Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for hybrid memory. In one embodiment, a hybrid memory may include a package substrate. The hybrid memory may also include a hybrid memory buffer chip attached to the first side of the package substrate. High speed input/output (HSIO) logic supporting a HSIO interface with a processor. The hybrid memory also includes packet processing logic to support a packet processing protocol on the HSIO interface. Additionally, the hybrid memory also has one or more memory tiles that are vertically stacked on the hybrid memory buffer.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for drive strength calibration for multi-level signaling are described. A driver may be configured to have an initial drive strength and to drive an output pin of a transmitting device toward an intermediate voltage level of a multi-level modulation scheme, where the output pin is coupled with a receiving device via a channel. The receiving device may generate, and the transmitting device may receive, a feedback signal indicating a relationship between the resulting voltage of the channel and an value for the intermediate voltage level. The transmitting device may determine and configure the driver to use an adjusted drive strength for the intermediate voltage level based on the feedback signal. The driver may be calibrated (e.g., independently) for each intermediate voltage level of the multi-level modulation scheme. Further, the driver may be calibrated for the associated channel.

Abstract: An apparatus, device and method for the distribution of media with tracking and analysis of media usage for royalty, loyalty and collection of media metadata using wireless communication such as near field communication comprised in a portable platform. Each device comprises a wireless communication arrangement capable of conducting wireless communication between wirelessly capable devices enclosed in a solid case which projects the content of the data in an illustrative depiction. Upon user prompt, the wireless communication arrangement of the physical platform establishes communication with a mobile device thus initiating the mobile device communication with a digital interface which performs digital interaction protocols for file fetching, metadata storage and metadata analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for buck-boost conversion in an information handling system (IHS) are described. In some embodiments, an IHS may include a processor, an embedded controller (EC) coupled to the processor; and a memory coupled to the EC, the memory having program instructions stored thereon that, upon execution, cause the EC to: determine a characteristic of an IHS subsystem; and control a buck-boost converter to modify a voltage provided by a power source based, at least in part, upon the characteristic of the IHS subsystem.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are configured to reduce energy use in a printing or multi-function device. They include monitoring at least one characteristic associated with operation of a multi-function device in a first mode of operation. They further include determining when a value of the at least one characteristic exceeds a threshold value and communicating programming information associated with operation of the multi-function device in a second mode of operation to a programmable network interface device when it is determined that the value of the at least one characteristic exceeds the threshold. The programming information changing the operating conditions associated with network communication by the programmable network interface device. The printing or multi-function device then operates in the second mode of operation based on the conditions associated with the network communication by the reconfigurable network interface device.

Abstract: A method for managing power in a multiple processor computing device includes detecting a first amount of power being used by a first processor of the computing device; determining an amount of extra power available based on the first amount of power and a power budget for the first processor; and transmits a value to a driver associated with a second processor of the computing device, wherein the value indicates the amount of extra power available, wherein the driver adjusts at least one operating parameter of the second processor based on the amount of extra power available.

Abstract: A memory fence or other similar operation is executed with reduced latency. An early fence operation is executed and acts as a hint to the processor executing the thread that executes the fence. This hint causes the processor to begin performing sub-operations for the fence earlier than if no such hint were executed. Examples of sub-operations for the fence include operations to make data written to by writes prior to the fence operation available to other threads. A resolving fence, which occurs after the early fence, performs the remaining sub-operations for the fence. By triggering some or all of the sub-operations for a memory fence that will occur in the future, the early fence operation reduces the amount of latency associated with that memory fence operation.

Abstract: In one aspect, a device includes a processor, a battery accessible to the processor and that powers the processor, and storage accessible to the processor. The storage bears instructions executable by the processor to predict a discharge amount of the battery that is to occur within a predefined time and, based on the prediction, determine a frequency at which the battery is to be charged.

Abstract: An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system includes a processor, an input coupled to an AC power source to receive input AC power, a converter circuit coupled to the input and configured to convert an input AC voltage to a DC voltage, an energy-storage component, a load output configured to provide output power derived from the DC voltage, and a radio-frequency circuit configured to receive a radio-frequency signal. The radio-frequency circuit includes an antenna and a memory. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive configuration data including a first UPS identifier from a component of the radio-frequency circuit. The instructions further cause the processor to compare the first UPS identifier to a second UPS identifier stored on a memory of the UPS system. The instructions further cause the processor to configure operation of the UPS system based on the configuration data.

