Abstract: A configurable operating system allows small, inexpensive, and less powerful computers to run a wide variety of applications. The operating system provides for the capability to accept input from a number of input devices, and transfer the data to the appropriate application without using an application to perform the routing tasks, thus freeing up more processor time and memory space for the applications. Data format translator applications may be called by the operating system in order to convert the data to the proper format. The decision as to which application should be called may be made by using information on the input device which the data came from, as well as additional information, to determine if a conversion application or other application is required.

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: An apparatus, functioning as a user-input device (UID) to a computer by using a communication link, receives/transmits additional I/O signals via the same link. The I/O signals may be analog or digital. One implementation of the apparatus, made wireless and supported by speech processing software, allows its user to interact with the computer remotely. The inventive apparatus comprises means for converting the I/O signals into/from the digital I/O streams in such a manner as to be transferable to/from the computer along with the UI information via the same communication link. The apparatus, while functioning as a UID, may handle the I/O signals coming from/to an external I/O device, such as a fax/modem device or even another conventional UID. The apparatus, while performing as a UID, may include the complete functionality of an external I/O device handling the I/O signals.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for providing a computer extender for connecting a computer at a first location to peripherals at a second location. The peripherals are located at distances greater than possible using standard computer cables. A cable coupling the locations and serving as the communication channel is a bundle of four pairs of wires, where three of the pairs provide video. The remaining pair provides for transfer of mouse information, keyboard information, vertical sync, horizontal sync, audio signals, modem signals, asynchronous data, and has a reserve capacity for other information.

Abstract: A mobile human machine interface for a monitoring operation of a spatially distributed control system in a factory or the like provides a location signal to a central processor holding the control program and relevant I/O data. Based on that location signal, the mobile HMI receives data relevant to the machines near its location. As the user moves through the factory, its location signal changes and the data and program which it executes changes accordingly. The user may identify him or herself to the mobile HMI providing for a second degree of discrimination in the type of data provided to the mobile HMI.

Abstract: A system, device, and method allowing a host device to communicate with, and initialize, an uninitialized peripheral device includes, on the peripheral device, logic for storing a separate mask corresponding to each of a plurality of memory locations, and logic, responsive to a request for reading a memory location, for outputting a bit-wise exclusive-OR of data stored in the memory location and the corresponding mask. The mask is equal to a bit-wise exclusive-OR of a predetermined configuration value and a preset value. Thus, if the memory location is not pre-programmed with configuration information, the bit-wise exclusive-OR of the data stored in the memory location and the corresponding mask results in a valid default configuration value. Once the host device is able to communicate with the peripheral device, the host device programs the peripheral device by storing in the memory location a new data value equal to the bit-wise exclusive-OR of a new configuration value and the corresponding mask.

Abstract: A system includes a computer and digital camera connected to each other; automatic image transfer or remote control can be achieved readily, and a power supply route is simple. A card connector for an I/O card and a back connector thereof are linked by a power supply line. When the I/O card is connected to a digital camera, power supplied over an interface cable joined with the back connector is supplied to the digital camera. Moreover, when the I/O card is connected to the digital camera, a start-up instruction signal is sent from the I/O card to the digital camera. A CPU in the digital camera executes start-up processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively operating a plurality of computers connected to a common video monitor, includes a single data I/P device for inputting data and instructions to the plurality of computers, a main control circuit which is connected to the data I/P device, and a selection circuit for selectively providing the data and instructions from the data I/P device.The main control circuit outputs a computer selection signal to select one of the plurality of computers to which the I/P data and instructions are to be transmitted and a video selection signal to select the video output of the selected computer to allow display on the common video monitor.

Abstract: A computer starter and starting method for an ATX computer system which provides a standby voltage when the computer system is shut down. The computer starter takes the standby signal as its power supply and includes a smart card interface, a clock generator, a non-volatile memory, a micro-controller and a power control circuit. The smart card interface generates an enable signal upon insertion of a smart card. The clock generator generates a reference clock in response to the enable signal. The non-volatile memory stores a computer identification signal. The micro-controller resets the smart card, reads a user identification signal stored in the smart card, and generates a verification signal when the computer identification signal stored in the non-volatile memory matches the user identification signal stored in the smart card. The power control circuit generates a start signal in response to the verification signal so as to start the computer system.

