Showing papers on "Laptop published in 2002"

Method and system to maintain portable computer data secure and authentication token for use therein

Abstract: A method and system to maintain portable computer data secure and an authentication token for use in the system are provided The present invention provides for fine-grained authentication and full security of a laptop file system The laptop disk is encrypted and each time data is fetched from the disk the laptop sends a short message requesting a decryption key from an authentication token worn or associated with the proper laptop user If the user and his/her token are “present,” then access is allowed If the user and his/her token are not “present” (ie, within a predetermined radius), then access is disallowed and all in-memory data is flushed to the disk The user wears the small authentication token that communicates with the laptop over a short-range, wireless link Whenever the laptop needs decryption authority, it acquires it from the token; authority is retained only as long as necessary

System and method for real-time observation assessment

Abstract: Techniques for real-time observation assessment are provided. The techniques, which are designed for educators, take advantage of handheld computers, desktop/laptop computers and Internet access in order to reduce the paperwork associated with conventional educational assessments. An array of instructional assessment applications are designed to run on handheld computers. The instructional assessment applications may be based on existing and widely used paper methodologies. A common Web-based platform for assessment application distribution, selection, download, data management and reporting is also provided. Users can then periodically synchronize instructional data (assessments, diagnostic results, notes and/or schedules) to the Web site. At the Web site, browser-based reports and analysis can be viewed, administered and shared via electronic mail.

Double screen laptop

Abstract: The instant invention is a laptop or notebook computer which employs first and second display screens coupled electronically to display identical images at the same time. The dual screen capability is ideal for business presentations, instruction and other like uses. The two screens are mechanically coupled to each other and to the computer in a manner which allows the three elements to be collapsed into a compact unit. A cover is provided to protect the second screen. The cover functions as the top of the computer when the unit is collapsed. The cover may be hinged to the second screen or may be designed to slide off.

Compact display assembly

Abstract: A compact display assembly includes a flexible display screen such as a passive LCD screen or an OLED display screen. Printed circuit boards including driving circuitry for the display screen are mounted at its rear in a configuration defining a longitudinal region of the screen about which it may be folded or curved over on itself to a compact configuration. The assembly may be included in electronic computational devices such as laptop computers, electronic books and the like.

Portable computer having hierarchical operating systems

Abstract: A portable computer is disclosed which includes hierarchical operating systems. The computer includes a handheld operating system to operate the portable computer as a handheld device. It also includes a laptop operating system to operate the portable computer as a laptop computer. The laptop operating system is responsive to a first command to boot-up the handheld operating system. The handheld operating system is responsive to a second command to boot-up the laptop operating system.

A device for running offline applications and synchronizing with a central computer system

Abstract: A device (110), such as a personal digital assistant, Internet enabled phone, handheld computer, laptop computer or desktop computer, being capable of running business applications online (195) or offline (197) and of synchronizing data related to such application with a central computer system (190). The device also being able to receive deployed software and install it and to deinstall unwanted software automatically.

Computer support apparatus and method

Abstract: A system for mounting a laptop computer on a mobile casterized base, comprising: an articulated arm having a first end and a second end, the first end being adjustably connected to the mobile casterized base; and a bracket assembly adjustably connected to the second end of the articulated arm for securely retaining the laptop computer, the bracket assembly being adjustable in at least one dimension to securely retain the laptop computer.

Bluetooth application developer's guide : the short range interconnect solution

Abstract: "Bluetooth (enabled devices) will ship in the billions of units once it gains momentum." - Martin Reynolds, Gartner Group. Bluetooth is the most exciting development in wireless computing this decade! Bluetooth enabled devices can include everything from network servers, laptop computers and PDAs, to stereos and home security systems. Most Bluetooth products to hit the market in 2001 will be PC cards for laptop computers and access points, which allow up to seven Bluetooth devices to connect to a network. Reports indicate that by the end of 2003 there will be over 2 billion Bluetooth-enabled devices. Bluetooth-enabled devices communicate with each other through embedded software applications. "Bluetooth Developer's Guide to Embedded Applications" will provide embedded applications developers with advanced tutorials and code listings written to the latest Bluetooth's latest specification, version 1.1. Written by Bluetooth pioneers from market leaders in Bluetooth software development, Extended Systems and Cambridge Silicon Radio, this is the first advanced level Bluetooth developer title on the market. It is the white hot topic! While other books introduce readers to the possibilities of Bluetooth, this is the first comprehensive, advanced level programming book written specifically for embedded application developers. Authors are responsible for SDK, the market-leading development tool for Bluetooth. It comes with Syngress' revolutionary Credit Card CD containing a printable HTML version of the book, all of the source code and sample applications from Extended Systems and Cambridge Silicon Radio.