Abstract: A power management controller is disclosed. Broadly speaking, the controller may, in response to receiving a timing signal, monitor a temperature of an integrated circuit including multiple processor clusters. The controller may generate a comparison of the temperature and a threshold value, and in response to a determination that the comparison indicates that the temperature is less than the threshold value, transition a particular processor cluster to a new power state.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to this embodiment performs network setting of a peripheral apparatus having a plurality of communication interfaces. The information processing apparatus is connected to the peripheral apparatus using a predetermined communication interface from among the plurality of communication interfaces, and sets the communication interfaces of the peripheral apparatus via the predetermined communication interface. An IP address used for connection during these network settings is determined using AutoIP, if the type of predetermined communication interface is a wired communication interface.

Abstract: Obtaining a periodic test signal, sampling the periodic test signal using a sampling element according to a sampling clock to generate a sampled periodic output, the sampling element operating according to a supply voltage provided by a voltage regulator, the voltage regulator providing the supply voltage according to a supply voltage control signal, comparing the sampled periodic output to the sampling clock to generate a clock-to-Q measurement indicative of a delay value associated with the generation of the sampled periodic output in response to the sampling clock, generating the supply voltage control signal based at least in part on an average of the clock-to-Q measurement, and providing the supply voltage to a data sampling element connected to the voltage regulator, the data sampling element being a replica of the sampling element, the data sampling element sampling a stream of input data according to the sampling clock.

Abstract: A power management system including a first circuit board, a second circuit board and a connection cable is provided. The connection cable is compatible with USB type-C specification and connects the first circuit board and the second circuit board. When the first circuit board determines that a first power state of the first circuit board changes, the first circuit board transmits the first signal to the second circuit board through a configuration channel (CC) terminal of the connection cable, the second circuit board changes a second power state of the second circuit board according to the first signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a PoE system, which comprises a powered device (2) and a power sourcing device (1). The power sourcing device comprises one or more ports (12) and the powered device is connectable to a port of the power sourcing device by an electrical conductor (13) for conveying the sourced power along with data. The powered device comprises an interface for providing a measure of its energy consumption within the PoE system and, if it does not have the ability to measure its energy consumption, is adapted to negotiate with the power sourcing device whether the power sourcing device has the ability to measure the energy consumption of the powered device and to provide the measured energy consumption to the powered device for provision via the interface. This can make the PoE system more flexible and allow for a single “point of contact” for providing energy usage feedback.

Abstract: A first server device includes a server processor configured to perform a server processing task. The first server device also includes a network switch. The network switch of the first server device is directly connected to a higher level network switch. The network switch of the first server device is directly connected to a second server device that includes another server processor and another network switch.

Abstract: Computer components, such as processors and storage devices, provide a performance and consumes an electric power within a range of an upper limit performance and an upper limit power consumption of a power state set for the component among a plurality of power states corresponding to a type of the component. A processor unit determines whether a budget power as a power consumption permitted for a target computer is equal to or more than a power consumption of the target computer or not. When the determination result is false, for at least one component of the target computer, the processor unit selects a power state based on at least one of a priority of an operation using the component and a data characteristic corresponding to the component among a plurality of types of power states corresponding to a type of the component as power state of the component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to techniques for resource load balancing based on usage and/or power limits are described. In an embodiment, resource load balancing logic causes a first resource of a processor to operate at a first frequency and a second resource of the processor to operate at a second frequency. Memory stores a plurality of frequency values. The resource load balancing logic also selects the first frequency and the second frequency based on the stored plurality of frequency values. Operation of the first resource at the first frequency and the second resource at the second frequency in turn causes the processor to operate under a power budget. The resource load balancing logic causes change to the first frequency and the second frequency in response to a determination that operation of the processor is different than the power budget. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for advising a user when an energy storage device in a computing system needs charging. State of charge data of the energy storage device can be measured and stored at regular intervals. The historic state of charge data can be queried over a plurality of intervals and a state of charge curve generated that is representative of a user's charging habits over time. The state of charge curve can be used to generate a rate of charge histogram and an acceleration of charge histogram. These can be used to predict when a user will charge next, and whether the energy storage device will have an amount of energy below a predetermined threshold amount before the next predicted charging time. A first device can determine when a second device typically charges and whether the energy storage device in the second device will have an amount of energy below the predetermined threshold amount before the next predicted charge time for the second device.

