, and using conditions to automatically control the selection of inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Pixelworks, Inc.
    Inventors: Tianbing Brian Teng, Yan Mark Liu
  • Patent number: 8190799
    Abstract: [Problems] To display, on an external display device, an image with a higher resolution than a screen's resolution of a display belonging to a mobile information communication apparatus. This is achieved only by additionally providing an interface means between the external display device and the mobile information communication apparatus and further additionally providing some functions to a display data generating means originally belonging to the mobile information communication apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Masahiro Izutsu
  • Patent number: 8190798
    Abstract: A host device can enable operation with a client device based on stored or cached enumeration information. The enumeration information can be initially received from the client device during a first configuration process, and stored or cached in volatile and/or non-volatile storage accessible by the host device. During subsequent configuration processes, operation with the client device can be enabled based on the stored or cached enumeration information. Operation between the host device and the client device can be facilitated through a communication protocol, such as the universal serial bus (USB) protocol. A host device and client device can be connected via a traditional USB or USB High Speed Inter-Chip (HSIC) connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anand Dalal, Jonathan J. Andrews
  • Patent number: 8190793
    Abstract: Provided is a serial control device that makes the length of data transferred as one frame variable. The serial control device transfers serial data having an arbitrary length, and uses end information indicating inclusion or non-inclusion of end data of the serial data. The serial control device transfers data having a transfer unit length in the serial data when the end information indicates non-inclusion of the end data, and transfers an untransferred part of the serial data when the end information indicates inclusion of the end data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Sanchi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8183881
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for using configuration memory for buffer memory is described. Drivers associated with a portion of the configuration memory are rendered incapable of creating a contentious state irrespective of information stored the portion of configuration memory. Configuration data is received in a non-configuration data format and buffered in the portion of the configuration memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Stassart, Stephen M. Trimberger
  • 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: 8176226
    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. A KVM switch allows all the computers connected to the switch to share any USB peripheral devices, and which can switch the KVM channels and peripheral channels to a common computer or to different computers either asynchronously or synchronously without interruption of data flow to that peripheral when the switch is changed. In another embodiment the KVM switch allows a keyboard and a mouse of a user console to separately control two different computers. In another embodiment, the KVM switch is connected to the computers via computer connection modules and connected to a user console and peripheral devices via a console connection module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: ATEN International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Hsuan Hsueh, Yunghsun Huang, Sun-Chung Chen, Sampson Yang
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20120102245
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with a unified hybrid input/output adapter are described. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes an Input/Output (I/O) interconnect configured to connect with a host device and to provide communications with the host device. The apparatus also includes a network adapter connected to the I/O interconnect and configured to communicate with a network storage. The apparatus includes a host adapter connected to the I/O interconnect and configured to communicate with a first storage device and a second storage device. The first storage device has a higher latency than the second storage device. The apparatus further includes a storage logic configured to control the I/O interconnect to cause storage access requests from the host device to be cached in the second storage device via the host adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Abhijeet P. GOLE, Pantas SUTARDJA, David GEDDES
  • 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: 8161199
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for modifying the capabilities and functions of a printer after it is manufactured. A consumable/replaceable printer cartridge includes a storage device having updated and/or additional printer function data and other data for use by the printer control circuitry to execute printer functions and other types of functions. In addition, when the printer cartridge is installed in the printer the storage device may be utilized by the printer control circuitry as expanded memory for use in executing the updated and/or additional printer functions and other types of functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: William B. Weiser, Mark D. Montierth
  • Patent number: 8150462
    Abstract: Field devices for measuring a pressure or a fill level are connected, by way of a cable connection or a radio connection, to stationary evaluation- and display devices. To provide flexible parameterization or flexible measured-value inquiry, a connection box for the wireless transmission of signals between the field device and the control device is stated, which connection box comprises an interface connection and a radio interface. For the purpose of transmitting the signals, the interface connection and the radio interface are coupled to each other so as to be able to communicate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: VEGA Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Klaus Guenter, Thomas Deck, Josef Fehrenbach
  • Patent number: 8151023
    Abstract: A hybrid storage apparatus for retaining printed content and storing digital content includes a loose-leaf binder configured to retain printed pages containing printed content, and a storage device that is fixedly attached to the loose-leaf binder. The storage device includes a socket port detachably connect to a cable, and a non-volatile memory coupled to the socket port and configured for storing digital content. The cable is separate from the hybrid storage apparatus and used for communicating with a host. Also provided is a hybrid storage apparatus for holding print media and for storing digital content that includes a plurality of pages containing printed content, a cover for retaining the pages, and a storage device that is fixedly attached to or embedded within the cover. The pages include at least one page that displays a table of contents and refers to the digital content items stored in the non-volatile memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sandisk IL Ltd.
    Inventor: Mordechai Teicher