Gateway, Inc.

Gateway 2000, Inc.

Stephen P Vossler

Michael R Flannery

Glen J Anderson

Frank W Liebenow

Russell F Mcknight

Michael J Calvillo

Joseph G Richard

A method and apparatus that interactively determine which data is exchanged between two networks or devices operating on the networks and the order in which the data is transferred. One of the networks can be a vehicle area network. The determination is capable of being based on one or more data criteria, including file size, user access, device interaction, user preferences, history of use, and so on. The available time in which to communicate is forecasted so that the appropriate data can be transmitted. It is emphasized that this abstract is being provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow examiners and other searchers to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, as promised by the rules of the Patent Office.

Vehicle based intelligent network interactivity

An audio player is constructed in an ear module fully supported by the ear. The ear module is an in ear canal device, or ear bud with a clip that securely attaches it to the ear. The ear module contains all components required for storing and playing digitized audio such as MP3, RealAudio, WMA or ASF. The ear module is coupled to a hub that is also fully supported by the ear. The hub comprises a micro controller and connectors for receiving digitized audio. The hub has a connector hub from which peripheral devices are supportable.

Audio earpiece and peripheral devices

A digital information appliance comprises a housing having a display disposed on a first surface for displaying information to a user of the digital information appliance and an input device disposed on a second surface opposed to the first surface for imputing information. The input device is oriented with respect to the display so as to be operable by the fingers of the user's hand for input of information while holding the housing so the display is viewable.

Digital information appliance input device

A system and method for generating a persistent usage context is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method of generating a persistent usage context includes monitoring usage of an information handling system and generating a first representation corresponding to a first item of usage and a second representation corresponding to at least one of the first item of usage and a second item of usage. The first representation and second representation are communicated so as to communicate an association of the first representation to the second representation and to enable a determination of at least one of the prior usage and current usage of an information handling system.

Persistent usage context

A cursor is provided which has a cursor body and a lens holding portion. The lens holding portion has a liquid crystal display screen therein, adapted for use as a lens. Multiple cross-hairs can be displayed on the lens using the liquid crystal display screen, and can also be modified to display supplemental information on the liquid crystal display. At least two sensors can also be coupled with the cursor for re-orienting the cursor, and adjusting the displayed cross-hairs on the liquid crystal display relative to the orientation.

CAD cursor with electronically modifiable transparent display

Information display system for scheduling the utilization of a facility

A modular floppy disk drive is designed to stand alone as an external drive or to be combined with a carrier to fit into a computer peripheral option bay configured for removable CD ROM drives. When used as an external floppy disk drive, the modular unit is connected to the personal computer through a connector and cable assembly. The carrier adapts the modular drive to the size and mechanical requirements of the peripheral option bay so that the modular unit can be inserted into the computer and used as an internal floppy disk drive.

Modular floppy disk drive for internal and external use

A programmable cellular telephone activates selected functions based on a user modifiable schedule, The user stores schedule information in a schedule table for automatic function activation/deactivation. A controller controls all cellular telephone functions, and comprises a memory and a clock. The controller also comprises an automatic scheduler which activates and deactivates cellular telephone functions according to the entries in the schedule table. Cellular telephone functions are activated and deactivated either manually or when the automatic scheduler is enabled and the real time corresponds with the scheduled time in the schedule table. By using the scheduler, a user can select time periods when calls are receivable without having to remember to turn on the cellular phone, extending battery life and minimizing unwanted interruptions.

Intelligent cellular telephone function

The prohibition of screen saver computer program activation based on storage device activity is disclosed. The screen saver program is activated by the operating system of the computer after a period of inactivity of at least one storage device (such as a hard disk drive) has been detected. In an alternative embodiment, the screen saver program is activated by the operating system of computer after both a period of inactivity of at least one storage device and at least one input device (such as a keyboard) have been detected.

Screen saver computer program prohibition based on storage device activity

An image viewing system to permit viewing of three-dimensional images, wherein users wear a pair of eyeglasses to view displayed images. The pair of eyeglasses include lenses having LCD polarizing filters and a LCD controlling unit configured to adjust the polarization of the lenses based upon the orientation of the glasses. A sensing unit, located on the glasses, monitors the orientation of the glasses and when the orientation is skewed from a default orientation, the sensing unit notifies the controlling unit of the new orientation. Upon receipt of the new orientation, the controlling unit then initiates a change in the polarization of the LCD filters. Adjustment of the polarization allows users of 3-D viewing glasses to freely adjust head position relative to the displayed images without compromising the integrity of the viewed image.

Interactive 3-D viewing glasses

An adjustably mounted infrared device for an electronic device is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is a computer. The computer has a housing and an integral infrared device. The housing has a plurality of surfaces to protect at least a processor within the housing. The integral infrared device is mounted adjustably to the housing to permit positioning of the device in a desired direction independent of movement of the housing. Other embodiments of the invention include a computer keyboard, a computer printer, and a computer monitor, each having such an integral infrared device mounted adjustably thereto to permit position of the device in a desired direction without movement of the keyboard, the printer or the monitor, respectively.

Adjustably mounted infrared device

A mass storage device having a transmitter and receiver and a computer having a transmitter and receiver allows for a computer system capable of wireless transmissions of data to and from the computer. The transmitter and receiver of the computer is linked to a data and command bus which is electrically connected to the central processor or microprocessor of the computer. The transmitter and receiver of the mass storage device is electrically connected to the data channel of the mass storage device. A cache memory may also be included to meter the data before transmission or after receiving the transmission. The transmitter and receivers transmit information within a selected range within the full range of electromagnetic radiation. A cradle or nest for holding a mass storage unit and providing power to the mass storage provides stand alone capability to the mass storage unit. The cradle can also be provided with a transmitter and receiver so that drives without wireless capability can now have such capability.

System with a remote wireless mass storage which provides identification

Electronic device having adjustably mounted infrared device using

A bi-directional presentation display device for displaying an image visible to an audience on both sides of the display device. The display device has a pair of screens, each defining an image surface which face in generally opposite directions relative to one another. The display includes a power means for providing power to the pair of screens. A reflective element is disposed between the screens for aiding in illuminating the screens. A single light source concurrently illuminates the screens for displaying an image on the pair of image surfaces.

Growing community of inventors

Sioux Falls, SD, United States of America

Stephen P Vossler