A process for deploying software from a central computer system to remotely located devices

Abstract: A process for deploying and installing software, including a platform independent framework and offline applications, on devices (100), such as a personal digital assistant, Internet-enabled phone, handheld computer, laptop computer or desktop computer, remotely located from a central computer system (190). The framework and applications (125, 130, 135) permitting the devices to run applications offline and synchronize data with the central computer system (190).

Remote access, emulation, and control of office equipment

Abstract: A business has a main office ( 13 ) which has a controller ( 225 ), a plurality of telephones, a plurality of computers, a PBX and/or an ACD ( 216 ), and a plurality of corporate resources ( 220 ) such as servers, hosts, applications, databases, routers, gateways, switches, a voicemail system, an e-mail system, and facsimile servers. A user at the main office ( 13 ) has access to the various corporate resources and also has a portable communications device ( 10 ), such as a laptop computer, with which to place a call to the controller via a communications link ( 11 ) such as the Internet, to send user commands to and receive the resultant status, information, or operation, from, the controller, to access any of the corporate resources and data, and to make calls to and receive communications from outside parties ( 12 ). In addition, the user may create a personal profile which causes the controller to forward selected communications to him, via the Internet, wherever the user may be. The laptop computer allows the user to operate in the same manner as if the user was actually in his office, including placing, receiving, forwarding, and conferencing telephone calls. As a result, regardless of where the user is located, and regardless of what equipment is actually available at the current location of the user, the user can conduct business using the same devices and features that are available at the user's office.

Thermal management of a laptop computer

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting a temperature of a bottom of a laptop computer housing depending on where the laptop computer is placed during operation. If the laptop computer is placed on a lap of a user, or alternatively on any surface that has direct contact with the bottom of the laptop computer housing, sensors on the bottom of the laptop computer housing are activated. The sensors produce a signal to initiate supplemental cooling measures to reduce the temperature of the bottom of the laptop computer housing. Cooling measures taken include decreasing an operating speed of logic circuits such as a central processing unit (CPU) or increasing cooling fan output.

A service architecture for mobile teamwork

Abstract: Mobile teamwork has become an emerging requirement in the daily business of large enterprises. Employees collaborate across locations and need support while they are on the move. Business documents (artifacts) and expertise need to be shared independent of the actual location or connectivity (e.g., access through a mobile phone, laptop, Personal Digital Assistant, etc.) of employees. Although many collaboration tools and systems exist, most do not deal with new requirements such as locating artifacts and experts through distributed searches, advanced information subscription and notification, and mobile information sharing and access. The MOTION service architecture that we have developed supports mobile teamwork by taking into account the different connectivity modes of users, provides access support for various devices such as laptop computers and mobile phones, and uses XML meta-data and the XML Query Language (XQL) for distributed searches and subscriptions. In this paper, we describe the architecture and the components of our generic MOTION service platform for building collaborative applications. The MOTION Teamwork Services Components are currently being evaluated in two industry case-studies.

Computer with an embedded antenna

Abstract: A laptop computer with an embedded antenna is disclosed. The laptop computer contains an LCD panel and an antenna embedded inside the LCD panel. The antenna is embedded in the gap between the covering of the LCD panel and the frame supporting the LCD on the LCD panel. The ground surface of the antenna is effectively extended through incorporating the conducting surface on the back of the LCD. When the LCD panel is opened the antenna is at a distance above the operating surface of the laptop computer and produces omni-directional radiation pattern in the horizontal plane.

Investigating the Learning Environment in Canadian Mathematics and Science Classrooms in Which Laptop Computers Are Used

Abstract: There is increasing pressure to incorporate information technology into schools and increasing interest in evaluating the effects of this technology on students. There has been a growing literature on the assessment of the success of using information technology in schools. This study is timely and potentially valuable because it investigated psychosocial factors in the learning environment where laptop computers are used in the study of mathematics and science. The study combined qualitative and quantitative data collection methods (Tobin & Fraser, 1998) to describe and compare students' perceptions of the actual and preferred learning environments and to explore students' attitudes towards mathematics and science classrooms where laptop computers are used. It has been previously found that positive students' perceptions of their learning environment are linked with their attitude toward and achievement in mathematics and science (Fraser, 1994, 1998) . Of particular interest in our study were the differences between male and female students and between subject disciplines of mathematics and science. Because there has been little research reported on the effect of using laptop computers on students' perceptions of their learning environments, this study pioneered the use and validation of a learning environment instrument in laptop schools in Canada. (Contains 37 references.) (Author/MM) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.