Abstract: An operating circuit including a system circuit and a power control circuit is provided. The system circuit operates according to the voltage of the node. The power control circuit includes a first connection port, a second connection port, a first always-on switch, a second always-on switch, a first current limiter, and a second current limiter. The first connection port is configured to receive first power provided by a first external device. The second connection port is configured to receive second power provided by a second external device. The first always-on switch is coupled to the first connection port to transmit the first power. The second always-on switch is coupled to the second connection port to transmit the second power. The first current limiter is coupled between the first always-on switch and the node. The second current limiter is coupled between the second always-on switch and the node.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for synchronizing operating modes across a plurality of peripheral devices. The method includes each of the plurality of peripheral devices transmitting requests to change a rate of power consumption in response to a set of criteria for each peripheral device. A host computing device determines if one or more peripheral devices should change power modes and transmits corresponding commands to synchronize the plurality of peripheral devices into a single operating mode. Each peripheral device may have a unique power mode for a given operating mode and each peripheral device includes one or more common features, such as a lighting display, that is synchronized across all peripheral devices for a given operating mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing power modes in microcontrollers (MCUs) using power profiles. In one embodiment of the method, a central processing unit (CPU) of the MCU executes a first instruction for calling a subroutine stored in a memory of the MCU, wherein the first instruction comprises a first parameter to be passed to the subroutine. Thereafter the CPU writes a first value to a first special function register (SFR) of the MCU in response to executing the first instruction, wherein the first value is related to the first parameter. The MCU operates in a first power mode in response to the CPU writing the first value to the first SFR. The CPU also executes a second instruction for calling the subroutine, wherein the second instruction comprises a second parameter to be passed to the subroutine. In response the CPU writes a second value to a second SFR of the MCU in response to executing the second instruction, wherein the second value is related to the second parameter.

Abstract: Identifying latency-sensitive computing workloads of an information handling system (IHS), including identifying one or more computing parameters of the IHS; monitoring a value of the respective computing parameters; identifying patterns, the patterns indicative of a latency-sensitivity of computing workloads; comparing respective values of the computing parameters with the patterns that are indicative of latency-sensitivity of computing workloads; based on the comparing, calculating a match between a particular pattern and values of respective computing parameters; in response to calculating the match, determining that the workload is latency-sensitive, and disabling a link state power management of the IHS; and after disabling the link state power management of the IHS, performing the computing workload.

