Abstract: A personal computer system enables simultaneous use of a relative-coordinate-mode input device and an absolute-coordinate-mode input device, thereby allowing correct input of absolute coordinate data, such as for characters. A pad-type first input device and a stick-type second input device are provided for a notebook computer. The first input device outputs both absolute coordinate data and relative coordinate data. The second input device outputs only relative coordinate data. When the absolute coordinate data is output, the relative coordinate data format is converted into the same format as the absolute coordinate data, and ID information for distinguishing the relative coordinate data from the absolute coordinate data is added to part of the relative coordinate data format.

Abstract: A coupling device for a SATA drive having a SATA connector is disclosed. The coupling device comprises a second connector having a plurality of connector pins, wherein the SATA connector has a number of connector pins which are less than the number of pins of the second connector and wherein the second connector provides a first and second SATA channel, and a coupling unit for coupling the first and the second connector, wherein the coupling unit comprises a multiplexer unit for establishing a coupling of one of the SATA channels with the SATA drive or for establishing a loop back function by coupling the first and second SATA channel.

Abstract: A disk array controller detects whether each drive it is connected to is an ATA drive or a SCSI drive, and communicates with that disk drive using the corresponding protocol. Preferably, the disk array controller supports both the Serial ATA interface specification and the Serial Attached SCSI interface specification, allowing either or both types of disk drives to be included within a RAID or other disk array configuration. The disk array controller may be incorporated into a storage server having hot swap drive carriers that accommodate both types of disk drives.

Abstract: A computer system provides a user with an ability to configure a filter, according to a user's personal characteristics, for user-input data generated by an input device. It also provides a configurable, customizable, adaptive filter for individualizing user settings, parameters, or algorithms so that the system adapts to user-specific characteristics in order to minimize “errors” in the use of input devices. Moreover, the individual characteristics are portable with the user through the use of a customized adaptive input profile. The customized adaptive input profile may be stored on a network or within a smart card so that the customized parameters are accessible when the user requires the use of a particular client or workstation in a distributed data processing environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using a wearable computer in testing applications that uses a probe, a display, an audio communication device, a computer adapted to receive data from the probe, exchange data with the display, exchange data with the audio communications device, and exchange data using wireless communication, a battery, and a harness for securing the probe, display, computer, and battery to a person's body.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a quick save system, connecting to a computer via an interface, and executing data saving process by the computer, which comprises: a housing; an optical drive, positioned in the housing for accessing an optical media; a reader, positioned in the housing, having a smart button firmware and at least one slot therein for accessing the data of at least one flash memory card inserted in the slot; and at least one push button for actuating a process; thereby, the consumer can insert the at least one flash memory card into the slot, and press the button for actuating at least one computer process task to execute data saving between the optical drive, the reader and the computer. Furthermore, the present invention also discloses a protocol, an event monitor program and a smart button firmware of the quick save system.

Abstract: A video card for processing a video signal comprises an interchangeable connector module and a video processing module. The interchangeable connector module has a specific configuration. The video processing module has a connector for coupling the interchangeable connector module. The specific configuration of the video input module sets the characteristics of the video processing module.

Abstract: An integrated storage device, for storing a data package received wirelessly from a remote base station, includes a secondary non-volatile storage device, an antenna, a primary non-volatile storage medium, and a processor. The antenna is configured to receive the data package wirelessly from the remote base station. The antenna is also configured to receive electrical energy from the remote base station in order to power the secondary non-volatile storage device, such that, the secondary non-volatile storage device is accessible in order to store the data package. The primary non-volatile storage medium is only accessible when electrically connected to a power supply. The secondary nonvolatile storage device and the primary non-volatile storage medium are permanently operationally connected.

Abstract: A keyboard/mouse switching controller and method thereof. The present invention is applied to a computer system where a keyboard and a mouse have the same connectors. The present invention determines whether a keyboard and a mouse are coupled to a wrong connector by detecting the keyboard and the mouse using a system BOIS. If a keyboard or a mouse is coupled to a wrong connector, the switching circuit switches the keyboard signal and the mouse signal, thereby transmitting the keyboard signal and the mouse signal to the computer system correctly.

Abstract: A system for externally controlling keyboard video monitor (KVM) functions within a server blade architecture. The system includes an external KVM controller and a server blade chassis coupled to the external KVM controller. The server blade chassis includes a server blade and a management module coupled to the server blade. The management module includes an integrated KVM module. The integrated KVM module detects whether the external KVM controller is coupled to the server blade chassis. When the external KVM controller is coupled to the server blade chassis, the integrated KVM module functions as a relay agent between the external KVM controller and the server blade. When the external KVM controller is not coupled to the server blade chassis, the integrated KVM module functions as a master KVM controller for the server blade chassis.