Laptops in the Classroom: Do They Make a Difference?

Abstract: In 1996 the College of Engineering at the University of Oklahoma started to require all incoming students to have a laptop computer equipped with a wireless Internet card. Because of a pilot study and a voluntary phase-in over the first two years, two groups of students moved through the curriculum—those with and those without laptops. During 1998 and 1999, when these students entered their junior year, we offered two sections of a third-year water resources course: one for students who owned laptops and one “traditional” section for those who did not own laptops. We assessed student performance to evaluate if the laptops helped improve student learning. Although not a perfectly controlled experiment (i.e., the student groups were different), the two sections were uniform in terms of course content and assignments. Because of their inherently large standard deviations, class metrics (grades) are not conclusive, but they do indicate that the laptop students performed slightly better than the non-laptop students, even though their composite grade point average entering the course was lower. Evaluations do clearly show that, when the technology is used properly and when class time is not spent resolving technical problems, the laptop students had a more positive learning experience.

In-monitor docking station to integrate a laptop computer into a desktop computer system

Abstract: An in-monitor docking station that enables a portable computer to be quickly and easily installed in a desktop environment includes a desktop monitor, and receives the portable computer through a door in the top of the monitor unit. The docking station is constructed with at least one electrical connector mate that receives the connector(s) of the laptop unit. An ejection mechanism, typically one or more springs, partially ejects the portable computer from the monitor unit when the latching unit actuator button is depressed. The only modification required for any portable computer to be compatible with the in-monitor docking station is a small recess in a bottom surface that receives the latch hook of the latching arm. Any additional components of a desktop system that are desired by the user can of course be added to the in-monitor docking station of the present invention, either in the unit itself, or as a peripheral device.

Using Technology To Enhance the Classroom Environment.

Abstract: Much is being written about the use of technology as a teaching and learning tool. However, much of the focus is on distance learning. This article deals with another aspect of this topic, namely, the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning in a classroom environment. While my experience stems from teaching mathematics at the undergraduate level, the approaches described can be utilized in the teaching of other subjects as well. Classroom Setups The most basic classroom setup, which allows instructors to use technology as part of their teaching, is one in which there is a computer, a network connection (either wired or wireless) and a projection system. This allows instructors to perform demonstrations, present material, illustrate how to use software, show Web sites, etc. However, this setup has an inherent disadvantage, that is, each instructor must come into the classroom in advance and spend time setting up the machine. Since different instructors usually have different needs, it is quite possible that these needs conflict, and it will be necessary for an instructor to set up the machine before each use, which is time-consuming and tedious. A better setup is one in which instructors can bring their own laptop to the classroom and connect to the network and a projection system. This way everything that the instructor wants to do with the laptop can be prepared in advance. Also, it isn't necessary to reset the equipment after each use, which is a great time-saver. It is best if such classrooms have a lectern near the network on which instructors can place their laptops as well as other materials, such as notes, textbooks or a projection system. Unfortunately, there is little student participation in both of the setups described above. To have real participation and interaction, students need to have computers with network and power connections they can use in the classroom. At one time this meant a lab with PCs. However, PCs are big and tend to get in the way. A better setup is one in which the students have laptops they bring to and use in class. And as wireless technology improves, it is becoming increasingly clear that such Internet connections are the most cost-effective and allow for the most flexibility. For example, in a wireless classroom that uses laptops, instructors can reconfigure seating arrangements as desired by simply moving the students' tables. There are also other technological resources that an instructor might want to have available, such as an overhead projector, a VCR, a document camera, software that allows instructors to monitor students' laptops, etc. Utilizing Your Resources Having a technological setup in a classroom is just the beginning. The real question is what does an instructor do with all of these resources? There are many answers. All are very much a function of the material that instructors are presenting and what they want to accomplish. Here are just a few uses drawn from my own experiences teaching in such environments: Lecture Notes. The simplest use is to present notes the instructor has prepared. Lecture notes should also be made available to students either as handouts or downloads from the instructor's Web site. Of course, instructors can do this with slides and an overhead projector, but it is usually easier when done with a computer. My experience has been that this approach is most effective when dealing with a topic that requires the presentation of a large number of formulas. Though, a word of caution is appropriate here. Instructors can easily cover a great deal of material using this method of presentation. But there is a tendency to present more material than the students can absorb, so instructors must keep this in mind. Also, while students may be satisfied with this mode of teaching when it is done occasionally, they tend to dislike it if it is done too often. Software Demonstrations. …

