Abstract: A PCI Express-compatible flash device can include one or more flash memory modules, a controller, and an ExpressCard interface. The controller can advantageously provide PCI Express functionality as well as flash memory operations, e.g. writing, reading, or erasing, using the ExpressCard interface. A PIO interface includes sending first and second memory request packets to the flash device. The first memory request packet includes a command word setting that prepares the flash device for the desired operation. The second memory request packet triggers the operation and includes a data payload, if needed. A DMA interface includes sending the second memory request from the flash device to the host, thereby triggering the host to release the system bus for the DMA operation.

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: An USB removable memory with replaceable storage medium for optional upgrade and extension of the storage capacity, including an USB connector, a controller and a flash memory; said USB connector and said controller are integrated as a memory body; the flash memory as the physically-independent storage component is attached to the body, and is electrically connected to the controller. A dismountable back cover is provided in the rear of the housing of the body; a chamber for flash memory part is provided in the body; a flash memory is placed in the chamber; the electrical connection between said flash memory part and said controller is elastic tip-touch connection or plug-in connection. The flash memory is a independent part according to the present invention, which can be mounted/unmounted conveniently onto/from the body, so the memory can be optionally upgraded and extended in its storage capacity, it is convenient for user, the cost is reduced, and the resource is saved.

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: Systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are provided for generating an arrangement of a user's media files. For example, a user of a first device may use the first device to access a second device. The second device may provide the user with the option to select a profile stored in the second device. The user may then use the first device to communicate, to the second device, a selection of a profile along with a list of music stored in the first device. The second device may then generate a playlist using music identified in the list received from the first device. The second device may generate the playlist based on the selected profile. The second device may then communicate the playlist back to the first device. The profile used by the second device to generate the playlist may be based on a particular theme or on the music preferences of a particular person.

Abstract: A keyboard, video, mouse switch may be implemented by software. An agent in a sequestered partition may handle routing of input and output requests for handling by a remote, common, keyboard, video, or mouse used for a plurality of servers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in communication module (1) and a method for communicating using a plug-in communication module (1) to simplify the communication interfacing of assemblies and devices. A communication module (1) is proposed with means (2) for storing and executing software components (3, 4, 5) with communication functionality, with first connection means (7) for direct electrical and mechanical coupling to interfaces (8) of at least a first assembly (9), with access means (6) for accessing local communication means (10) of the first assembly (9) and with second connection means (11) for electrical coupling to interfaces (12) of at least a second assembly (13). Advantageous embodiments relate in particular to a communication module, with which at least one of the software components (3, 4, 5) is provided to execute communication tasks using Internet technologies and/or at least one of the software components (3, 4, 5) is a Web server or is provided to execute Web services.

Abstract: A configurable interface system (100) couples an accessory (102) to a communication device (104). The interface system utilizes a memory device (120) embedded in the accessory (102) that stores physical configuration and event mapping descriptors (114, 122) pertaining to the accessory. The communication device (104) reads the physical configuration and event mapping descriptors and configures its external interface (112) in response thereto, preferably through the use of bi-directional GPIO lines (110).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media track a state of communication between a PS/2 device and a PS/2 device driver within an EFI environment. The method involves receiving from an application, a request for data and in response to receiving the request, reading a state machine table within the PS/2 device driver to determine a last known state of communication associated with the PS/2 device. The last known state of communication is stored within the state machine table. The method also involves, based on the last known state stored, utilizing the state machine table to select and execute a routine to send a command, receive a reply from the PS/2 device to a command, change the state of communication when a condition is met, store changes in the last known state of communication, and/or pass control back to the application thereby reducing delay associated with waiting on slow PS/2 device replies.

Abstract: When the destinations of local electrical signals are local computers, the local electrical signals are transmitted to the corresponding destination local computers via the keyboard video mouse (KVM) switch directly. When the destinations of the local electrical signals are remote computers, at least one network packet having multiple data sections for correspondingly storing the local electrical signals is generated by the current KVM switch referring to the local electrical signals. A communication is established among a plurality of the KVM switches using a network protocol, for communicating the network packets thereof. At least one remote electrical signal is obtained from another network packet transmitted by another KVM switch, and then is transmitted to the corresponding destination local computer.