Abstract: A portable electronic device according to the invention comprises a USB connector 4, a USB controller 6 for executing predetermined data communication processing attendant on data communication with a personal computer 2 connected to the USB connector 4, and a main CPU 7 for executing device operation processing for the usual operation of the device, and is adapted to receive a power supply from the personal computer 2 or an external power source 3 as connected to the USB connector 4. Discriminating between the sources of supply of power, the main CPU 7 causes the USB controller 6 to execute the predetermined data communication processing while power is supplied from the personal computer 2, or executes the usual device operation processing while power is supplied from the external power source 3. This assures more rapid and simplified processing even when the USB connector is used also as a connector for the external power source.

Abstract: A computer system has a plurality of input pointing devices, such as a mouse, a track ball, a pointing stick, a tablet or a touch screen. Each of the plurality of input devices connected to the computer system has different parameters associated with a double-click operation, which different parameters are stored in separate registers under control of the operating system. Separate device drivers are associated with each input device, each device driver using the associated double-click parameters as stored by the operating system.

Abstract: A data I/O system includes first and second function blocks connected to a system bus, which allows the function blocks to communicate with a processor. Each function block includes a D/A converter for outputting an analog signal and a waveform generator that provides a digital signal to the D/A converter. The waveform generator includes a memory control circuit and an address generation circuit. The memory control circuit has an address register and a data register, both of which are connected to the system bus, and a memory connected to the address register and the data register. The address generation circuit is connected to the address register and includes a control register, an up-down counter, and a comparator. The address generation circuit repetitively provides a circulating address signal to the address register. The function blocks relieve the processor of some of its processing load, but do not require additional I/O port addresses of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic record system which dispenses with complicated operations using a menu and a button and handwriting input operation like paper writing can be achieved. A system is established and is provided with: an input/output unit device capable of inputting/outputting data by the direct writing on a display screen with a pen; and a control/arithmetic device connected to the input/output unit device and reflecting the data inputted on the display screen to the screen. In this system, an electronic record in the form of strip-shaped sheet with an infinite length extending in the longitudinal direction is displayed, data is directly inputted from the display screen as a stroke data, the inputted characters are converted into the character data by the use of a character recognition engine and the converted data is used as data format available in a secondary use such as a data search, and various functions are driven by a predetermined pen operation.

Abstract: In an electronic device system, a computer is connected to a port replicator connectable to an extended input device and extended liquid crystal display device. The system enables the notebook computer to be easily detached even when the system is installed in a vehicle. Accordingly, information stored in the computer is easily retrievable when any problem occurs to the vehicle where the system is installed.

Abstract: A method and an application installed in a computer system for controlling a plurality of scanners connected to the computer system being capable of feeding documents automatically. The scanners being parallel-connected to the computer system via an interface selecting from a group consisting of IEEE 1394, USB, and SCSI interfaces. The application comprises a scan code for controlling the scanners parallelly and a plurality of image files generated by the scanners scanning documents that can be transferred to the computer system, and a sort code for sorting the images files.

Abstract: The present invention is a personal computer system and method including a biometric sensor which is protected from environmental forces and which resists certain attacks by sensing whether a living person is providing the biometric identification. A second sensor provides an input as to whether the biometric input is from a living person, through the sensing of a life-indicative parameter such as an appropriate level of blood oxygen in the sensed item, and the sensors are covered by a removal cover which provides electrostatic discharge when the cover is opened.

Abstract: User information is acquired from a portable device and setting information of the user is acquired from a server based on the user information from the portable device to customize settings for each user. As a result, a digital copying machine having a user interface which is set to be easily customized for a user is provided.

Abstract: A wallet for a personal information device in the form of a PCMCIA card such as an PCMCIA-card electronic organizer. The wallet includes an input device separate from the input device of the personal information device and two halves that may be folded together in a wallet-like fashion. One of the halves generally includes a touch panel input to allow a user to enter information, commands, instructions, etc., thereto. A personal information device is mounted to the second half of the wallet. When mounted, the wallet supplies via an electrical connection or induction communication the user-supplied information entered into the touch panel input to the personal information device. The wallet display may be powered by the personal information device via the electrical connection or self-powered. Upon coupling the personal information device to the wallet, the personal information device may supply a wake signal to wake up or automatically turn on the input device of the wallet.