Abstract: Systems and methods for centralized power management of wireless user devices are disclosed. In embodiments, a method comprises: monitoring, by a computing device, battery charge levels for remote user devices; identifying, by the computing device, that a battery charge level of a first user device of the remote user devices is below a predetermined threshold value based on the monitoring; identifying, by the computing device, at least one in-use device from the remote user devices based on real-time data indicating that the at least one in-use device is in use by a user; and sending, by the computing device, an alert to the at least one in-use device based on the identifying the at least one in-use device, wherein the alert includes information about the first user device and information regarding the battery charge level of the first device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a universal serial bus (USB) device and an operating method thereof. The USB device includes a plurality of Downstream Facing Ports (DFPs) and a control circuit. When a first external device is connected to the first DFP and the second DFP is not connected to any external device, the control circuit maintains the first DFP as one of a power source port and a power sink port according to the first external device, and maintains the second DFP as other one of the power source port and the power sink port regardless of whether the second DFP is connected to a second external device later until the first external device is removed from the first DFP.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are described herein for automatically recognizing user interface (UI) elements. Capturing, by a first application, of user interactions with a graphical user interface (GUI) of a second application is initiated. The GUI includes a plurality of UI elements. The first application is separate and distinct from the second application. A selection of a UI element is received. The selection is iteratively evaluated against a ranked criteria list having a plurality of criteria to identify whether the selection matches at least one criterion of the plurality of criteria. The selection is appended to the ranked criteria list based on the selection matching the at least one criterion. A second selection of another UI element is received from the second application. The first application automatically appends a criterion to the second selection based on the ranked criteria list.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an integrated circuit includes multiple instances of a component (e.g. a processor) and a control circuit. The instances may be configured to operate in various modes. Some of the modes are incapable of presenting a worst-case load on the power supply. The control circuit may be configured to monitor the instances and detect the modes in which the instances are operating. Based on the monitoring, the control circuit may request to recover a portion of the voltage margin established for worst-case conditions in the instances. If the instances are to change modes, they may be configured to request mode change from the control circuit. If the mode change causes an increase in the current supply voltage magnitude (e.g. to restore some of the recovered voltage margin), the control circuit may cause the restore and permit it to complete prior to granting the mode change.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes transmitting Power over Ethernet (PoE) in a PoE distribution system at a power greater than 100 watts, the distribution system comprising at least two pairs of wires, monitoring a thermal condition in the distribution system, periodically checking each of the wires for a fault, and checking for an electrical imbalance at the wires. An apparatus is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A smart electrical plug supports one or more electrical outlets and one or more universal serial bus (USB) outlets for charging electrical devices. Electrical power consumed through the one or more electrical outlets may be measured individually or in combination and reported via a wireless communication channel. The smart electrical plug may be implemented by a plurality of printed circuit board assemblies and distributed within a housing to reduce the effects of heat dissipation. The smart electrical plug may further reduce heat dissipation by utilizing one or more electrical circuit approaches.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for providing workload resource management to applications in an embedded system. The method includes receiving, by an application-specific basic runtime environment (BRE), workload resource requirements of an application installed on the embedded system. The method includes obtaining, by the application-specific BRE, the workload resource requirements from an operating system of the embedded system. The method includes providing, by the application-specific BRE, the workload resource requirements to the application. The method includes initiating, by the application-specific BRE, the execution of the application on the embedded system.

Abstract: A device comprising: a processing element; a data store, coupled to the processing element, the data store comprising a non-volatile data store having a trusted region for trusted code and an untrusted region for untrusted code; a security component, coupled to the processing element and the data store, wherein the security component is configured to, in response to one of a power event occurring at the device and receiving a trigger signal, send a first signal to the processing element and the data store, and wherein the processing element is configured to execute trusted code in response to the first signal.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, one or more systems, methods, and/or processes may determine an engagement of a power supply unit with at least one of an information handling system (IHS) and a chassis configured to house multiple information handling systems (IHSs); may provide a power at a first voltage to the at least one of the IHS and the chassis; may determine if the at least one of the IHS and the chassis utilizes a second voltage; if the at least one of the IHS and the chassis utilizes the second voltage, may determine if the power supply unit is configured to provide the power at the second voltage; and if the power supply unit is configured to provide the power at the second voltage, may provide the power at the second voltage to the at least one of the IHS and the chassis.

Abstract: A power over Ethernet method includes: performing, by power sourcing equipment, a plurality of detections by using an Ethernet port, connected to an intermediate device, of the power sourcing equipment, where a quantity of detections performed by the power sourcing equipment is equal to a quantity of power supply ports of the intermediate device; and if at least one detection result of the plurality of detections is effective, sending, by the power sourcing equipment, a power supply indication to the intermediate device, and supplying power to the connection port. In this way, the power sourcing equipment can supply power across the intermediate device to a powered device connected to the intermediate device, and a power loss caused by voltage conversion is avoided.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to security covers for electrical appliances which are powered by mains electricity. More specifically it relates to security covers to operate the electrical appliances by authorised users locally or remotely via an authorisation device via a network such as the internet. The security cover houses a switch and includes an authorisation device for enabling an authorised person to control a power supply, via the switch, to an electrical device or appliance. The security cover has an input means adapted to receive an authorisation signal; the switch is operative in response to the authorisation signal and a command signal in order to connect and disconnect the power supply to the device or appliance.