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: In a system that plural apparatuses mutually perform data communication, it enables to prevent decrease in productivity and to smoothly operate the entire system. In the system, when data received from an image data generation apparatus through a data communication medium is image data, acceptance from other image data generation apparatus is invalidated, and a printing process for the image data from the image data generation apparatus is performed. According as the data received from the image data generation apparatus through the data communication medium is first information output when an error occurs in the image data generation apparatus and representing this error, the invalidation of the acceptance from the other image data generation apparatus is released.

Abstract: A system to be used to add non-listed characters (i.e., characters not listed in character key-in methods) to the vocabulary banks of character-key-in methods used in hand-held mobile communication devices is disclosed. Users of a mobile communication device can select a character or characters which are built in the system but not indexed by a certain character-key-in method (that is, the characters cannot be keyed in with that character-key-in method), index the aforesaid characters, using the indexing system/method of the character-key-in method, and then add them to the key-in method's character-indexing system so that subsequent users of the mobile communication device can use said character-key-in method to key in said (originally non-indexed/listed) characters.

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 system and method for the capture, storage and manipulation of remote information is disclosed. The system includes at least one remote information capture device located at a remote site for capturing remote data, a central database accessible by the remote capture device for storing the captured remote data, and a computer program operative to manipulate the captured data. The method includes the steps of capturing remote data, storing the captured remote data, and manipulating the stored data.

Abstract: A system for using computer input devices with software applications is disclosed. The system includes an input device mapper API, which uses a language of semantics as an interface between input devices and software applications. The input device mapper receives information about which semantics the devices connected to the computer are able to implement, and which semantics correspond to actions that a user can request the software to perform. The input device mapper maps controls on the available devices into user-requestable software actions by matching, as closely as possible, device controls and software actions that correspond to the same semantic. The system thus makes input devices and software applications transparent to each other, and permits a software application to be designed to operate without regard to which input device is being used to control its actions.

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 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: 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: A switch control system has a switch device for selecting a real input device or an emulation input device, an instruction detecting device electrically connected to a computer system and the switch device for detecting signals transmitted to the switch device, and a control device electrically connected to the switch device and the instruction detecting device for receiving a detecting signal from the instruction detecting device and for outputting a control signal to trigger the switch device and to control the selection of the switch device.

Abstract: An intelligent, modular server management system for coupling a series of remotely located computers to one or more user stations allowing for selective access of the remotely located computers. A centralized computer matrix switching system is provided to enable a computer user station to access and operate a remotely located computer in a stable environment and transmit analog signals through the switching system over an extended range. The centralized computer matrix switching system receives the input from the computer user station or the remotely located computer, including the keyboard, video monitor and mouse signals, and transmits the signals as though the computer user station was directly coupled to the remotely located computer.

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: 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: An information processing device for setting a parameter about objective data, comprising an output unit for outputting the objective data, an operation unit for detecting an instruction of a user, an output control unit for altering the parameter value with time in order and instructing the output unit to output the objective data the parameter value of which is set, and a processing unit for defining the parameter value when the instruction is detected as the parameter value about the objective data.

Abstract: There are provided, on the POS device unit side, a physical keyboard having a plurality of physical keys arranged thereon; a screen keyboard comprising a plurality of screen keys arranged and displayed on a screen having a touch panel arranged thereon adjacent the physical keyboard; and a key data transfer control unit which connects each of the physical keyboard and the screen keyboard to an input port, and transfers key data from an output port in accordance with the sequence of key operations of the physical keyboard and the screen keyboard. A keyboard control unit which notifies the key data transferred from the key data transfer control unit to the application processing unit for execution of processing is provided in the POS main body. When physical keys and screen keys are operated in succession, the key data are transferred in the sequence of key operations and notified to the application.