Abstract: A wireless keyboard has a transmitting and receiving portion 12 for transmitting an input data D to an information processing device 2 and receiving a reception level from the information processing device 2, a transmission level setting portion 14 for storing the transmission level of the input data D, setting a new transmission level referring to the transmission level setting table in response to the combination of the stored transmission level and the reception level on receiving the reception level and detecting a distance information with respect to the information processing device 2 referring to a distance information table, a transmission level switching portion 15 for switching the transmission level of the input data D to a new transmission level, an LCD indicating portion 16 for receiving and indicating the distance information, a timer 13 for output a time-out signal in the event the reception level is not transmitted even a fixed period of time passed after the input data D is transmitted and an

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting, monitoring, and controlling electrically powered devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an electrically powered device having a key operating line and switching control circuitry to control usage of the electrically powered device by interrupting continuity of the key operating line. In another embodiment, the apparatus monitors usage of an electrically powered device. The apparatus includes a circuit which is coupled to the device to provide a power output of the device, an analog to digital converter coupled to receive the power output and convert the same to digital form, and a controller to receive a user input, process the user input by establishing communication with a remotely located device to request approval of a financial transaction, and generate control signals in response to receiving approval. The controller receives the digital form of the power output and monitors the operation of the electrically powered device.

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 host system is provided with one or more host-fabric adapters installed therein for connecting to a switched fabric of a data network. The host-fabric adapter comprises a micro-controller subsystem configured to establish connections and support data transfers via the switched fabric, and a serial interface which provides an interface with the switched fabric. The micro-controller subsystem includes a Micro-Engine (ME) which executes a ME instruction to send source and destination addresses during a control cycle, and interface logic blocks which supply addressed data from designated sources to the Micro-Engine (ME) at the same time for execution of the ME instruction during a data cycle subsequent to the control cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a quick save system, connecting to a computer via an interface, and executing data saving process by the computer, which comprises: a housing; an optical drive, positioned in the housing for accessing an optical media; a reader, positioned in the housing, having a smart button firmware and at least one slot therein for accessing the data of at least one flash memory card inserted in the slot; and at least one push button for actuating a process; thereby, the consumer can insert the at least one flash memory card into the slot, and press the button for actuating at least one computer process task to execute data saving between the optical drive, the reader and the computer. Furthermore, the present invention also discloses a protocol, an event monitor program and a smart button firmware of the quick save system.

Abstract: The method is for entering data into a computer device and comprises providing a wearable device (10) that is attached to a hand. The device (10) has sensors (49, 51, 53, 55, 57) that analyze the movements of the segments (48, 50, 52, 54, 56) to generate likely characters intended by the user. The device (10) learns from the earlier typing patterns of the user to eliminate possible characters.

Abstract: A data transmission system in which a function block is housed in a subunit in a unit to enable communication among the unit, subunit and the function block. To this end, the data transmission system includes a digital STB 60, a DTV 70, and an audio amplifier 80. Within the DTV 70 is housed a video monitor subunit 71 within which are housed a decoder function block 72 and a feature function block 73. Within the audio amplifier 80 is housed an audio sub-unit 81 within which a decoder function block 82 and a feature function block 83, that can be endowed with functions in common with the decoder function block 72 and the feature function block 73, respectively, and a processing function block 83, are housed.

Abstract: A multi-functional electronic card capable of detecting removable cards includes at least one functional device, a controller, a host interface, and a removable card interface. The host interface has a card detecting pin fixed at a level representing that a card is inserted. The removable card interface has an elastic switch connected to the device detecting pin of the controller. The controller detects event and status of a card insertion and removal by a level change of the device detecting pin for setting the event and status in a status register, and informs the host device through the host interface so that the host device reads the status register to determine whether the removable card is inserted or removed.

Abstract: A control apparatus comprises a control unit, a portable computer, a receiving module and a controller. The control unit includes a connector, a laser-pointer transmission circuit, a control circuit, a transmission module and a chargeable battery. A power switch button and a set of operating buttons are provided on the control unit and respectively connect the control circuit. In the portable computer, a connection socket is internally mounted to engage with the connector of the control unit when the control unit is inserted in the portable computer. The connection socket is connected to a circuit control unit of the portable computer that controls the execution of a user's command. When the control unit is detached from the portable computer, the portable computer can be remotely controlled directly by means of the control unit.