Abstract: A network scanner system and original reading method, which can efficiently use time and hardware resources, and can efficiently input originals consisting of a plurality of pages. When a personal computer (100) reads originals using N scanners (200) to which are connected via a LAN and each of which has an automatic document feeding facility, for example, 100 pages of originals are divided into three groups in correspondence with three scanners (200) used for reading, a re-arranging order of three bundles of divided originals set on the three scanners is input to the personal computer (100), and thereafter, a reading instruction for reading the divided originals is supplied to the three scanners (200). In accordance with this instruction, the scanners are controlled to read the set originals.

Abstract: A keyboard-detachable data processing unit which keeps a display unit stable under any condition. A link mechanism linking a system unit and a display unit comprises a guide which runs from front to back, a slider which swivels along the guide, and a swinging arm with one end on a system unit and the other end at a position between the base and the tip of the display unit, both ends capable of swiveling. The base of the display unit is on the swiveling slider, and the slider crank mechanism is composed of the display unit, slider, and swinging arm. The center of gravity G of the display unit is always within the upper area of the system unit regardless of whether the display unit is opened or closed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and a related method for achieving the purpose of improving the computer performance while inputting characters by using personal digital assistant (PDA) devices. The parallel port of the computer is connected with the PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) card of the PDA device, and then a handshaking scheme is applied to establish a connection between the PC and the PDA device. After the connection has been successfully established, the input characters are transferred from the PDA device by parallel transformation without increasing the loading of the computer.

Abstract: A standalone virtual device driver that is not a mouse driver replacement or a mouse minidriver examines mouse data packets received from the mouse hardware for data packets that are obviously or likely to be faulty. When such a data packet is detected, the virtual device driver also removes the suspected faulty data by returning a null mouse packet to the mouse driver in its place. The virtual device driver may also initiate resynchronization procedures or reset the mouse hardware if necessary.

Abstract: A method of interfacing human users with electronic devices liberates electronic devices from specific input and output devices and substitutes a universal communication system between them. The method combines the advantages of personal customization with the advantages of unlimited access to electronic devices. In particular, it provides disabled individuals with full access to suitably equipped electronic devices such as ATMs, telephones, fax machines, computers, copiers, TVs, VCRs, stereos, and microwave ovens. This method therefore provides the means for making these important electronic devices equally accessible to everyone. In a preferred embodiment, the communication system includes a speech synthesis and recognition system [56] which is connected to an accessor total access port [54], an ATM [70] connected to a target total access port [68], and a total access link [66] between the accessor total access port [54] and the target total access port [68].

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for emulating the operation of a peripheral device of a computer. An adapter for communicating keyboard data to a computer via a data link and for communicating display data from the computer to an external device. The adapter eliminates the need for the peripheral device to be directly connected to the computer by enabling the computer to operate without the peripheral device while still receiving or generating the data normally processed by the peripheral device. The adapter presents itself to the computer as if the adapter were the emulated peripheral device. Thus, the operation of the adapter is transparent to the computer. A remote user can access the computer, via the adapter, by communicating keyboard data generated by the user on a keyboard at a remote location. The adapter communicates display data to the user at the remote location, so that the user can monitor the operation and output of the computer.

Abstract: A media player includes an input manager and an input driver. The input manager operates between a device driver and a player application program. The input manager provides a uniform interface for input drivers and, upon receiving a command from an input driver passes the command along to an application program. The input manager ranks input devices according to a user's preferences and, should the input manager receive commands from more than one device driver at one time, the input manager passes along the commands in accordance with the user's input device preferences. Each input device driver provides the input manager with an indication of the driver's capabilities so that the input manager passes the appropriate information, such as location information in the case of a location sensitive input device's driver, to the driver. Each input device driver also performs the translation of input signals into a format that is acceptable by the input manager.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for providing a virtual open collector circuit for a connection between a computer and computer peripherals, such as a mouse or keyboard, where peripheral data is transferred over a bidirectional communications system. The peripherals are located at distances from the computer greater than possible using typical computer cables. The apparatus has an arbitration means and a means for avoiding a lock-up condition.

Abstract: Data input from a USB keyboard or mouse to a USB host controller is transformed by an SM-BIOS into data corresponding to a PS/2 keyboard/mouse, and then transferred to the I/O port (60h/64h) of a standard bus interface via the shadow port of a KBC. The KBC generates IRQ1 (IRQ12) similar to the case wherein it receives data from the PS/2 keyboard or mouse, thereby starting a keyboard driver.

Abstract: In a system and method for tailoring information presented to a user and for tailoring the manner of information selection and presentation, an information station accepts user interchangeable information cards and system cards, the user having selected one information card from a series of information cards and having selected one system card from a series of system cards for determining the information presented to the user and for determining the manner of information selection and presentation.