Abstract: A computer pointing device (65) has a coupling device (1) for coupling to a computer serial bus. A primary control device (60) is coupled to the coupling device (1). A computer pointing mechanism (62) is coupled to the primary control device (60) and a data storage device (10) is coupled to the primary control device (60). The primary control device (60) controls data flow between the coupling device (1) and each of the computer pointing mechanism (62) and the data storage device (10). The data storage device (10) includes an interface device (2) coupled to the primary control device (60), a memory control device (3) and a non-volatile solid-state memory device (4). The memory control device (3) being coupled between the interface device (2) and the memory device (4) to control the flow of data from the memory device (4) to the interface device (2).

Abstract: An electrical host system includes a host and an expandable optical disk recording and playing device. The expandable optical disk recording and playing device includes an expanding interface module, an expanding interface, a storage interface module, an output interface module and a CODEC module. The expanding interface module connects to the expanding interface and the host. The storage interface module connects to a storage device. The CODEC module encodes, decodes or transcodes an audio/video source to generate audio/video data, wherein the audio/video source is inputted from the host through the expanding interface and the expanding interface module. The audio/video data are outputted through the output interface module, or through the storage interface module to the storage device.

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.

Abstract: A designated byte of a PS/2 packet is used for data not recognized by a conventional PS/2 port driver. Each packet byte received by the conventional port driver is read by an Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) of a filter driver. If a received packet contains an unrecognized data type, that data is extracted. The filter driver converts the byte containing the data to 0000 0000. The port driver provides the all-zero byte to a higher level driver for processing into a subsequent data structure. A Service Callback Routine of the filter driver receives that data structure from the higher level driver. Depending upon the type of unrecognized data extracted by the ISR, that data is then either inserted into the data structure or passed independently of that data structure to a user level application.

Abstract: A portable data storage device, e.g., a digital video camcorder (DVC), which stores environment setting data including time data and has an interface which enables a mutual data transmission with an external host computer. Video and audio data are transmitted and received between the DVC and the computer through the interface, and various control data for controlling the DVC and environment setting data are also transmittable from the computer to the DVC. Where the computer transmits the environment setting data to the DVC, the DVC stores the received data in a storage portion. Accordingly, without complicated manipulation of a plurality of keys on the DVC, a user easily inputs data related to the environment setting of the DVC from the computer. Where time data is provided to the DVC from a time standard, accurate current time according to the time standard is recorded on a magnetic tape during recording.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for playing analog audio in an electronic audio system having multiple audio codecs, only one of which has a direct hardware connection to the analog audio source. First analog audio data is received from the analog audio source at a first audio codec, and converted to digital audio data using the first audio codec. The digital audio data is stored in a memory, and read back from the memory, transferred to a second audio codec. The digital audio data is then converted to second analog audio data using the second audio codec, and output from the second audio codec. An audio controller may be used to store the digital audio data in a loopback buffer within the memory, read the digital audio data from the loopback buffer, and may further be programmed to operate in a prepare loopback state, a loopback running state, and a recording state.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a method and apparatus for implementing multiple transaction translators that share a single memory in a serial hub are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) hub may include a shared memory device, at least one faster data handler coupled to transfer data between the shared memory device and a faster port, and several slower handlers each coupled to transfer data between the shared memory device and a respective one of several slower ports.

Abstract: An invention is provided for an alphanumeric keyboard input system using a controller, such as a game controller. A plurality of cells is provided, where each cell includes a plurality of characters. A user is allowed to select any character using only two commands. In particular, a first command is used to select a particular cell of the plurality of cells, and a second command is used to select a particular character of the plurality of characters within the selected cell.

Abstract: A communication device which transmits/receives data to/from a host device connected thereto via a bus having a signal line and a power line. A communication controller which is always supplied with power as long as a bus is connected thereto and a MCU are so arranged as to use different power, and only supply of power to the MCU is interrupted when a connected host device comes into stand-by state. In case the connected host device resumes from the stand-by state, the communication controller responds to communication from the host device until the MCU resumes control of data transmission/reception with the host device.