Location Models for Augmented Environments

Abstract: In this paper we describe two projects on contextualized computer systems and audio augmented environments we are currently working on at the Fraunhofer Institutes FIT and IMK. In this paper we will only focus on the world models and the augmentation layer. Both projects are based on completely different technologies, and use different representation methods and interaction facilities. While in hippie users are moving with small laptop computers or wearable computers with a small visual display, in LISTEN users will have only a wireless headphone displaying spatially rendered sound-scenes.

Integrated laptop antennas - design and evaluation

Abstract: Two performance parameters are used to define integrated antennas for laptop applications. One is SWR, and another is the average antenna gain. Based upon link budget models and system requirements, the integrated antennas should have a 2:1 SWR bandwidth, wide enough to cover the 2.4 GHz ISM band to ensure a wireless system to have reliable, high data rate performance over a useful range or coverage area. The antenna should have average gain values similar to that of an isotropic radiator. The average gain value can be used in a communication link budget model to predict system level performance such as throughput and range. The antenna polarization is not a critical parameter for laptop applications since laptops are primarily used in indoor environment where there is high scattering and mixing of signals. As one would expect, the best location for integrated antennas in laptops is to place the antenna on the laptop display as high as possible. But using this location forces a design trade-off between the antenna's "visibility" and the necessity of a lossy feed cable, since wireless cards are usually placed in the base of a laptop. The ultimate system cost, time to market and performance are consciously traded off for each and every application.

Modular stand for laptop computer

Abstract: The invention provides a laptop stand that elevates the laptop display such that the display is at a user's eye-level, while at the same time minimizing the amount of desktop space occupied by the laptop computer. The invention provides a stand that holds the laptop computer in an unfolded position such that the laptop's display is elevated to eye-level and facing forward. In particular, the presently preferred embodiment of the invention provides a modular laptop stand that is inexpensive to produce, variously adjustable, and that is substantially flat when not in use, such that it is readily shipped and stored.

Method and arrangement for enhancing the cooling capacity of portable computers

Abstract: An arrangement and method for enhancing the cooling capacity of portable personal computers. More particularly, disclosed is the provision of an arrangement for increasing the cooling capacity of laptop computers which are constrained in size, weight and power consumption, through which transfers and dissipates heat from semiconductor chips located in the computer and which are to be cooled, to the rear side of a liquid-crystal display of the laptop computer.

System and method for point to point integration of personal computers with videoconferencing systems

Abstract: A system and method for integrating a personal computer based presentation with a videoconferencing system. A coupling device includes a card, insertable into a PCMCIA slot of a laptop computer or like machine, which includes a cable coupled to the card at a first end and to a connector coupled at a second end. The card includes firmware for loading into RAM of the computer and software operable to execute code.

Wireless email protocol system and method of using the same

Abstract: The method in accordance with the present invention allows any user to compose and transmit email messages using the resources native to the user's computer. In particular, the user can utilize a PDA as a wireless email antenna to transmit messages composed on an attached device, such as the user's laptop or desktop computer without having to directly connect to the Internet, thus providing mobile connectivity, personal resource accessibility and real-time PDA/PC synchronization.

Portal for use in-transit with mobile platforms

Abstract: A business and leisure travel portal provides in-transit content and information to a mobile platform. The content is provided from both an on-board system having predetermined stored data and a remote system providing access to live real-time information using satellite communication. The portal is customizable and provided with various selectable elements for quick access to specific portal content. A user may access the portal with a laptop or similar electronic device. Universal navigation is also provided.

