Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.p.

Other

Compaq Computer Corporation, Inc.

Robert E Krancher

Richard S Lin

Scott P Saunders

Monji G Jabori

Walter G Fry

Kent E Biggs

Brian D Ryder

Anura Neysadurai

Steven L Sinclair

Jason Lee Warkentin

In an example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a method may include determining when a keyboard for a computing device is on a display surface of the computing device and, upon making the determination, using a portion of the display surface covered by the keyboard to provide a configurable backlight for the keyboard.

Keyboard backlights via display surfaces

Examples disclosed herein provide an accessory device for a computing device. The accessory device can include a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section can include one or more input devices. The second section can be pivotally connected to the first section at a first end of the second section. The third section can be pivotally connected to the second section at a second end of the second section. The protective cover can include a connector to electrically couple the input devices with the computing device when the connector is to connect with a port of the device. Motion sensors disposed within the accessory device can be used to determine an angle of the computing device with respect to the accessory device.

Accessory device for a computing device

In a method and system for assessing video quality, an analog video signal to be assessed is input. At least part of the incoming video signal is converted to digital values. The digital values are stored. A detector determines whether any stored digital value is outside an acceptable range.

Monitoring quality of video signals

A power supply system for an electronic device which includes a power source, a docking mechanism configured to dock a first electronic device, a docking connector configured to provide power from the power source to the first electronic device when it is docked to the docking mechanism, and a power output port configured to provide power from the power source to a second electronic device without having the second electronic device docked.

Power supply system for an electronic device

A docking station includes a port with a corresponding status indicator.

Port indicator

A computer system with dynamic device identification redirection. The computer system may include a processor, a system memory, and a bridge logic device having a peripheral bus interface. The bridge logic device is associated with at least a first address line, which is also associated with a first peripheral device. The computer system may also include a logic device coupled to the peripheral bus that swaps a second address line for the first address line when a peripheral bus cycle is run to the first address line.

Dynamic PCI device identification redirection on a configuration space access conflict

The present invention comprises a system and method for insuring that a notebook computer and a docking station are compatible. This determination is made by each of the notebook and docking station communicating via a serial communication pathway. Each of these devices reads a product code and a ROM date associated with the other device, and then independently determine whether the other device may be safely communicated with or &ldquo;docked.&rdquo; The systems and methods also take into account that two devices may be docked, but that only minimum functionality can exist between them based on differences in software revisions. In this case, the systems and methods allow the two devices to dock, but the computer system user is notified of the differences in software revisions.

Identifying and synchronizing incompatibilities between a portable computer and a docking station

A system and method are disclosed for handling devices that assert a wake-up signal in an improper fashion. It is observed that any wake-up signals that remain asserted as the computer system enters a low-power mode are likely produced by non-compliant cards, and to assure proper functioning of the system, it is desirable for the computer system to selectively block assertion of asserted signals from non-compliant cards. In one embodiment the computer system includes an expansion bus coupled to a bus bridge, and a signal gate. The expansion bus includes a wake-up signal that the signal gate can be configured to isolate from the bus bridge. The signal gate is preferably controlled by the power management controller. The power management controller sets the signal gate to isolate the signal from the bus bridge if the controller determines that wake-up signal is being driven in a non-standard manner. The non-compliance may be determined by: (a) detecting a transition of the computer to a reduced power state; (b) pausing for a predetermined delay; and (c) sampling the wake-up signal to identify any asserted wake-up signals. In the presence of non-compliant expansion cards, the disclosed embodiments may advantageously assure correct operation of the system with minimal additional cost.

Handling of multiple compliant and non-compliant wake-up sources in a computer system

A computer system reroutes a configuration cycle intended for an unused system bus address line to the IDSEL, or equivalent, configuration chip select input pin of a device which uses the same system bus address line as another device on the system bus. The computer system has a PCI bus to which a programmable logic device and an electronically-controlled switch are connected. The programmable logic device detects PCI bus configuration cycles associated with a PCI bus AD line that is otherwise unused as a chip select during configuration cycles. When the logic device detects a configuration cycle associated with the unused AD line, the logic device asserts a control signal to the electronically-controlled switch. The switch then connects the previously unused AD line to the AD line that is connected to the IDSEL input pin of the PCI device that experiences the conflict. The PCI device then effectively responds to the configuration read or write cycle as if its IDSEL input pin was hardwired to the switched AD line.

Apparatus is provided for adapting a computer system having a standard half-height bay to operatively receive multi-purpose bay devices therein. In one described embodiment, an adapter is provided which may be conveniently mounted in a standard half-height bay, but which is configured to accept multi-purpose bay devices. The adapter includes standard drive connectors, and connectors which permit the adapter to be effectively used in systems having features such as circuitry permitting hot-swapping of drives and circuitry for controlling battery charging and/or discharging. The adapter also includes circuitry for automatic selection of a power source to supply power to devices installed therein.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Robert E Krancher