Abstract: System for processing programmable buttons using system control interrupts in a portable device. The system comprises a programmable button that comprises logic to generate a selected system control interrupt when actuated. The system also comprises interrupt logic coupled to receive the selected system control interrupt. The interrupt logic comprises logic to generate a button report that includes a button identifier, which indicates that the programmable button has been actuated. The system also comprises button support logic that is coupled to receive the button report, the button support logic comprises logic to determine a selectable device function associated with the button identifier, and logic to activate the selectable device function.

Abstract: Automatic assignment of shortcut keys for launching applications or for providing other commands is provided based on the position of corresponding application listings or shortcuts in a menu. The menu may include an applications menu, such as a start menu. The menu may also include an application launch bar listing applications that may be launched therefrom by selecting the respective application, or by entering shortcut keys that are automatically assigned based on the position of the application listing on the launch bar. Methods are provided for assigning application launch shortcut keys, for identifying assigned shortcut keys, for modifying shortcut keys, and for using shortcut keys for instantiating or switching applications.

Abstract: The invention provides for context detecting apparatus which includes a housing shaped to allow the apparatus to be positioned in a plurality of orientations each corresponding to at least one particular context, means adapted to detect the orientation and communications means for communicating the orientation that thus context to a device. The housing may a cube, triangular pyramid or a regular or irregular solid and the detection means correspond to one or more sensors adapted to sense the orientation of the apparatus. The apparatus may be used to sense and communicate the context of a users activity and/or environment to a recipient computer in order to change the operating state of the computer. Changes in operating state may include causing the computer to go to standby, filtering email/messages and similar functional characteristics.

Abstract: In audio processing technology there are interfaces of different type, the different interface types being associated with differing sample clock frequencies and/or differing data frame or data word formats. In some applications it is desired do process audio signals that stem from such interfaces of different type. According to the invention the input signals of the interfaces of different type are pre-processed for a subsequent common-format central processing, using a synchronization to the common system clock, channel decoding according to the differing channel protocols related to the different-type interfaces, and processing the resulting PCM bitstream format signals so as to form therefrom sample words that are stored in an intermediate store from which the sample words are fed to the central processing.

Abstract: The method is for entering data into a computer device. A wearable device (10) is attaching to a hand (212). The device (10) has a lower unit (14) placed in a palm (106) of the hand and an upper unit (16) placed behind knuckles (17) of the hand and connected to the lower unit (14). A sensor (202) has transducers (260, 262, 264, 266, 268) in operative engagement with fingers (250, 252, 254, 256, 258). The sensor (202) has a position sensor (210) associated with an electronic cursor or sign (211) displayed on a screen (213). The fingers and/or hand are moved to switch the sensor (202) from a keyboard mode to a mouse mode. The hand (212) is shifted in a first direction to move the cursor (211) in the first direction on the screen (213).

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer for receiving a removable data storage device comprising a case having an internal motherboard with a CPU mounted thereon; at least one substantially rectangular opening on the case; at least one slot each provided within the opening for communicating therewith; and a USB port provided at a bottom of the slot opposite to the opening for being electrically connected to the motherboard; wherein the data storage device is insertable into the slot via the opening for connecting an I/O port of the micro drive and the USB port together. By utilizing this, the CPU on the motherboard is able to read data from the micro drive or write data into the micro drive via the coupled USB port and I/O port.

Abstract: A touch sensor system and a method of operating the system is provided to detect the touch of a person. An AC power source is provided with an isolated power supply connected to thereto with a DC voltage source output. The DC voltage source is referenced to ground. An impedance limiting circuit is connected to the output of the DC voltage source. An analog-to-digital converter is connected to the impedance limiting circuit. A processor is connected to the analog-to-digital converter with the touch sensor connected to the impedance limiting circuit. The touch sensor is capacitively coupled to the AC power source. The waveform output of touch sensor is monitored and with the waveform output as an OFF reference waveform when the touch sensor is not being touched and the waveform output is stable being calculated and saved.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing multimedia telecommunications network-based voicemail and multimedia mail messages with a wireless communications device and an external message recording device. The method includes connecting the wireless communications device to the external device, establishing a call between the wireless communications device and a voicemail/multimedia mail server in the network, exchanging information between the wireless communications device and the voicemail/multimedia mail messages about the subscriber's messages, which messages may be stored on the external device and the voicemail/multimedia mail server, determining the status of the subscriber's messages. If there is at least one new message for the subscriber on the server, then any new messages are downloaded to the external device and the server is updated. If there are no new messages for the subscriber on the server, then a message is played for the subscriber indicating that there are no new messages.