Abstract: In a multi-modal user interface, user inputs may be made in various different ways. For instance, the user might use a keyboard, a speech system, a vision system, a mouse or pen. Different inputs made by the user may be related and may have different significance. A processing system detects and resolves ambiguities and/or conflicts in inputs made by the user using the different input modes available.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus, system and method are provided for controlling different types of electronic devices coupled through a serial bus. The electronic apparatus may include an Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) port for coupling a plurality of different types of IDE devices, each having information for controlling the device, a memory, and an IEEE 1394 interface for coupling the device to another electronic apparatus, such as a personal computer (PC), through an IEEE 1394 cable. Different types of IDE devices, such as a hard-disk drive or a CD-ROM drive, may be coupled to the IDE port. The PC may read information from each IDE device, convert the information into a format defined by the IEEE 1394 standard, and store the information in a provided configuration read-only-memory (ROM).

Abstract: To execute a program in a second chip card, inserted in a terminal in addition to a first chip card, containing data relating to the owner of the first card, the second card communicates with the terminal through exchanges of commands and responses between the two cards, relayed through exchanges of commands and responses, between first card and the terminal. For example, the terminal is a mobile radio telephone terminal with a SIM card as a first card, not requiring any SIM Toolkit protocol interface between the terminal and the second card. Compatibility and adaptation of the second card to the terminal is provided in the preparation for the execution of the program.

Abstract: A data input/output apparatus capable of decreasing a number of wires between a sequence controller and a control panel and not requiring a change of the number of the wires even if the number of input/output points of data is increased, provided with switches and light emitting diodes, a plurality of wires which can be directly connected to buses for transmission of data between an I/O unit and a CPU, a plurality of electronic switches connected to the buses by wires, outputting signals in accordance with levels of signals from the buses to the light emitting diodes based on input of a selection signal or outputting signals in accordance with levels of signals input from the switches to the buses, and address decoders connected to the buses by the wires and outputting selection signals to the corresponding electronic switches in accordance with a request from the CPU.

Abstract: A client-server based electronic medical record replaces paper records in outpatient clinics. The Internet provides physicians with the ability to use a Java-based client program to generate legible, complete notes for patient encounters that comply with HCFA guidelines. A pen-like input device for entering data into an electronic medical record is provided with one end which serves as a stylus or pointing device for being placed in contact with a touch screen and another end which has a microphone element for receiving speech signals. A microphone activation button or lever is provided to enable and disable speech recognition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus, a control circuit of an electronic apparatus, and a method of controlling an electronic apparatus that change different states by a predetermined input operation, and has an object of providing an electronic apparatus, a control circuit of an electronic apparatus, and a method of controlling an electronic apparatus that prevent the transition of states due to an unintentional operation. A SUSPEND/RESUME signal generation part 151 for generating a SUSPEND/RESUME signal whose level becomes LOW when a SUSPEND/RESUME button 110 is pressed and a SUSPEND/RESUME signal control part 152 for maintaining the LOW-level period of the SUSPEND/RESUME signal generated by the SUSPEND/RESUME signal generation part 151 within a predetermined period T0 are provided between the SUSPEND/RESUME button 110 and a chip set 139 that achieves a SUSPEND or RESUME function when the SUSPEND/RESUME button 110 is pressed.

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: An interface switching device is connected to a keyboard unit and a computer. Two data lines, a power-supply line, and a ground line, which are provided at the interface switching device, are respectively connected to a data line, a clock line, a power-supply line, and a ground line, which are provided at the keyboard unit. An unused line is connected to an identification line. At the computer, the unused line, and the power-supply line or the ground line, are short-circuited. When the interface switching device is connected, a keyboard is notified of a voltage as identification information which is fixed at a power-supply voltage or zero volts.

Abstract: An arrangement for data transfer between a desk top personal computer (1) and a peripheral or other data processing device (7) comprises a transfer pad (5) which comprises two conductive plates (8, 9) which is connected to the personal computer (1) via a lead (6). The peripheral or other data processing device (7) has a transfer pad (11) which comprises two conductive pads (12, 13) attached to or forming part of the lower wall of its housing. For data transfer to occur the two transfer pads are brought into close proximity so that they provide a capacitative coupling between the personal computer (1) and the peripheral or other data processing device (7).

Abstract: An integrated circuit having statistical processing capability. The integrated circuit has an input for receiving input data in a first data domain. A data converter is provided for converting received input data from the first domain to a second domain different from the first domain. A statistical processor is provided for obtaining statistical information from the output of the data converter and processing the obtained statistical information in accordance with a predetermined processing algorithm. An output on the integrated circuit allow access of the processed statistical information by the statistical processor external to the integrated circuit.