Abstract: A power converter system converts power from an input source for delivery to an active load. An input current surge at startup may be reduced by combining power converter switch resistance modulation with active load control. In another aspect, an input current surge at startup in an array of power converters may be reduced by periodically reconfiguring the array during the startup phase to accumulatively increase the output voltage up to a predetermined output voltage. A power converter may include a controller that provides an over-current signal to the load to reduce the load or advise of potential voltage perturbations.

Abstract: An electronic device, including a power source, power-consuming devices, a USB interface, a command receiver, a memory, and a controller, is provided. The controller forecasts at least one of the power-consuming devices to be used in one of a plurality of time segments, calculates a level of total operation power being sum of power required by the forecasted at least one of the power-consuming devices for the time segment with reference to values of power stored in the memory, and determine a level of the power to be delivered to an external device connected to the USB interface in the time segment based on the level of the total operation power and the level of the power capacity in the power source. The controller controls the power source to deliver the determined level of the power to the external device through the USB interface during the time segment.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing performance of a wireless network by a server. The method includes generating performance data of the wireless network by having a plurality of network elements communicate with each other to determine signal attenuation among each pair of the plurality of network elements. The method also includes determining interference within the wireless network interference based on generated performance data, and generating an interference matrix identifying the interference in the wireless network. The method further includes generating an adjacency matrix, based on the interference matrix, identifying locations having unacceptable levels of interference in the wireless network, and allocating channel frequencies and corresponding transmission powers in the wireless network based on the adjacency matrix, in order to maximize an aggregate throughput of the wireless network.

Abstract: A system may include a resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor, a measurement circuit communicatively coupled to the resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor and configured to at a plurality of periodic intervals, measure phase information associated with the resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor and based on the phase information, determine a displacement of a mechanical member relative to the resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor. The system may also include a driver configured to drive the resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor at a driving frequency and a driving amplitude, wherein at least one of the driving frequency and the driving amplitude varies among the plurality of periodic intervals.

Abstract: A connection interface circuit, a memory storage device and a signal generation method are disclosed. The connection interface circuit is configured to connect a memory controller to a volatile memory module. The connection interface circuit includes a phase locking circuit, a wire module and a signal interface. The signal interface is coupled between the wire module and the memory controller. The phase locking circuit is configured to receive a first clock signal from the memory controller. The phase locking circuit is further configured to generate a second clock signal according to the first clock signal and a delay feature of the wire module. The wire module is configured to provide a third clock signal to the signal interface according to the second clock signal.

Abstract: A method and a circuit for adaptive regulation of body bias voltages controlling nmos and pmos transistors of an integrated circuit includes a digital circuit, a counter, a control unit and a charge pump. A first ring oscillator monitor measures a period duration of nmos transistors and a second ring oscillator monitor measures a period duration of pmos transistors. A first closed control loop adaptively regulates the performance cn of the body bias controlled nmos transistors of the digital circuit by comparing the measured period duration of nmos dominated first ring oscillator monitor to a period duration of a reference clock and a second closed control loop adaptively regulating the performance cp of the body bias controlled pmos transistors of the digital circuit by comparing the measured period duration of pmos dominated second ring oscillator monitor to the period duration of the reference clock.

Abstract: A power management integrated circuit (PMIC) capable of operating, in memory systems, as a master control in power management in some situations and operating as a slave control in power management in other situations. For example, when used in a memory system operating on a SATA bus, the PMIC assumes the master control by monitoring the bus signals for entering or existing a sleep mode or a power shutdown mode, communicating to the controller of the memory system to prepare for the respective mode, and when ready, adjusting power states for the mode changes. For example, when used in a memory system operating on a PCIe bus, the PMIC assumes the slave control during a normal mode and a sleep mode, but the master control when the memory system is in a power disable mode in which the controller of the memory system is powered off.

