| LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE, LTD. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120119873 | Convertible Wireless Remote Controls - Convertible wireless remote controls for controlling a variety of media devices are described. The convertible wireless remote controls function in a non-PC mode and a PC mode. The convertible wireless remote controls transition between modes offering control of a variety of devices in the different modes and are shaped with usability and power consumption in mind. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120113579 | KEYBOARD FOR SLATE PERSONAL COMPUTERS - A computer system may comprise an upper housing, a processor, a display screen, a keyboard case, and a lower housing. The display screen may be attached to the upper housing. The processor may be disposed within the upper housing. The lower housing may comprise a keyboard and may be mounted to and pivotable with respect to the upper housing. The keyboard cover may be adapted to cover the keyboard. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120084355 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAINTAINING OPERABILITY WITH A CLOUD COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT - A method and apparatus for maintaining operability with a cloud computing environment. The apparatus includes a storage module and a local environment module. The storage module may store cloud computing data from a cloud computing environment onto a local storage device. The storage module may communicate with the cloud computing environment through a remote connection. The local environment module may operate a local cloud computing environment from the local storage device while the remote connection to the cloud computing environment is unavailable. The local cloud environment may replicate at least a portion of the cloud computing environment and may be operated from the stored cloud computing data. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120075125 | HANDGRIP KEYBOARD - A keyboard includes first and second keyboard units. The first and second keyboard units comprise a first housing and a second housing, respectively. The first housing and the second housing are adapted to be attached and detached from an electronic device. A set of input keys may be disposed on at least one of the first and second housings. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120062475 | COMBINING MULTIPLE SLATE DISPLAYS INTO A LARGER DISPLAY - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for combining multiple displays on multiple portable electronic computer devices to form a larger display. For each device, a configuration module configures a first display to combine with one or more additional displays of one or more additional electronic computer devices to form the larger display. The first display may be configured to provide a portion of the larger display. A display orientation module determines an orientation of the first display with respect to the one or more additional displays to form the larger display. A detection module detects a presence of the one or more additional electronic computer devices and determines that the detected additional electronic computer devices are compatible with the first display to combine to form a larger display. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120062442 | COMBINING MULTIPLE SLATE DISPLAYS INTO A LARGER DISPLAY MATRIX - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for automatically combining multiple displays on multiple portable electronic computer devices to form a larger display matrix. For each device, a first display configured to combine with additional displays of additional electronic devices to form a larger display from a matrix of the first display and the additional displays. A display orientation module automatically determines an orientation of the first display with respect to the one or more additional displays that form the larger display matrix. The display orientation module determines a location of the first display in the larger display matrix. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120044155 | CONVERTIBLE PC HAVING A WATERPROOFING STRUCTURE - An electronic apparatus includes a lower housing, a folding linkage, an upper housing, and a gasket. The lower housing may contain a keyboard. The folding linkage assembly may be adapted to connect to the lower housing at the second end and to the upper housing at the first end. The upper housing may contain a screen. The upper housing may be operably mounted to and pivotable with respect to the folding linkage. The gasket may be used to effect a seal between the lower housing and the upper housing. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120044146 | Optical User Input Devices - Embodiments provisioning various electronic devices with optical user input devices having one or more optical sensors are described. Embodiments broadly contemplate expanding the functionality of current user input devices through use of a variety of optical sensors in a variety of configurations, as described further herein. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120026200 | INFORMATION INPUT DEVICE, ON-SCREEN ARRANGEMENT METHOD THEREOF, AND COMPUTER-EXECUTABLE PROGRAM - Provided are an information input device, an on-screen arrangement method thereof, and a computer-executable program capable of preventing deterioration of operability even when an input disable region is set on a touch panel. An information input device capable of inputting information by an indicator touching a touch panel formed on a display screen includes an input disable region setting controller that sets an input disable region on a part of the touch panel and a display controller that rearranges an object being displayed on the display screen to avoid the set input disable region. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120008270 | ROTATABLE DISPLAY APPARATUS - A display apparatus, comprising a display having a longitudinal edge and a latitudinal edge, where the longitudinal edge is longer than the latitudinal edge, a first supporting member having an upper end portion rotatably coupled to the display and a lower end portion rotatably coupled to a base, wherein the display is configured to be rotateable between a first position in which the longitudinal edge is substantially in parallel with the base and a second position in which the longitudinal edge is substantially perpendicular to the base. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120000491 | Apparatus and Method for Cleaning an Electronic Device - Apparatus which has an electronic device housing; components housed within the housing; and a fluid flow conducting conduit within the housing and communicating with one of the components housed within the housing. The conduit enables conduction to the one component of a flow of pressurized fluid which removes accumulated debris from the one component. Method of cleaning in which a flow of pressurized fluid is directed to remove debris. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110320204 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INPUT DEVICE AUDIO FEEDBACK - Systems, methods, apparatuses and computer program products configured to provide sound feedback for input devices are described. Embodiments take input from a digitizer, such as input using as stylus/pen, and produce sound feedback to enhance the user's input interface experience. Embodiments thus provide a user with a more realistic interface with an electronic device, emulating use of conventional writing implements. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110283191 | Sound Output Setting Apparatus, Method, and Computer-Executable Program - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for an information processing apparatus capable of allowing a user to select appropriate processing beforehand when an application program outputs sound in a state in which an audio device is silenced. The apparatus in one embodiment includes a silencing module for silencing audio information output from an audio device, a detection module for detecting a sound playback request from an application program while silencing is set, a display module for displaying a select screen for allowing a user to select processing when the sound playback request from the application program is detected by the detection module, and a processing module for executing the processing selected by the user on the select screen. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110267769 | SUPPLEMENTARY COOLING SYSTEM - A supplementary cooling system is provided for cooling a computing system. An apparatus may comprise a computing system and a docking system. The computing system has a cooling area and a fan area which is partionable from the cooling area. The docking system has a fan and an airflow outlet which is operably connected to the fan. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110267026 | Method and Apparatus for Modifying a Transition to an Altered Power State of an Electronic Device Based on Accelerometer Output - A method and apparatus are disclosed for modifying a transition to an altered power state of an electronic device based on accelerometer output. The apparatus includes an electronic device having a display and an accelerometer. The apparatus also includes a determination module, and a modification module. The determination module determines an in-use condition of the electronic device based on accelerometer output for the electronic device. The modification module modifies a transition to an altered power state of the electronic device in response to the determination module determining the in-use condition. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110264942 | Method and Apparatus for Controlling Standby Power - Reducing standby power of an information apparatus is described. In one aspect, a laptop PC is equipped with an Ethernet controller. The laptop PC operates in an intermittent manner and a DC/DC converter supplies power to the Ethernet controller. The laptop PC determines whether the Ethernet controller is connected to a network by a cable in a time Twake during which the converter is on. When it is determined that the Ethernet controller is connected, the laptop PC maintains operation of the DC/DC converter until the Ethernet controller is disconnected. When it is determined that the Ethernet controller is not connected, the laptop PC stops operation of the DC/DC converter during a time Tsleep and resumes the operation thereof when a setting time by a timer elapses. The DC/DC converter supplies power to the Ethernet controller when it is actually connected to the network. Other aspects are described. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110249622 | WIRELESS PORTABLE COMPUTER CAPABLE OF AUTONOMOUSLY ADJUSTING LOAD OF WIRELESS BASE STATION - A method for allowing a portable computer to adjust the load of a wireless base station autonomously is disclosed. The portable computer can communicate in an infrastructure mode and an ad-hoc mode. The portable computer includes a traffic table for storing the performance of various wireless stations and the traffic of other portable computers. Each portable computer measures its traffic to a wireless base station. Then, the portable computer transmits the measured traffic to the other portable computers in the ad-hoc mode and receives the traffic of the other portable computers. A newly connected portable computer acquires the traffic in the ad-hoc mode. When the newly connected portable computer enters into a cell overlap area to connect to any wireless base station, the newly connected portable computer selects a wireless base station having little traffic based on the performance and traffic of wireless base stations instead of a wireless base station that provides a stronger radio field. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110246985 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MINIMIZING CLIENT COMPUTER SYSTEM SET-UP TIME - Systems, methods, apparatuses and computer program products provide alternative desktop computing solutions and generally provide client devices configured to utilize one of a local common base image and a common base image stored remotely, with a user-specific overlay image remotely storing user specific data. The clients can be configured to store the common base image locally. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110246815 | RECOVERING FROM LOST RESOURCES IN A DISTRIBUTED SERVER ENVIRONMENT - An apparatus, method, and computer readable storage medium are disclosed to recover from lost resources in a distributed server environment. A status monitor module receives, at a first computer, periodic status messages from a peer computer. Each periodic status message indicates that the peer computer is providing a service for which the first computer serves as a backup service provider. A failure detection module determines, based on the periodic status messages, that the peer computer has stopped providing the service. An advancement module provides the service, at the first computer, in response to determining that the peer computer has stopped providing the service. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110246784 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISK ENCRYPTION WITH TWO KEYS - Embodiments provide for using two encryption keys to encrypt data instead of only one as is customarily used in the industry. According to various embodiments, a default encryption key is generated and is initially used to encrypt data, while a second encryption key is available for generation by an end user. Embodiments provide that data is encrypted with the default key until the user generates their own key, after this event, all data is encrypted with key generated by the user. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110246716 | CONCATENATING A FIRST RAID WITH A SECOND RAID - A method and apparatus are disclosed for concatenating a first RAID and a second RAID. The apparatus includes a concatenation module and a direction module. The concatenation module concatenates a first Redundant Array of Independent Disks (“RAID”) with a second RAID into a top-level RAID. The first RAID and the second RAID may have disparate operational characteristics. The direction module directs storage operations to one of the first RAID and the second RAID based on a direction policy. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110246714 | MIGRATING CLIENT OPERATING SYSTEMS TO REMOTE STORAGE - Embodiments generally provide a utility for migrating an existing user operating system to a remote storage device. A utility for migrating user operating systems according to embodiments automatically detects and fixes inconsistent partition interdependencies resulting from the migration process. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110246613 | STREAMING CLIENT SYSTEM BASE IMAGES - Embodiments provide systems, methods, apparatuses and computer program products configured to provide alternative desktop computing solutions. Embodiments generally provide client devices configured to utilize one of a local base image and a base image stored remotely, with a user-specific overlay image remotely storing user specific data. The clients are configured to download and store the base image locally. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110246556 | OPTIMIZING SCHEDULING OF CLIENT APPLICATIONS IN DISKLESS ENVIRONMENTS - Methods and arrangements where clients, in a diskless environment involving a storage area network, communicate to more optimally distribute the amount of disk input/output the individual clients are creating for the shared disk array. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110244841 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DIGITAL VOICE CALL REDIRECTION - Apparatus, systems, and methods provide digital voice call redirection. A configuration module associates a phone number with a first identifier of a first voice terminal device and a second identifier of a second voice terminal device provided by an address module. A location module determines whether the first device is within a predefined proximity to the second device, such as by detecting connectivity between the devices, over a personal area network (“PAN”). A routing module redirects a digital voice call to a call module of the first device using the first identifier when the first device is not within the predefined proximity to the second device. Otherwise the routing module directs the call to a call module of the second device using the second identifier. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110244152 | INTEGRATION OF ENTOMOLOGICAL REPELLENT INTO MANUFACTURING PROCESSES OF CORRUGATED CARDBOARD PRODUCTS - The integration of insecticide or insect repellent to the adhesive used in the construction of corrugated cardboard boxes/containers and to the application of such repellent to surfaces of at least portions of such boxes/containers. A benefit thus enjoyed is the elimination or minimization of entomological contamination to products, such as sensitive electronic items, shipped in corrugated cardboard boxes/containers. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110242967 | CONTROL OF A MOBILE DEVICE - A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium are disclosed to control a mobile device. A disable event module detects a failure to respond to a communication. The communication is sent to a mobile communications device from a supervisory source. A function disable module disables one or more functions of the mobile communications device in response to detecting the failure to respond to the communication. An enable event module detects a second communication between the mobile communications device and the supervisory source. A function enable module enables the one or more functions in response to detecting the second communication. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110242758 | Method, Apparatus, and System for a Low Profile Computer Adapter Card Retainer and Load Distribution System - A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for a planar adapter card retainer bracket that is removably attachable to a computer chassis and is formed with a plurality of plunger openings. Each plunger opening is configured to receive a respective adapter card retainer plunger. The adapter card retainer plunger is configured to extend from the bracket into the computer chassis to engage an edge of an adapter card thereby retaining the adapter card in a selected slot even if the adapter card is a low-profile adapter card. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110240809 | Method, Apparatus, and System for a Low-Profile Computer Adapter Card Retainer Plunger - A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for a planar adapter card retainer bracket that is removably attachable to a computer chassis and is formed with a plurality of plunger openings. Each plunger opening is configured to receive a respective adapter card retainer plunger. The adapter card retainer plunger is configured to extend from the bracket into the computer chassis to engage an edge of an adapter card thereby retaining the adapter card in a selected slot even if the adapter card is a low-profile adapter card. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110238967 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SHARING AN INTEGRITY SECURITY MODULE IN A DUAL-ENVIRONMENT COMPUTING DEVICE - A method and apparatus are disclosed for sharing an integrity security module in a dual-environment computing device. The apparatus include an integrity security module, one or more processors, a detection module and a regeneration module. The one or more processors may have access to the integrity security module and may operate in two distinct operating environments of a dual-environment computing device. The detection module may detect, during an initialization sequence, a power state transition of an operating environment of the dual-environment computing device. The regeneration module may regenerate one or more integrity values from a stored integrity metric log in response to detecting the power state transition of the operating environment of the dual-environment computing device. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110238541 | AUDIT TRAILS FOR ELECTRONIC FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS - An exemplary method includes transmitting, via a network interface, at least a currency amount in an attempt to confirm a financial transaction; responsive to the transmitting, receiving a confirmation indicator for the financial transaction; storing at least the currency amount in non-volatile memory; hashing at least the currency amount to generate a hash and storing the hash in a secure non-volatile memory; hashing at least the currency amount stored in the non-volatile memory to generate a verification hash; and in an attempt to verify at least the financial transaction, comparing the verification hash to the hash stored in the secure non-volatile memory. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110235261 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF POWER SUPPLY DISPOSITION AND COOLING - A power supply is disposed adjacent a first end of a chassis. The chassis comprises a z axis from the first end to a second end of the chassis and an x axis orthogonal to the z axis. A bay is disposed adjacent the first end of the chassis along the x axis from the power supply. The bay comprises at least one storage device. A chamber is disposed adjacent the first end of the chassis adjacent the bay along the x axis between the bay and the power supply. A first baffle is disposed offset from the power supply, the bay, and the chamber along the z axis toward the second end. The first baffle forms a first section and isolates a first airflow in the first section from a second airflow. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110231671 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR AUDITING ACCESS TO SECURE DATA - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for auditing access to secure data. A detection module detects an access to the secure data. A record module records an encrypted log entry describing the access to the secure data. A verification module verifies the secure data is securely stored. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110228472 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR ROUTING A POWER CABLE ASSEMBLY - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for routing a power cable assembly. A motherboard is disposed in a chassis. A power cable assembly is routed parallel to a plane of the motherboard and comprises a plurality of power cables. Each power cable is in physical and electrical communication with a power supply. The power cable assembly is organized in a 1×n array, wherein n is a positive integer greater than five and the power cable assembly is in electrical communication with the motherboard. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110219225 | UTILIZATION OF THE SCREEN IMAGE INFORMATION OF A PRIMARY ENVIRONMENT FOR REPRODUCTION AND USER-INTERACTION IN A SECONDARY ENVIRONMENT - A method and apparatus is provided for switching between a primary computing environment and a secondary computing environment without changing the layout of a graphical user interface and a background display of the apparatus. A switching system switches operation between the primary computing environment and the secondary computing environment, switches a screen item between the primary computing environment and the secondary computing environment, and permits one of the primary and the secondary computing environments to go into a sleep state. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110217572 | DOUBLE ACTING VENTING MECHANISM FOR BATTERY CELLS - Embodiments of the invention provide battery cells having a double acting venting mechanism that provides reliable venting even in response to various undesirable events. Embodiments of the invention ensure that safe venting can take place, as necessary, even if the battery cell encounters internal and/or external pressure and/or deformation. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110197185 | Method and Apparatus for Updating Firmware on a Storage Device - A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for updating firmware on a storage device. The apparatus includes a detection module and an update module. The detection module detects, during a boot sequence, an indicator of an available update of firmware controlling a storage device. The available update is stored on non-volatile storage media of the storage device. The update module updates the storage device with the available update in response to the detection module detecting the indicator of the available update. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110196520 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR APPLICATION SOUND MANAGEMENT - Embodiments of the invention provide systems, methods, apparatuses and program products configured to intelligently manage sound options for applications of a computer system based on display device characteristics. Various embodiments of the invention are particularly well suited for optimizing the sound options of two or more applications running on two or more display screens of the computer system simultaneously. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110185209 | COMPUTER THAT REDUCES POWER CONSUMPTION WHILE MAINTAINING A SPECIFIC FUNCTION - A laptop PC is enabled to operate with small power consumption while maintaining a specific function. A laptop PC is provided with a HDD and can operate in a normal mode and a doze mode as a new operating mode. In the doze mode, the computer can operate with power consumption less than in the normal mode while executing a process to implement a specific function. In the doze mode a shift event is created, and a process existing at that time is force-suspended or an I/O processing completion notification is suspended to a process that makes an I/O request to the HDD. As a result, the laptop PC is enabled to operate with small power consumption by stopping the HDD while maintaining a specific function. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110179298 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VOLTAGES SUPPLIED TO A PROCESSOR - A power supply unit for supplying power to a processor is disclosed. The power supply unit includes a smoothing capacitor, a controller, and an arithmetic circuit. The controller controls an output voltage according to each power state of a processor operating in a transition state where a power state of the processor transitions between an active state and a predetermined sleeping state at a predetermined transition frequency. The arithmetic circuit determines a transition stop condition based on power consumption of the processor and charging loss generated at the smoothing capacitor during the transition of the active state, and outputs a transition stop signal to stop transition to the predetermined sleeping state. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110169749 | VIRTUAL TOUCHPAD FOR A TOUCH DEVICE - An apparatus, method, and computer program product are disclosed to provide a virtual touchpad for a touch device. A placement module places a virtual touchpad at a dynamic location within a touch sensitive area of a touch device. A touch input module positions a pointer on a screen of the touch device in response to a touch input on the virtual touchpad. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110128663 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE CONNECTING STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION EXPANSION DEVICE - A connecting structure reduces noise effects on an electronic device when hot docking the electronic device to mitigate against malfunctions. When a first electronic device having a first EMI shield is docked with a second electronic device having a second EMI shield, an ESD contact portion, which is connected to the second EMI shield and has higher in impedance than an EMI connecting portion, comes in contact with the first EMI shield earlier than the EMI connecting portion. Electrostatic charge carried on the first EMI shield moves slowly to the second EMI shield due to the high impedance of the ESD contact portion. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110119443 | Apparatus and Method for Distributing Writes Asymmetrically Among Drives - An apparatus and method are disclosed for distributing writes asymmetrically. An asymmetric distribution module calculates an asymmetric distribution of writes for a plurality of drives. A write module writes data to each drive in accordance with the asymmetric distribution of writes. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110113283 | Apparatus and Method for Reloading Software Images - An apparatus and method are disclosed for reloading software images. A copy module copies application metadata for an application image to an application metadata copy. The application metadata and application image are stored on a writable memory of a data processing device. The application metadata copy is stored remotely from the data processing device. A detection module detects an operational anomaly. An erasure module erases at least the application image on the writeable memory in response to detecting the operational anomaly. An identification module identifies the application image from the application metadata copy. A reload module reloads the application image to the writable memory using the application metadata copy. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110110697 | SPECIALIZED KEYS AND ARRANGEMENTS THEREOF FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Embodiments of the invention provide an electronic device, such as a laptop PC, with a keyboard having specialized keys. The specialized keys according to embodiments of the invention are chamfer-less, configured with a larger, “D” shaped striking surface having a concavity therein. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110109556 | SPECIALIZED KEYS AND ARRANGEMENTS THEREOF FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Embodiments of the invention provide an electronic device, such as a laptop PC, with a keyboard having specialized keys. The specialized keys according to embodiments of the invention are chamfer-less, configured with a larger, “D” shaped striking surface having a concavity therein. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110106815 | Method and Apparatus for Selectively Re-Indexing a File System - A method and apparatus are disclosed for re-indexing a file system is disclosed. A detection module detects a reconnection of a storage device to an electronic device. The storage device was previously connected to and then disconnected from the electronic device. The storage device comprises a file system and the electronic device stores first metadata indexing the file system. A determination module determines if the file system is changed since the previous connection. An access module accesses the file system using the first metadata in response to the file system not changing since the previous connection. A re-index module re-indexes the file system in response to the file system changing since the previous connection. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110093674 | Method and Apparatus for Automatic Solid State Drive Performance Recovery - A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatic solid state drive performance recovery. A detection module detects a first SSD exceeding a fragmentation threshold. A plurality of drives comprises the first SSD and stores a data copy of data stored on the first SSD. An erase module erases a mapping table for the first SSD. The mapping table maps Logical Block Addresses LBA to physical addresses for the first SSD. A rebuild module rebuilds the data and the mapping table on the first SSD from the data copy. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110087663 | COMPUTER CAPABLE OF RETRIEVING AMBIGUOUS INFORMATION - The present invention is to support the retrieval of an ambiguous file stored on a computer. Desktop space images are generated at predetermined time intervals, and metadata for each desktop space image is created from internally used data and externally input data existing at the time. The metadata consists of multiple pieces of tag data, and part of tag data is a target file to be searched for. Upon searching for the target file, a user selects a desktop space image that evokes the target file from among the multiple desktop space images initially displayed. The selected desktop space image is displayed and the target file is selected from the metadata associated with the desktop space image displayed. The desktop space image can refresh a user's recollection about the target file, and hence allows the user to narrow down the scope of search. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110078325 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISCONTINUOUS MULTI-MEDIA CONTENT TRANSFER AND HANDLING - Embodiments of the invention broadly provide systems, methods and devices for discontinuous multi-media content transfer and handling. Various embodiments of the invention also provide for multi-media content management such that various policies (for example, DRM policies of multi-media content providers) are efficiently adhered to. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110075290 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJACENT TRACK INTERFERENCE (ATI) RISK MANAGEMENT - Embodiments of the invention broadly contemplate systems, methods and arrangements for managing Adjacent Track Interference (ATI) risk through intelligent management of a table that logs individual tracks creating a risk of ATI in tracks adjacent thereto. Embodiments of the invention provide that tracks considered being at low risk for creating ATI be ejected from the table in order to maintain a track-level log of manageable size. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110055278 | Setting Information Database Management - Computer programs, methods and systems for managing a setting information database of a computer system are described. The computer system includes an original setting information database and an administrative database which store setting information of the system. Each time a write request to write data to the setting information database is received from a requester, a write processing portion writes the requested data to the administrative database. When a read processing portion receives a read request to read data from the setting information database, if the data is included in the administrative database, the read processing portion passes the data from the administrative database to the program that issued the read request. An editing portion cleans up the administrative database using a white list to ensure that only a trusted program can write data. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110050639 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR TOUCH AND GESTURE DETECTION - An apparatus, method and system are disclosed for touch and gesture detection. A light source array comprises a plurality of light sources. Each light source of the light source array transmits a light beam across a face of a display in response to being activated. A light sensor array comprises a plurality of light sensors. Each light sensor of the light sensor array detects an intensity of each light beam transmitted across the face of the display in response to being activated. A controller concurrently activates each light source of the light source array with each light sensor of the light sensor array as a source/sensor pair during a detection cycle while other light sources of the light source array and other light sensors of the light sensor array are inactive. The controller further determines a location of a pointer relative to the display from a pattern of light beam intensities for each source/sensor pair. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110050175 | Battery Pack - A battery pack that can avoid an abnormal condition caused by heat generation associated with water adhesion to a connector part and a function stopping method of the battery pack are provided. A battery controller determines an abnormality and executes an operation of interrupting a charge/discharge path for a battery set formed by a charge/discharge circuit, when a detected temperature of a connector is equal to or more than a first threshold, and also a discharge current is equal to or more than a second threshold and/or a difference between the detected temperature of the connector and a detected temperature of another part (a discharge protection switch, a charge protection switch, and the battery set) is equal to or more than a third threshold. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20100327801 | PROXIMITY POWER PAD - A polygonal power pad includes an optional connector to connect to a power supply and a power network in the power pad. At least one power connector is coupled to the power network and is disposed on a periphery of the pad. The power connector is operable to receive and provide power to a provided adjacent pad. At least one power transfer coil embedded in the pad, is coupled to the power network to transfer power to a device proximate the pad | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100251172 | HIGH-SPEED RECOVERY FOR COMPUTING SYSTEMS - The invention broadly contemplates a computing system that offers high-speed recovery. The system is configured to offer such a high-speed solution via an instant roll back scheme. The system utilizes a virtualization to handle the system state and provide a rescue and recovery like solution without requiring a full system reboot. The system is configured to utilize virtualization, e.g. through the use of a hypervisor to track the fundamental system components. This enables the system to very quickly back the system up on a rolling basis via tracking atomic changes and offering the instant rollback at essentially any point following an atomic change, should common system difficulties be encountered. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100251105 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR MODIFYING SUBSTITUTION COSTS - A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for modifying substitution cost. A substitution cost module calculates a substitution cost between a first character of a first string and a second character of a second string. A spatial vector module calculates a spatial vector between the first character and the second character from a location of a first key representing the first character on a keyboard and a location of a second key representing the second character on the keyboard. The spatial vector module modifies the substitution cost if the spatial vector is less than a spatial threshold. An edit distance module calculates an edit distance between the first string and the second string using the modified substitution cost for the substitution cost of substituting the first character with the second character. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100250888 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR MEMORY UPGRADE PATH OPTIMIZATION - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for memory upgrade optimization. A requirements module | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100250846 | ASYMETRIC LOAD BALANCING FOR RAID STORAGE SYSTEMS - The instant invention broadly contemplates balancing of asymmetric RAID arrays based on application usage patterns. The instantly claimed invention broadly contemplates balancing the type of workload and delivery of the work load in asymmetric RAID arrays by intelligently implementing different types of applications on disks strategically positioned to deliver workload to the RAID channel that is most capable of handling the work load. The invention makes use of the fact that some applications are more large block, sequential transfer dependant while other applications are more small block, high random, high IOP dependent, and places these applications accordingly within the asymmetric RAID array. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100250197 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR MEMORY CONFIGURATION ANALYSIS - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for memory configuration analysis. A classification module | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100247987 | Apparatus and System for an Internal Fuse in a Battery Cell - A battery is disclosed for reducing the severity of thermal runaway. The battery includes an anode sheet, a cathode sheet, and a separator situated between the anode sheet and the cathode sheet. The anode sheet, cathode sheet, and separator may be put together in a jelly roll configuration. The battery also includes internal fuses that subdivide the anode sheet, cathode sheet, or both, into electrically separate areas. The fuses are activated during thermal runaway and isolate separate areas of the sheet, thus reducing the total energy available during thermal runaway and reducing the severity. The fuses may be positive temperature coefficient (PTC) fuses that conduct current at normal operating temperatures but stop conducting current at temperatures above normal operating temperatures. The fuses may be placed in the current collectors, or directly into the anode sheet and cathode sheet themselves. In certain embodiments, the fuses may stop conducting when they reach a predefined threshold temperature or when an excessively large current passes through the fuses. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100247213 | SPECIALIZED KEYBOARD FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - The invention provides large, vertically elongated keyboard keys strategically chosen and positioned above the alphanumeric section of a standard keyboard (e.g. a laptop PC keyboard) to provide a more ergonomic keyboard arrangement. The invention provides for keys that appropriately address the needs of touch typists when striking frequently used keys located above the alphanumeric section of the keyboard. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100246114 | TOOL-LESS RETENTION SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - The invention broadly contemplates a tool-less retention system that appropriately distributes load via various distributed load points to prevent damage caused to a computer by heavy adapter cards during shipping. At least one embodiment of the invention includes a tool-less retention system with a balanced distributed load point positioned to contact and transfer force to the computer chassis at a region with great resistance to warping. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100243205 | INTEGRATED THERMAL SYSTEM FOR COOLING MULTIPLE SEPARATE COMPONENTS OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - The invention broadly contemplates an integrated thermal system that is capable of simultaneously cooling multiple, separate heat generating components of an electronic device. The integrated thermal system according to one embodiment of the invention takes the form of a CPU heat sink designed to intelligently maximize available airflow, utilizing multidirectional airflow cooling of a plurality of heat generating components on the motherboard. The heat sink is designed such that airflow provided by a single fan is captured and directed to nearby/adjacent components, thus cooling these components. The invention thus provides an integrated cooling solution and removes the need for multiple cooling systems/solutions. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100217968 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Accurate Automated Scheduling of Computer Suspend and Resume - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for suspend-resume scheduling in conjunction with an operation requiring a suspend-resume cycle of a computer | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100205375 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM OF FORWARD CACHING FOR A MANAGED CLIENT - A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed of forward caching for a managed client. A storage module stores a software image on a storage device of a backend server. The backend server provides virtual disk storage on the storage device through a first intermediate network point for a plurality of diskless data processing devices. Each diskless data processing device communicates directly with the first intermediate network point. The storage module caches an image instance of the software image at the first intermediate network point. A tracking module detects an update to the software image on the storage device. The storage module copies the updated software image to the first intermediate network point as an updated image instance. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100191946 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING USER BOOT VIA A STORAGE AREA NETWORK - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for remotely booting a client from a storage area network (“SAN”). A connection module enables a client, such as a diskless client, to connect to two or more storage area networks (“SANs”), the SANs belonging to a group of redundant SANs, each SAN in the group redundantly storing at least a portion of substantially identical operating system data for the client. The boot module enables the client to remotely boot an operating system from the two or more redundant SANs. The boot module makes at least one read request to each of the two or more connected SANs, each read request configured to retrieve a disparate portion of the operating system data for loading the operating system onto the client. The boot module loads the operating system onto the client using a combination of data retrieved from the two or more connected SANs. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100188249 | CONVERTIBLE WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL - Embodiments include a convertible wireless remote control suitable for controlling a computer of a media management system offering an integrated multimedia experience. Embodiments control the media management system wirelessly with a small amount of buttons but are convertible to offer expanded and/or changed functionality to the user, as desired. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100174894 | Method, Apparatus, and System for Configuring an Operating System on a Target Computer - A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for configuring an operating system on a target computer. A configuration module configures a target computer as a diskless client. A boot module boots the target computer to a setup state. A communication module establishes communications between the target computer, a donor storage device of a donor computer, and a virtual disk. A copy module copies a configuration image from the donor storage device to the virtual disk. The configuration image comprises an operating system and a software configuration installed on the donor computer. A modification module modifies the configuration image on the virtual disk to conform to a hardware configuration of the target computer. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100174790 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Wireless Presyncing of Data - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for wireless presyncing of data. A scan module scans a partial email stored on a mobile electronic device. The partial email comprises subject text, address data, and a specified quantity of message text. A complete version of the partial email resides on a server. The server is in communication with the mobile electronic device over a wireless network. A download module determines if the partial email satisfies a priority policy. In addition, the download module downloads the complete email to the mobile electronic device if the partial email satisfies the priority policy. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100162373 | MANAGEMENT OF HARDWARE PASSWORDS - In the context of computer systems, the generation of preboot passwords at a server instead of at a client. Preferably, preboot passwords generated at the server are distributed to the client, and a process is offered whereby a user can establish his/her own proxy, not known to the server, that can be used to release the stored passwords to the client hardware. Since the passwords are generated at the server, management of the passwords is greatly facilitated since they are generated at the site where they are stored. This also makes it easy to implement management features such as a group policy, since the password generation software will be able to make logical connections between users and hardware. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100158253 | System and Method for Generalized Authentication - A system, method, and program product is provided that uses environments to control access to encryption keys. A request for an encryption key and an environment identifier is received. If the encryption key is not associated with the environment identifier, the request is denied. If they are associated, the system receives user-supplied environment authentication data items from a user. Examples of environment authentication data include passwords, user identifiers, user biometric data (e.g., fingerprint scan, etc.), smart cards, and the like. The system retrieves stored environment authentication data items from a secure (e.g., encrypted) storage location. The retrieved stored environment authentication data items correspond to the environment identifier that was received. The received environment authentication data items are authenticated using the retrieved stored environment authentication data items. If the authentication is successful, the user is allowed use of the requested encryption key, otherwise, the request is denied. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100156675 | PRIORITIZING USER INPUT DEVICES - An apparatus, method and program storage device are provided for preventing inadvertent inputs from a user while utilizing an electronic device having multiple user input devices. The instant invention broadly contemplates prioritizing an input device to the exclusion of other input devices available to the user based upon an intelligently designed prioritization scheme. The prioritization scheme disables the other input devices for a period of time to permit the user to provide inputs from a prioritized user input device. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100146317 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Power Management Utilizing Multiple Processor Types - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for computer system power management. A control module | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100146133 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Data Synchronization in a Multi-Path Environment - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for synchronizing inbound and outbound data in an environment that offers multiple data pathways. When an attempt to send data by a host computer fails, the host computer notifies a secondary device with a separate network connection of the failure. The secondary device attempts to send the data over its separate network connection. If the secondary device fails to send the data, the host computer generates new attempts to send the data over its network connection. The secondary device does the same if the host computer continues to fail in its attempts to send the data. When either the host computer or the secondary device sends the outbound data, it notifies the other of the successful send. The devices then stop further attempts to transmit the data. For inbound data, the host computer and secondary device obtain unique identifiers for inbound data items, compare them, and request from the other those inbound data items that it has not received. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100138794 | WIRELESS INTERFACE FOR ACCESS CONNECTIONS - A process of pairing a wireless PAN (personal area network) device with a system can be facilitated first by assuming default PIN codes that are traditionally used with wireless PAN devices and then by attempting such presumed default codes before querying the user for input. Accordingly, a cumbersome task conventionally required of the user is most often removed. Also, the devices that are paired and connected are preferably graphically conveyed on a display or graphical user interface (GUI) in a manner that solidly implies that each PAN device is connected only to its system, and not (directly) to other PAN devices. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100138546 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR REASSIGNING A NETWORK ADDRESS - A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for reassigning a network address. A detection module detects a routing table change for a host. The host is in communication with a least one network. A client is also in communication with the host over a network interface using a first address. A generation module generates a second address for the client. The second address does not compete with other addresses on the at least one network. An interface module disables the network interface to the client. The interface module then enables the network interface between the client and the host. A communication module receives a request for a new address from the client. The communication module assigns the second address to the client. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100134409 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL USER INTERFACE - The instant invention provides an apparatus, method and program storage device enabling a three-dimensional user interface for the movement of objects rendered upon a display device in a more realistic and intuitive manner. A Z distance is set whereupon a user crossing the Z distance is enabled to select an object, i.e. pick it up. As the user breaks the Z distance again, the object selected will move with the user's hand. As the user breaks the Z distance once more, the object will be released, i.e. dropped into a new position. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100132032 | FACILITATING ACCESS TO DATA FROM VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORKS - Arrangements and methods for facilitating access to VPN-derived data regardless of computing platform power state. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100131986 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTED LOCAL CONTENT IDENTIFICATION - The invention provides systems and methods to identify local market media content utilizing a disturbed system and to determine what additional content is relevant in a self-aware, automatic way. A central location stores identification information and related content so in the future it is available if and when another user watches the same content. Therefore, the next time local market media content is played, it can be identified and additional related content can be quickly (e.g. in real time) made available. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100131979 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SHARED MULTIMEDIA EXPERIENCES - An embodiment of the invention provides systems and methods for a shared multimedia experience. An embodiment of the invention identifies media content, automatically obtains related media content and provides a wide variety of options for users of the system to interact with the system and each other via other electronic devices of choice. An embodiment of the invention provides users with previews of related content, the ability to select related content from the previews for combined display with input media content, and the ability to augment the related content with content obtained and/or transmitted via the other electronic devices. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100131363 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TARGETED ADVERTISING - An embodiment of the invention utilizes a media management system that captures information regarding a user's media consumption habits and provides unique opportunities for targeted advertising. An embodiment of the invention tracks a user's media consumption over time. An embodiment of the invention identifies a user's current media consumption and provides targeted advertising in real time, based upon the user's current behavior and/or the user's media consumption history. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100127884 | CONVERTIBLE WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL - The invention provides a convertible wireless remote control suitable for controlling a computer of a media management system offering an integrated multimedia experience. The invention controls the media management system wirelessly with a small amount of buttons but is convertible to offer expanded and/or changed functionality to the user, as desired. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100122250 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Granting Hypervisor Privileges - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for granting hypervisor privileges. An installation module installs a monitor hypervisor wherein only the monitor hypervisor is granted the hypervisor privileges by the computer. An authentication module authenticates a second hypervisor. An eviction module evicts the monitor hypervisor if the second hypervisor is authenticated. The installation module further installs the second hypervisor after the monitor hypervisor is evicted so that only the second hypervisor is granted hypervisor privileges by the computer | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100115345 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Rapid Grading of Computer Storage Operating Condition - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for rapidly grading the operating condition of computer storage. A storage log module | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100115256 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR QUIESCING A BOOT ENVIRONMENT - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for quiescing a boot environment. A reservation module reserves a portion of a first storage device. A store module stores an update boot image to the reserved portion. A detection module detects the update boot image stored on the first storage device when the computer boots and executes the update boot image in place of a standard boot image in response to detecting the update boot image. The update boot image places a computer in a known quiescent state. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100106952 | APPARATUS, METHOD AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR INITIATING COMPUTER SYSTEM OPERATION - A computer system which includes a CPU for performing various processes by program control and storage elements which store at least one operating system and a BIOS, wherein upon starting a system, the CPU recognizes the system's own hardware configuration, and starts a selected one operating system stored in the storage elements in accordance with the recognized hardware configuration under the control of the BIOS. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106694 | METHOD FOR AUTONOMIC LARGE FILE MARKING - A method is disclosed for autonomic large file marking. A threshold module sets the file size threshold. An identification module identifies each file with a file size that exceeds the file size threshold and that is unmarked with a limited backup status. A marking module marks with the limited backup status each identified file that satisfies a marking policy and exceeds the file size threshold and is unmarked for the limited backup status. Each file marked with the limited backup status is backed up with a single backup instance of the file and excluded from subsequent backup operations. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100102642 | POWER SUPPLY UNIT WITH NOISE REDUCTION CAPABILITY - Embodiments of the present invention provide a power supply unit capable of achieving noise reduction while maintaining efficiency under the light load state. A FET driver controls switching elements in either one of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) mode, an intermittent mode having a lower operating frequency than that in the PWM mode, and a noise-free mode having a higher operating frequency than an audible frequency range. The FET driver operates first in the intermittent mode under the light load state. A microphone collects noise generated from the surroundings of a power supply unit. When the level of an audio signal collected by the microphone exceeds a predetermined level, the FET driver transitions from the intermittent mode to the noise-free mode. In accordance with such an embodiment, the FET driver operates in the noise-free mode only when noise is actually generated. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100083357 | REMOTE REGISTRATION OF BIOMETRIC DATA INTO A COMPUTER - Systems and arrangements for permitting the transmission of fingerprint authentication data to a system remotely, while also permitting the system to employ such data as well as passwords in order to operate a computer system, while ensuring a reliable level of security for any group or organization using such systems and arrangements. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100083135 | COLLABORATIVE WEB NAVIGATION USING DOCUMENT OBJECT MODEL (DOM) BASED DOCUMENT REFERENCES - A system for collaborative web browsing is provided comprising: a CPU; a system memory in communication with said CPU; a display medium; and instructions stored in the system memory and executable by the CPU, the instructions comprising: enabling a device to join a collaborative web browsing session; enabling a data navigation module to provide, upon an object appearing upon the display medium being selected by a user, outgoing navigation data that enables a rendering of the object to be distinguished from other objects rendered upon at least one other display medium of at least one other device. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100083132 | PREVENTING REDIRECTION LOOPS DURING COLLABORATIVE WEB BROWSING - A system for preventing redirection loops during collaborative web browsing is provided comprising: a CPU; a memory in communication with the CPU; instructions stored in the memory and executable by the CPU to prevent redirects encountered during a collaborative web browsing session, the instructions further comprising: instructions enabling a device to join a collaborative web browsing session; instructions enabling detection of a redirection loop; and instructions enabling termination of the redirect loop. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100081037 | BATTERY MANAGEMENT FOR OPTIMIZING BATTERY AND SERVICE LIFE - The provision of a mode in silver zinc batteries where a user can access extra capacity as an emergency reserve for times when extra capacity is needed. While this temporarily increases capacity, it does not detrimentally affect cycle life over the longer term, and it permits a silver zinc battery to essentially mimic the long term capacity and cycle life characteristics of a lithium ion battery while still affording inherent advantages associated with silver zinc batteries. In a variant embodiment, this ability to temporarily increase capacity is optimally employed at the end of a battery life cycle in a controlled “roll-off” that accords additional cycles of battery service life. In another variant embodiment, the general capability to control capacity is employed to gradually decrease the available capacity of a battery over the life of the battery, to thereby extend the battery service life. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100079113 | BATTERY MANAGEMENT FOR OPTIMIZING BATTERY AND SERVICE LIFE - The provision of a mode in silver zinc batteries where a user can access extra capacity as an emergency reserve for times when extra capacity is needed. While this temporarily increases capacity, it does not detrimentally affect cycle life over the longer term, and it permits a silver zinc battery to essentially mimic the long term capacity and cycle life characteristics of a lithium ion battery while still affording inherent advantages associated with silver zinc batteries. In a variant embodiment, this ability to temporarily increase capacity is optimally employed at the end of a battery life cycle in a controlled “roll-off” that accords additional cycles of battery service life. In another variant embodiment, the general capability to control capacity is employed to gradually decrease the available capacity of a battery over the life of the battery, to thereby extend the battery service life. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100057440 | MULTI-LANGUAGE SUPPORT IN PREBOOT ENVIRONMENT - Systems and methods for providing multi-language support in a pre-boot environment are supplied. User interface type information, such as keyboard type information and translation tables, are ascertained and provided to the pre-boot environment of the apparatus, allowing the apparatus to properly receive and/or translate multi-language inputs in an appropriate fashion. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100055545 | VENTING MECHANISMS FOR BATTERY CELLS - The provision of improved venting in battery cells by way of better preventing pressure buildup in the cells. Via different variants of the present invention, the following advantages are achieved: | 03-04-2010 |
| 20090327687 | ARRANGEMENTS FOR ESTABLISHING MANAGEMENT ENGINE DEFAULT SETTINGS - The employment of a process of applying user-defined defaults to a management engine or analogous arrangement, wherein a system BIOS calls or recalls such defaults, as needed, from NVRAM responsive to the need for a reset of defaults. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090249495 | QUICK-RELEASE COMPUTER ACCESS COVER - A latch and latch handle recessed into the computer cover is provided, with the latch handle preferably presently a cam surface internally that interacts with a compatible cam surface associated with a lock bar. Preferably, a key lock is functionally integrated with the latch in such a way that when the key lock is unlocked the latch handle and latch are free to displace and to then urge the retention bar to disengage detents or hooks from slots or receptacles, by way of releasing the cover from a chassis or body of the desktop or workstation. Accordingly, in essentially one efficient movement via engaging the latch handle, a user will be able to quickly remove the cover. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090249055 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR BOOTING ELECTRONIC DEVICES - The invention provides a boot method capable of reducing boot time even in the case of a change in the configuration of boot files. A boot file is booted from a hard disk drive in a computer equipped with a multitasking operating system. A plurality of tasks are observed, the tasks being created and sequentially executed in order to read out boot files. This observation is carried out at the corresponding boot and a log in the past boot is not used. On the basis of the observed boot files, a prefetch boot file is selected. The entire selected prefetch boot file is filled into a boot cache. The boot file is loaded from the boot cache to a main memory. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090243552 | MANAGEMENT OF FAST BATTERY CHARGING IN MOBILE DEVICES - For laptops or other mobile devices, a battery charging arrangement wherein fast-charging and/or slow-charging is governed by something other than a fixed, immovable battery level threshold. Particularly, a variable threshold is broadly contemplated herein which may be governed by any of a very wide variety of conceivable factors, including (but by no means limited to) information relating to a user's schedule or calendar, especially as regards “free” time when a user is not using a computer. Accordingly, if there is a long uninterrupted period of computer “downtime” (i.e., when a user is not using the computer), the battery level threshold below which fast-charging takes place can be lower. By the same token, for short periods of computer downtime, this threshold can be higher. In this manner, fast-charging is reserved only for the most compelling, time-based circumstances. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090241607 | PIVOTING LOCK MECHANISM FOR A COMPUTER ACCESS COVER - A computer cover retention bar (or lock bar) is provided that is functionally integrated with a padlock and/or Kensington lock setup in such a way that full closure via the padlock and/or Kensington lock will ensure that the retention bar, itself provided with detents or hooks that themselves act to keep the cover fully closed with respect to a chassis or body of the desktop or workstation, cannot be moved. This then ensures that the locking action of a padlock or Kensington lock goes a measure beyond the norm, in that a cover can indeed remain fully closed without, e.g., affording unauthorized individuals from prying open the cover. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090231791 | LAPTOP DUAL-SWIVEL HINGES - In a convertible notebook/tablet computer with a dual-swivel hinge, an arrangement for communicating to a user a preferred rotational direction for pivoting about a z-axis, entirely without wiring or lights and in a manner such that at most only one rotational direction is communicated at a time. Preferably, this is accomplished via one or more windows, disposed on a surface of the hinge, that permit an arrow to be visible in accordance with a preferred rotational direction that a user needs to pivot the monitor/lid with respect to the keyboard based on the rotational direction originally traversed. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090231279 | NOISE ATTENUATION IN AND FOR COMPUTER MICE - In or for a computer mouse, an insert which fits inside a mouse cavity that, at the same time, readily accommodates the actuation of mouse buttons while not interfering with other moving parts inside the mouse. Accordingly, the insert would preferably occupy space within the cavity to reduce the free volume of space that would otherwise amplify a clicking noise from one or more mouse buttons, while also serving to actually dampen the clicking noise. The insert can preferably be custom-designed as to accommodate essentially any mouse design and thereby fit readily within the otherwise unoccupied interior space of the mouse body. Preferably, the material employed for such an insert may be embodied by a sound-dampening foam. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090222909 | Password Management Outside of a Bios - In accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is broadly contemplated herein the managing of a POP not solely in the BIOS but at least partly in a more secure location. In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, this location could be in a NVRAM (non-volatile random access memory) inside a TPM (trusted platform module). Most preferably, this location will contain code that the BIOS preferably will need to access and employ in order to complete the booting of the system. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090222889 | REMOTE DISABLEMENT OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM - Methods and arrangements for ensuring that, when a computer system is stolen or otherwise misplaced, the system is rendered unusable (i.e., locked down). Conventional solutions have required software running on the system to perform the lockdown action, but in accordance with at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention is the linkage of TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and AMT (Active Management Technology) solutions whereby an AMT arrangement can remove secure data or identifiers so that any encrypted data present on the system will become unusable. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090222651 | S3 BIOS OPERATING SYSTEM SWITCH - Arrangements for employing a system BIOS (basic input/output system) to handle email during a suspended state (such as an “S3” state as will be better understood herebelow). Preferably, the BIOS is employed to “jump” between two suspended images such that, e.g., two more powerful OS's can be employed to manage the mail function. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090213035 | Notebook Computer System with Dual Integrated Displays and Method - A second display is integrated into a notebook computer system. The second display is mounted with the primary display and arranged for movement to various working positions which facilitate use with a second viewer or with programs which spread displays over two displays for clarity or working jointly with two programs such as a graphics program and a word processing program. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090179806 | ANTENNA MOUNTING FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - The invention broadly contemplates an electronic apparatus that provides improved antenna characteristics, while maintaining a thin size and light weight. The electronic apparatus of the present invention includes a display casing having a nonconductive resin region and a conductive resin region in a bottom surface thereof; a display module accommodated in the display casing; an antenna disposed in the nonconductive resin region; and a system casing accommodating a wireless module connected to the antenna. By disposing the antenna in the nonconductive resin region formed in the bottom surface of the display casing, it is possible to secure high radio wave sensitivity while preventing an antenna mounting portion from being exposed to the outside of the display casing. The casing structure of the electronic apparatus does not become thick because of butt joining even when the joint portions are in a projection area of an LCD module. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090163060 | Apparatus and Method for Retaining Option Card in a Computer System - Option cards—one or more as may be installed in a particular computer system—are retained in position against possibly dislodgement due to handling by a frame and cooperating cross bar and depending member elements which may be variously positioned relative to the frame. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090150779 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING HELP INFORMATION - A method of intelligently displaying help information that is easy for a user to use on a computer or similar electronic device is provided by the invention. An application window is displayed on a display device. A computer includes help information consisting of a plurality of records associated with each other in sequence of display including a first record and a second record displayed subsequent to the first record, as a database. Subsequently, a help window for displaying help information is displayed on the display device to display help information included in the first record. Event information related to event input by an input device with respect to the application window is acquired and help information included in the second record is displayed on the help window. A user can obtain help information necessary for subsequent operation from the help window. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090103257 | COMPACT AND LIGHT COMPUTER CASING STRUCTURE - A protective casing structure of an electronic apparatus capable of keeping the apparatus compact and light is provided. A display-side block includes a display module and a display casing. The display casing is provided with frame edges at a periphery thereof, with projections formed on the frame edges. Grooves engaging with the projections are formed in a system casing. When the display-side block is closed, the projections engage with the grooves to increase rigidity against pressing from the outside in the closed state. The casing structure thereby increases the protective capability of the display module while keeping the apparatus compact and light. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090089875 | LOCAL VERIFICATION OF TRUSTED DISPLAY BASED ON REMOTE SERVER VERIFICATION - In a system with a main memory, a network adapter, and a display, a transaction security module in communication with the network adapter. The transaction security module acts to: establish a secure identification item with an entity which positively identifies the entity; accept an application OS of the entity; and initiate a guest OS with the entity; the network adapter acting to connect with the entity subsequent to initiation of a guest OS; and the display acting to display the secure identification item subsequent to connection with the entity. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090089808 | METHODS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR EFFECTING SUPPLEMENTARY MAIL TRANSFER OR MANAGEMENT - Arrangements for permitting incoming mail to be transferred from a WAN Drive to a notebook computer hard drive under conditions that are not stressful to the hard drive. Preferably, a WAN card is configured to wake a notebook when mail capacity is full or close to full. Mail is then preferably moved from the flash drive to the hard drive, subject to verification that this will not overly stress the hard drive. In a variant embodiment, the WAN card may preferably be configured to wake a notebook when mail is received at all. Again, mail is then preferably moved from the flash drive to the hard drive, subject to verification that this will not overly stress the hard drive. Once mail is moved to the hard drive, the system preferably runs an embedded email program that allows the user to employ an existing VPN infrastructure. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090085922 | DISPLAY DEVICE MODULATION SYSTEM - Arrangements and methods are provided that modulate various display device outputs in response to detected changes in environmental conditions affecting a display screen. The arrangement responds to changing environments to maximize the quality of the display. A sensor that is responsive to the changing environment, such as changes in ambient light, is provided to modulate the display accordingly. The arrangement contains logic for utilizing the sensing input and user preferences to provide the best display under the prevailing conditions. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090085527 | SURFACE TEMPERATURE DEPENDENT BATTERY CELL CHARGING SYSTEM - A charging system capable of charging a battery cell so that the surface temperature of the battery cell does not exceed an upper temperature limit, is provided. A battery charger is configured in a manner such that a setting current is variable during charging. The battery charger starts charging of a secondary battery with a setting voltage set to a minimum charging current value. The surface temperature of the secondary battery is measured during charging. An estimated temperature value is calculated which is a surface temperature of the secondary battery, at which the secondary battery is charged up until a charging amount corresponding to the maximum surface temperature under assumption that the charging is performed with a present charging current value. The setting current is increased when the estimated temperature value is lower than the target temperature range and is reduced when the estimated temperature value is higher than the target temperature range. When the estimated temperature value belongs to the target temperature range, a present setting current is maintained. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090083555 | REMOTE COMPUTER LOCKDOWN - A method and system are disclosed for placing a computer in a safe and secure lock down state from a remote location using a remote command device such as a cellular telephone. The method and system includes optional security provisions before restarting the computer. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090083534 | REMOTE PC BOOTUP VIA A HANDHELD COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A method computer usable medium and computer system circuitry are disclosed for starting or “booting up” a computer from a remote location using a remote command device such as a cellular telephone. The method and system includes a secure means for remotely storing and transmitting security passwords. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090037584 | METHODS OF CREATING A VOTING STOP POINT ON A DISTRIBUTED NETWORK - A highly efficient and effective method for deciding, in the context of a distributed computer network, how many computers will participate in an initial vote if multiple computers are started in the same general time frame. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090009143 | OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION - An overvoltage protection system capable of maintaining a high setting voltage of a battery charger while guaranteeing that cell voltage does not exceed a value limited by a threshold value. In one preferred embodiment, a battery set is a plurality of series-connected battery cells. A protection voltage measurement portion measures a cell voltage of each battery cell. A computation portion calculates an open circuit voltage of the battery set outputs a calculated voltage as a measurement voltage. An overvoltage setting portion stops charging of battery set when the value of the cell voltage of any one of the battery cells reaches a threshold value. A diagnostic voltage measurement portion measures an open circuit voltage of battery set to output measured voltage as a diagnostic voltage. A comparing circuit stops charging of the battery set based on comparison results of value of the measurement voltage and value of diagnostic voltage. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090007168 | METHODS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR MANAGING COMPUTER MESSAGES - An arrangement for determining those optimal times to permit an important pop-up message to be displayed by way of garnering a user's attention, while permitting less important messages to be displayed at times when a user's attention is unlikely to be garnered. In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment, an arrangement is provided to recognize whether a user is looking towards a computer monitor and, at such times, to determine whether a blink rate of the user's eyes corresponds to a degree of focus and concentration that would ensure a strong likelihood of the user seeing or “catching” a message that may then appear. If such likelihood is thus determined to be strong, then a critical message may preferably thence be displayed. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090003292 | METHODS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR TRACKING AND LOCATING LAPTOPS - An arrangement for employing a host of receivers that may already be present in a laptop, to enable the laptop to collect a significant amount of data about its location. Once the system then finds a readily available connection, it can then transmit information about its location as well as other information to help pinpoint the location of the laptop. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090002299 | Computer System Display Driving Method and System - An image display system includes an LCD (liquid crystal display) or other display driven by alternating current and driven in an inverted manner by a predetermined driving method on a pixel basis, and an LCD driving device for generating a Frame Rate Control (FRC) pattern which is the same as the pattern utilized by the predetermined driving method. The display is thereby driven so as to allow the display to make an expression in gradations higher (for example, 256 gradations) than gradations (for example, 64 gradations) natively supported by the display. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20080303741 | DRAWER STRUCTURE OF ROD-SHAPED BODY AND APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME - A drawer structure of a rod-shaped body, which does not require a complicated inner structure, is provided. In a present preferred embodiment, a structure draws a rod-shaped body out of a housing for housing the rod-shaped body. A guide for holding the rod-shaped body so that the rod-shaped body can be rotated about an axis and slid in the direction of the axis, and an encasing surface which crosses at a predetermined angle to the axis of the rod-shaped body are formed on the housing side. The rod-shaped body has an internal surface facing to the encasing surface, and a cap is formed at a tip of the rod-shaped body so that the internal surface may be a predetermined angle to the axis of the rod-shaped body. When the rod-shaped body is inserted into the guide and the rod-shaped body is rotated from a state where the encasing surface and the internal surface are contacted with each other, the rod-shaped body performs a translatory movement in an axial direction of the guide according to the cam effect. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080276059 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SETTING SECURITY TO STORAGE UNIT AND COMPUTER - Methods and apparatus are provided for inhibiting data writing to an optical disc drive connected to a computer. A BIOS confirms presence of a security function of an optical disc drive. When the optical disc drive possesses the security function, the BIOS delivers a command to the optical disc drive to set it to a read-only mode. The optical disc drive that has received the command sets the drive per se to operate in the read-only mode. Since a command for setting it to the read-only mode and a command for releasing it are delivered to the optical disc drive only by the BIOS, when a control is transferred to an Operating System (OS), setting of the read-only mode cannot be released by the OS and other OS's, or application software. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080269920 | EXTERNAL AMBIENT NOISE MONITORING TO ADAPT CONTROL OF INTERNAL SYSTEM NOISE SOURCES - An arrangement for controlling a system generated noise level such that the same is adapted to an actual ambient noise level of the system environment. Internal noise generators will thus not run at a needlessly lowered rate than actually needed. For instance, by permitting a fan to run at a generally higher speed, the system will not needlessly undergo significant internal temperature increases. By the same token, CPU performance, to the extent that it represents a noise generator, will not be needlessly throttled. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080244254 | MULTI-MODE COMPUTER OPERATION - A mobile device, such as a laptop or notebook computer, capable of booting from at least two environments. If a remote environment is present, the mobile device may boot from the remote environment. The mobile device may also boot from the local environment. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080244079 | COMPUTER PATCH MANAGEMENT IN "ROAD WARRIOR" CONTEXTS - Methods and arrangements for facilitating and streamlining patch management in “road warrior” and analogous contexts. Particularly, there are broadly contemplated herein, in accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, methods and arrangements for facilitating determinations of suitable times for enabling system updates and/or downloads. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080240428 | MAGNETIC RECORDING MEDIUM ENCRYPTION - Systems and methods for easily and at high speed re-encrypting data recorded on a magnetic recording medium when the data is encrypted using an encryption key and the encryption key is changed. A track where effective user data is not recorded is set as a first reserved track, then data is read out from the first updating source track and decrypted using a first encryption key KEY | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080238788 | PORTABLE COMPUTER AND ANTENNA DISTANCE SETTING MECHANISM - An apparatus has an antenna distance setting mechanism that sets a distance between a cosmetic cover and a radio antenna. An upper housing and a radio antenna, which has a ground and a radiating element and is movably attached to the upper housing, are covered by a cosmetic cover formed of a dielectric material. An antenna distance setting mechanism includes a radio antenna supporting member, elastic members, and protrusions. The radio antenna-supporting member is movably attached to the upper housing. When the cosmetic cover is attached to the upper housing, an inner wall of the cosmetic cover pushes the ends of the protrusions against an elastic force of the elastic members to set the distance between the radiating element and the inner wall of the cosmetic cover to a predetermined distance. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080237250 | COMPUTER BAG AND ROTATING FASTENERS AND OTHER COMPONENTS THEREOF - A bag for holding a laptop or tablet computer, and a strap for supporting the bag. The support strap is selectively attachable to the bag, with an attachment mechanism disposed at least at one end of the support strap and an attachment point disposed on the bag. The attachment mechanism acts to accommodate the attachment point in a manner to permit solely relative rotational movement between the attachment mechanism and the attachment point. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080220320 | BATTERY PACK - Provision of an extension-type battery pack which is improved in safety thereof against dropping and impact application. Although a battery pack is susceptible to damage caused by an impact since partial battery cells are located outside the outline of a notebook PC when it is mounted on the notebook PC, the battery pack is provided with a partition wall structure including an air space and a fireproof wall formed of a material which does not melt at a temperature of combustible gas discharged from a gas discharge valve of the respective battery cells. The material of the fireproof wall is preferably mica or the like. The partition wall structure can be provided between an inside battery compartment and an outside battery compartment of the battery pack or can be provided among other battery cells. This prevents fire spreading to other battery cells even if high-temperature combustible gas is discharged from a battery cell damaged by an impact or the like. | 09-11-2008 |