Abstract: The present invention is, in one embodiment, a method for efficiently and reliably communicating button presses electronically on a network from one or more push button nodes each having at least one push button, to a master node. This method includes steps of: generating status messages indicative of a push button states at each of push button node; communicating the status messages to the master node via the network; determining, at the master node, the state of the push buttons at each of the push button nodes from the communicated status messages; and triggering a response of the master node, in accordance with the statuses of the push buttons determined from the communicated status messages.

Abstract: A remote control device provides commands and options based on the configuration of components in a user's environment, and based on a defined user activity. A storage device contains a user profile that includes the configuration of components at the user's environment, and defined set of user activities, such as “watching television”, “viewing a movie”, “watching a sports program”, and so on. Each user activity has a corresponding mapping of keys on the remote control device to facilitate the user activity. When the user identifies a preferred activity, the remote control device communicates commands to the components of the system to support the activity, and subsequently communicates commands to each component corresponding to this activity. A user may define multiple user activities, and the storage device may contain configurations and activities from multiple users.

Abstract: An information retrieval and display system and method enables users of a portable handheld communication device to easily access information about related sets of objects by providing users a multi-pane Object Browser.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sharing I/O facilities among logical partitions. A remote translation control entry table is created on a hosted partition appearing to own a virtual copy of the I/O facilities to be shared. The remote translation control entry table on the hosted partition is loaded with data from a hypervisor in response to requests made by the OS running in the hosted partition. The hypervisor, in response to requests from the OS running in the hosting partition, copies the data from the remote translation control entry into a standard translation control entry table on the hosting partition owning the physical I/O facilities that target the I/O page buffers of the hosted partition to perform the desired I/O operation. The I/O page buffers of the hosted partition are accessed by the hosting partition's I/O facilities using the data stored in the standard translation control entry table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detection method used in a memory card adaptor and, more particularly, to a detection method used in an adaptor capable of inserting various kinds of memory cards. The present invention comprises mainly the steps of: a control device on an adaptor issuing an identification command to detect a memory card responsive to the identification command, and the control device issuing again a reset command to detect a reset-type memory card if there is no corresponding response; the control device continually awaiting a response signal if there is still no corresponding response; the control device entering a read/write mode corresponding to the memory card if a corresponding response is obtained after issuing the command; and the control device awaiting a read/write command of said master device. The present invention can effectively enhance detection and identification efficiency without the need of adding a hardware switching device.

Abstract: A method and system for managing I/O resources for communications between a host and a target device through at least one adapter, involves setting a local resource associated with each adapter. If a target device cannot accept an I/O request, the local resource associated with each adapter is set to the number of I/O resources currently used by each adapter associated therewith. The host is configured to issue no more than the local resource number of I/O requests to any individual adapter. The local resources may be periodically rebalanced to account for changes in system needs.

Abstract: A method of integrating host application software with data collection devices (e.g., bar code scanners) located on remote, wireless terminals. A data collection object executes on the host computer, using a predetermined interface between the host application software and the data collection object. That interface, and the communications between the host application software and the data collection object, are configured so that to the host application software the data collection device appears to be local hardware on the host computer. The data collection object creates and executes threads of execution for controlling operation of the data collection device, with the threads communicating with the remote terminals via a host computer transport layer, the wireless link, and a remote computer transport layer at the remote terminals.

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: The portable CD player and burner is provided for integrating a CD-ROM player and a video/acoustic player used respectively on two different systems including a computer and a video/acoustic household electric appliance at the terminal of a device. The portable CD player and burner mainly is comprised of a housing, a CD reading/writing unit, an operating unit, a main board, a multiplexer, a CPU, a memory unit, a signal converting unit and at least an output/input unit. When a CD is placed in, signals can be transmitted to the systems of the computer or the video/acoustic household electric appliance, or the data of the computer can be transmitted to the CD reading/writing unit by using the above stated elements for outputting and inputting respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing a user with task-specific information that includes a portable instruction system that may be worn by a user, and includes, a computer sufficiently lightweight and designed to be worn by a user to which a memory has been connected. The system includes a display device that can receive display signals from the computer for visual display to the user and an input device by which the user enters commands to the computer. An instructional program is provided that the computer accesses and stores in memory in response to a user command and displays information concerning a task to be performed by the user on the display device in response to commands from the user.

Abstract: A computer peripheral apparatus includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion. The second portion is pivotable between a first position nested with the first portion and a second position extended from the first portion. The first portion includes computer mouse input members and a telephony handset. The second portion includes a telephony microphone.