3com Corporation

Palm, Incorporated

Palmone, Incorporated

Megahertz Corporation

James B Henrie

Stephen C Aldous

Wayne Hile

Guy M Dake

Greg A Putnam

Lorraine Bolt

D Scott Beckham

John P Evans

Edward Endejan

Adam Hampson

R Brigitte Henrie

Minh Truong

An improved data access arrangement device for use in full-duplex two-wire communication systems having a transmission impedance characteristic. The DAA includes a transmit amplifier and a receive amplifier adapted for connection to a two-wire line, a codec connected to the transmit amplifier for generating a transmit signal, a summation device connected to the receive amplifier, an echo cancellation path including a variable gain amplifier, where the path extends between the codec and the summation device, and wherein the variable gain amplifier is adjusted in accordance with the transmission impedance characteristic. The variable gain amplifier may include a gain register that is programmed by a microprocessor, or may have the gain set by user-configurable switches. The summation device is preferably an operational amplifier.

Filtered transmit cancellation in a full-duplex modem data access arrangement (DAA)

A sound generator apparatus configured to improve sound quality for a sound generator that includes a processing device and a memory coupled to the processing device. The sound generator apparatus also includes a sound generator coupled to the processing device. Further, the sound generator apparatus includes a program residing in memory and configured to be run on the processing device that is configured to vary the output amplitude of the sound generator depending on the sound generator frequency. A method of improving sound quality for a sound generator that includes providing a signal indicative of a sound frequency to be generated. The method includes calculating volume adjustment information according to the sound frequency to be generated. Further, the method includes providing the current volume setting and adjusting the volume based on the volume adjustment information.

Sound generator circuit pre-filter system and method

A method and system for automatically identifying the type of communication interface used to couple a portable computer system with a second computer system, and for selecting the form of an application that is used with the type of interface. For example, a debugger application is collaboratively executed on the computer systems over the interface. When entering the debugger mode, software executed on the portable computer system identifies the type of interface by reading a resistance value of a pin. After determining the type of interface, the form of the debugger used with the interface is automatically selected. A similar process is followed for other applications that depend on the type of interface. The user does not have to manually identify the type of interface. Instead, in response to a command that is independent of the type of interface, the proper form of the application is automatically selected.

Identifying a type of connection and selecting a corresponding form of an application

A system and method for preventing unauthorized use of a device (e.g., a portable computer system) and for recovering the device when, for example, the device has been lost or stolen and an attempt to use it is made by someone other than an authorized user. The authorized user registers the device in a database at a central site (e.g., a Web site) using a unique identifier such as the device's serial number. If the device is lost or stolen, this information is entered into the Web site database by the authorized user. When the device is connected to the Internet using either a wireless or a landline connection, the device automatically communicates its unique identity to the Web site. The Web site performs a lookup and, if the database indicates that the device is lost or stolen, the device is so notified. In response, the device disables normal operation and instead will display, for example, the name and address of the authorized user. Other security measures can be used depending on the preferences of the authorized user; for example, the Web site can initiate a trace to locate the device. Thus, when a device is lost or stolen, it can be more readily recovered and, in the meantime, unauthorized use is prevented.

Identifying and locating lost or stolen personal digital assistant devices via a landline- or wireless-connected web server

A sound generator circuit configured for a handheld computer is disclosed. A method of producing a tone with a sound generator and handheld computer is also disclosed. The sound generator circuit includes a low pass filter having an input and an output. The input is coupled to a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal line. The sound generator circuit also includes a switching circuit coupled to the output of the low pass filter and being controlled by the output of the low pass filter. Further, the sound generator circuit includes a sound generator having a first and a second terminal. Further still, the sound generator circuit can include a high-pass filter coupled across the first and second terminals.

Sound generator circuit system and method

An electrical apparatus has an aperture block either retractably mounted or detachably mounted thereto. The aperture block has an aperture extending therethrough. The first end of a contact wire is disposed within the aperture while the opposed second end of the contact wire is coupled to the internal circuitry of the electrical apparatus. The aperture has a configuration complementary to the transverse cross section of a physical/electrical media plug. The media plug includes a contact block having a slot formed in the end that leads to a metal contact. As the media plug is inserted into the aperture, the first end of the contract wire is biased against the metal contact forming electrical connection between the media plug and the electrical apparatus. The aperture is also configured with grooves that releasably capture a flexible retention clip mounted on the pin block, thereby enabling mechanical engagement between the media plug and the aperture block.

Media connector interface for electrical apparatus

An apparatus for enhancing the placement and communication functionality of a palmtop computer. In one embodiment, the present invention has a mountable palmtop computer cradling unit. The palmtop computer cradling unit is adapted to facilitate the electrical and mechanical coupling of a palmtop computer to the palmtop computer cradling unit. In the present embodiment, the mountable apparatus has a surface mounting portion integral of the palmtop computer cradling unit. The surface mounting portion is adapted to provide mounting capabilities of the palmtop computer cradling unit. Furthermore, the mountable apparatus additionally has a communication connector interface portion coupled to the palmtop computer cradling unit. The communication connector interface portion is adapted to provide enhanced communication functionality to a palmtop computer, once the palmtop computer is coupled to the palmtop computer cradling unit.

Wall mount cradle for personal digital assistants

A selectively removable module, such as a PCMCIA card, inserted into a host computer system, such as a notebook computer, is provided that has a electrical interface between the module circuitry and the host computer circuitry, A wireless data channel is implemented between the module circuitry and the host computer system circuitry that is independent of the electrical interface. This wireless communications channel is implemented entirely within the confines of the external housing of the host computing system. One embodiment uses an infrared LED or emitter to transmit infrared signals from the module circuitry to an infrared sensitive phototransistor located within the host and electrically connected to the host circuitry. Likewise, an infrared LED or emitter located within the host computer housing and electrically connected to the host computer circuitry transmits an infrared signal to a infrared sensitive phototransistor located on the module and electrically connected to the module circuitry to complete a bi-directional, wireless data transmission channel. The internal wireless data transmission channel allows large data throughput without interfering with the operation or capacity of the normal electromechanical interface between the module circuitry and the host computer system. Such a wireless data communications channel finds particular use in implementing a speakerphone on a host computer system, such as a notebook computer, having a microphone and speaker but using the circuitry in a PCMCIA modem card to manage and control the speakerphone.

Apparatus and method for wireless communication between a host and a selectively removable module electrically connected to the host

A method and apparatus for a dual power supply on a universal serial bus system using an overcurrent detect circuit. Dual power supplies in the universal serial bus system allows for greater flexibility of operation and is based on two separate power systems. The first power system is achieved using the power line on the bus connecting to the universal serial bus controller. The second power system is a separate power supply to power the downstream ports. Moreover, the universal serial bus system has an overcurrent and thermal error detect circuit based on the power system in order to achieve an efficient and cost effective method and apparatus in which to notify the universal serial bus controller of any error in the power system.

Fault detection on dual supply system for a universal serial bus system

Fault detection on a dual supply system for a universal serial bus system

A communications card cap of being mounted in electrical communication with a laptop computer has formed therethrough an aperture so sized and shaped as to be capable of receiving a physical/electrical media connector. In use, a media connector is inserted directly into the aperture in the communications card, the aperture being in contact with a plurality of contact wires fixed within the communications card. The communications card is divided into a retractable access portion of the communications card which can be directly accessed by manipulating an actuating mechanism releasing a retention means thereby allowing a spring to push the retractable access portion of the card outside of the computer housing. The retractable access portion of the communications card may be reinserted back into the computer housing to be carried internally when not in use.

Growing community of inventors

Grayslake, IL, United States of America

James B Henrie