Abstract: Technologies for managing Function-as-a-Service function requests based on thermal and power awareness include an edge entity device having a circuitry to receive, from an edge device, a request to execute a function in an edge network environment having a plurality of edge entities. The circuitry is also to evaluate thermal and power criteria associated with the request and determine, as a function of a predicted thermal output over a specified time period relative to thermal and power criteria, whether to execute the function. In response to a determination by the circuitry to not execute the function, the circuitry is to select an edge entity of a plurality of edge entities that is able to satisfy the thermal and power criteria. The circuitry is further to forward the request to the selected edge entity.

Abstract: An information handling system port, such as a USB Type C port, interfaces through a switch with first and second chargers that support bi-directional power transfer. A controller selectively configures one charger to accept power from the port and the other charger to discharge power to the port, the controller commanding the switch to interface a selected charger based upon whether a power source or power sink interfaces with the port. First and second batteries interface with the first and second chargers and a power rail through a second switch. The controller selectively interfaces and disconnects the batteries with the power rail to simultaneously support discharge to the power rail and to the port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus and a power supply device. The ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus comprises: an ultrasonic host including a pluggable main battery pack; a backup power supply device including a plurality of pluggable backup battery packs, for powering the ultrasonic host; and a trolley for carrying the ultrasonic host and the backup power supply device; wherein a specification of each of the plurality of backup battery packs is identical to that of the main battery pack.

Abstract: In one example, a system for managing power states can include a processor to detect a power state transition operation and detect historical callback information for each of a plurality of drivers of the system. The processor can also sort the plurality of drivers into a plurality of driver groups based on the historical callback information and execute the power state transition operation by transmitting a plurality of power state instructions for each driver to a plurality of processors based on the plurality of driver groups.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution system and apparatus is provided that that is comprised of multi-source connections, multi-load connections and bi-directional connections, where the system is configured to be multi-functional, hot swappable, changeable, expandable, configurable and controllable.

Abstract: An information handling system (IHS) may include a battery management unit (BMU) that remains operational when the IHS in general is in a powered off state. A processor is operational when the IHS in general is in a powered on state but not when the IHS in general is in a powered off state. The BMU is configured to obtain charge and discharge pattern information while the IHS in general is in the powered off state, to transmit the charge and discharge pattern information to the processor when the IHS in general is in the powered on state, to receive user control information from the processor, and to control charge and discharge of a battery according to the user control information when the IHS in general is in the powered off state.

Abstract: A computer system includes power supply providing at least one secondary supply voltage to generate operating voltage and a standby voltage; a system board with a plurality of system components arranged thereon; at least one sequencing microcontroller arranged on the system board for time-controlled provision of at least one of the operating voltage and the standby voltage to the plurality of system components; and at least one button that switches the computer system from a standby state to an operating state; wherein the sequencing microcontroller is configured, when the button is held for a first predefined time period indicating a forced switching of the computer system from the operating state to the standby state, to disconnect the plurality of system components from both the operating voltage and the standby voltage for a second predefined time period so that each of the plurality of system components is reset.

Abstract: A storage battery management method, performed by a communication terminal includes: acquiring, from the first storage battery, storage battery information of the first storage battery; storing, in a memory, the acquired storage battery information when the storage battery information is acquired from the first storage battery; receiving a first request from a management server, the first request requesting the communication terminal to transmit first storage battery information to the management server, the first storage battery information being the storage battery information of the first storage battery; and transmitting, when the communication terminal receives the first request from the management server, the first storage battery information to the management server, based on the storage battery information stored in the memory.

Abstract: When a communication device obtains an IP address from a DHCP server at the time of detecting link-up, an IP address of the communication device is changed before and after the link-up. When link-up is detected, the communication device determines whether or not it is necessary to obtain an IP address from the DHCP server again. Then, in a case where it is unnecessary to obtain an IP address from the DHCP server again, the communication device does not obtain the IP address from the DHCP server.

Abstract: A method of batch processing that includes registering item types to be processed by a batch management system including care instructions for the item types; recording batch items being added to a batch processing machine; and determining compatibility of at least one of each of said batch items being added to the batch processing machine to a total batch with an item to be processed to registered item match generator of said batch management system. Determining compatibility includes matching at least one of each item being added to the batch processing machine to the care instructions of the registered item types. The method may further include reporting compatibility of at least one of each item being added to the batch processing machine.