Abstract: A hearing aid programming system with a host computer system including a program for programming a hearing aid. The host computer system includes a first communication interface for sending and receiving control and data signals. A hearing aid programming interface device is connected to the communication interface of the host computer system and includes a second communication interface for sending and receiving control and data signals. The hearing aid programming interface device also includes circuitry for electrically isolating the hearing aid to be programmed from the host computer. The first communication interface may be PCMCIA, USB, RS-232, SCSI or IEEE 1394 interfaces, which are arranged to send and receive serial data and control signals to the hearing aid programming interface device. The first communication interface may also be a wireless communications interface which wirelessly sends and receives control and data signals with the hearing aid programming interface device.

Abstract: A device for interfacing an input device and a computer includes a microprocessor in communication with a memory, the memory storing download instructions and having a re-writable memory area for storing input device driver data downloadable by the microprocessor using the download instructions. The microprocessor is programmed to use the input device driver data to enable data transmission between the computer and the input device. In an alternative device, the microprocessor is programmed to extract input device driver data from data transmitted to the device in a standard input device protocol and to save the input device driver data in the memory. An upgradeable KVMA and KVM switch and extender including such devices are described.

Abstract: The operation of automation components is to be configured conveniently. Consequently, use is made of generally available IT units, for example PDA or mobile radio telephones, as simple HMI (Human Machine Interface). In this case, the nearest automation component can be displayed visually to the operator. The processing of conversion processes or service routines can be controlled by workflows. Furthermore, personalized or unit-specific access rights can be awarded.

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 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: An interface device for interconnecting fixed controls of a vehicle to a replacement stereo. The interface device is capable of receiving control signals from fixed controls, such as steering wheel controls, backseat controls, handlebar controls, and the like, and then transmitting corresponding control signals to a replacement stereo. In one embodiment, the output signals from the interface device are comprised of wireless signals, such as IR signals. In another embodiment, the interface device is programmable such that the interface device can be programmed to emit signals corresponding to the same signals that would be emitted from a handheld remote control sold in conjunction with an after-market stereo receiver. In another embodiment, the interface device is capable of recognizing spoken voice commands and generating corresponding IR signals in order to effect control of a replacement stereo.

Abstract: A computer system is configured to be powered up by a hand-held controller. The hand-held controller is in wireless communication with a computer. One or more buttons on the hand-held controller may be used to automatically launch a particular application program which has been pre-selected by a computer user after completing the power up process.

Abstract: A pointing device has a controllable selector for sending a version compatible signal and a newer functionality signal to a computer terminal. The pointing device has an operating unit which produces a signal which can be passed directly to the computer terminal, or can be modified with a new functionality, and then passed to the computer terminal. A controller in the pointing device monitors a protocol signal line to determine whether a version compatible signal or a new functionality signal is called for. The controller can activate a new functionality circuit and the selector to send the appropriate signal to the computer terminal. The controller can also monitor the protocol signal line in a power-on state, and execute a procedure to determine the functionality requested by the protocol signal line.

Abstract: An input/output subsystem is configured as a plurality of input/output subsystem images, each of which appears to a program as an independent input/output subsystem. An input/output subsystem image is identified by an input/output subsystem image identifier, which is used by various programs to designate the particular input/output subsystem image for which an I/O operation is to be performed. An operating system is provided with access to a plurality of input/output subsystem images of the input/output subsystem. One or more controls are provided to the operating system image to enable the operating system image to access the plurality of input/output subsystem images.