Abstract: A mouse system (100) for authenticating a user and providing access to a computer (212) includes a pointing device and card reader (106) which share a computer interface port (222) of the computer (212). User information is read off the card (104), converted to pointing device codes, and provided to the computer (212). The computer reconverts the pointing device codes to user information to deny or grant access. The card reader (106) is capable of reading commercially available smart cards, credit cards, and other media having user information electronically stored on the card (104).

Abstract: A variety of PC card interfaces to interface from many different types of input devices to Personal Digital Assistants or palmtop computers through PCMCIA slots. The disclosed interfaces can receive data in undecoded format from laser based, wand based or CCD based barcode scanning engines, decode the data to alphanumeric characters and pass the decoded data to the PDA via the PCMCIA 68 pin bus. Other PC card based interfaces are also disclosed which can accept input data in the form of ASCII or EBCDIC characters from virtually any type of input device which a standard serial or parallel output or custom output bus and input that data to the PDA through the PCMCIA bus. Some embodiments use programmed general purpose microprocessors to decode undecoded barcode scan data on the PC card. Other embodiments use custom-programmed, commercially available barcode decoding chips to decode incoming undecoded barcode scan data.

Abstract: A trackpad or other input/output device is detachable from a computer and adapted with a remote communication functionality using radio frequency (RF) or infrared (IR) technologies, thereby facilitating the performance of slide presentations and other graphic displays. A remote presentation capability allows a computer user to conveniently address a group from a position at a suitable location, such as a podium, that is removed from the computer system. A remote interface includes a trackpad or other input/output device and activation buttons. The input/output device is housed in a small removable enclosure which is adapted for docking into an aperture in the computer. The input/output device is rechargeable with a charger installed into the computer so that the input/output device is recharged during docking with the computer.

Abstract: A computer system includes an input pointer, a tablet having a two-dimensional tablet surface, and a data processor coupled to the tablet and operative to receive coordinate data from the tablet. The coordinate data is preferably in absolute-mode, and the data processor processes the coordinate data such that coordinate data influenced by a first segment of the tablet surface is processed in a relative-mode fashion, and coordinate data influenced by a second segment of the tablet surface is processed in an absolute-mode fashion. In consequence, the tablet is segmented for simultaneous relative-mode and absolute-mode operation. The segments can take on a number of configurations depending upon the configuration of the computer screen, the application program running, and user preferences.

Abstract: A controller handles host commands from a host processor and also interfaces the host processor to a serial device. Storage circuitry (e.g., a shift register) of the controller holds a predetermined plurality of data bits. State machine circuitry controls the storage circuitry for serial bit-level communication (e.g., using a PS/2 protocol) between the storage circuitry and the serial device. A processor executes code from a program memory. In particular, the program code causes the processor to detect that a host command has been received by the controller from the host processor and causes an action corresponding to the host command received. Because the processor is not involved with the serial bit-level communication between the storage circuitry and the serial device, the processor executing the software can handle host commands without affecting the serial bit-level communication.

Abstract: A method of determining the state of a keyboard key is disclosed. First, a signal that identifies at least one keyboard key is transmitted. Then, the signal is detected. Next, at least one keyboard electrical component is powered up. Then, a signal that contains the state of the at least one keyboard key is transmitted. Finally, power is removed from the at least one keyboard electrical component.

Abstract: A device for remotely controlling a computer system operable in a graphic user interface environment. The remote control device comprises a micro-computer for converting a remote control signal transmitted from a remote control transmitter into a combined key signal and controlling the operation of the computer system in response to input data and command, a device driver for instructing an operation based on the combined key signal from the micro-computer and applying data and a command to the micro-computer if the combined key signal indicates the operation of the micro-computer, and a user interface software for performing bidirectional communication with the device driver and driving an application software corresponding to the combined key signal from the micro-computer to perform the operation based on the combined key signal. According to the present invention, a remote control function can always be stably performed, and can cope flexibly with variations in hardware and software environments.

Abstract: An image processing system having programmable keys for recording frequently used procedures is disclosed. The scanner comprises a scanning module for scanning an document, a plurality of programmable keys for recording frequently used procedures and a program key. The computer comprises a script file generation program for generating a script file of the programmable key. The script file is generated by using the following steps: (1) press the program key to generate a script file, (2) press a programmable key to relate the script file to the programmable key, (3) generate a plurality of control signals sequentially through various control keys of the scanner, (4) store the control signals in the script file, and (5) press the program key to complete the script file.