Laptop computer carrying case and impact isolating insert

Abstract: Of the various carrying cases especially designed to isolate the contained laptop computer from impact forces, all are deficient in isolating the laptop computer from impacts from all directions, for example if the case containing the laptop computer were dropped on any side, edge or corner. The disclosed case provides a lightweight framed shock-absorbing insert to resist the impact and to channel much of the impact energy away from the laptop computer. This insert has two flat panels sandwiching the laptop computer. These panels flex in response to impact from any direction, while isolating the laptop computer from direct impact with the floor or the like during impact of the case with the floor. The panels are constrained from collapsing by bending out of the plane of the panel during most impacts. Constraining structures include a surounding frame between the outer edges flat panels, and surrounding textile constructions that cooperate to keep the flat panels parallel and generally flat during impacts.

Water and dust resistant laptop case

Abstract: A water and dust resistant laptop case with privacy features has a housing with a base and a cover connected to the base at a rear wall of the base. A height adjustment mechanism in the base sets a vertical position of the laptop in the base and slots are provided in a rear and a pair of side walls of the base for connecting power and/or peripherals to the laptop. A clear display shield inside the cover can be brought in front of the laptop display when the laptop is open. A visor assembly is pivotally connected to the cover near a top edge of the cover for movement between a storage position that is substantially parallel to the cover and a shading position extending outwardly from the cover. The visor assembly can be held in the shading position. A flexible keyboard shield also extends over the keyboard of the laptop.

Bringing them in and checking them out: Laptop use in the modern academic library

Abstract: Laptop computers provide unsurpassed flexibility and convenience for students in the modern academic environment. Many libraries, including the University of Nevada--Las Vegas's (UNLV) Lied Library, allow students to bring in their own laptops or check out library-owned laptops and connect to the institution's high-speed network. While offering unsurpassed convenience, laptop use must be tempered with appropriate authentication, security, and additional procedural policies to ensure that such privileges are not abused. In addition, libraries must be prepared to accommodate financial and staff-time costs associated with such programs. ********** A hot new trend initiated by many academic libraries is allowing patrons to use laptops connected to the library's network. Modern libraries are often wired in many places, and older libraries have the option to add additional wiring or to investigate wireless solutions. This allows patrons to use a computer within quiet study rooms or while relaxing on lounge furniture. Since the opening of UNLV's Lied Library in January 2001, students have had the option to bring in their own laptops and take advantage of the library's fast network connection, using their own laptops with their own programs and personal setups with which they are familiar. Similarly, Lied Library began circulating library-owned laptops to students beginning in fall 2001. From the start, the new 300,000-square-foot main Lied Library was designed and built to accommodate thousands of PCs. Data and power connections are integrated directly into both tables and carrels, and in the future, laptop connections will be activated within the floors near lounge chairs. Such flexibility allows users to bring in their laptops and plug in basically anywhere. Regardless of who owns the laptop--the student or the library--there are numerous issues and policy decisions that should be made prior to implementing such a program. For students bringing in their own units, a major issue is authentication to the library network. For those checking out laptops, issues include check-out policies, return polices, and damage assessment. This article looks at how the UNLV libraries are offering both of these services, as well as providing a summary analysis of how selected other libraries are offering similar services. * The LINAS System: Patrons Bringing in Their Own Laptops A system allowing students to bring in their personal laptops and connect to the library's network was in place when Lied Library opened in January 2001. This was later expanded to also include the Architecture Studies branch library. Many issues affecting library-owned laptops are not relevant with personal laptops as there are no circulation parameters, damage assessments, or fine rates to determine. However, authentication and security are major concerns. By making available its network resources to patrons, the library inherits a certain amount of responsibility. As university policy and common sense dictate, all users must authenticate each time prior to gaining access to the library's network. A range of options exist and different institutions take various approaches with authentication. UNLV wanted a straightforward system, easy to maintain, that would not require the need to install special software on the patron's laptop. When library staff controls the network hardware provided to the patron, appropriate system-enforced policies provide a level of security. For instance, the library can ameliorate the risk of a user executing malicious software against remote targets or abusing legitimate software (such as configuring a rogue file-transfer protocol (FTP) server with the intent to illegally distribute software without appropriate licensing). By allowing patrons to use their own laptops for network access, the library surrenders this ability to prevent the use of malicious software, or the abuse of legitimate software. …

Personal computers having a plurality of displays

Abstract: A computer (e.g., a laptop computer) may include a keyboard and/or other devices for inputting data. A processor may receive and process the input data. At least first and second display portions may be pivotally coupled to each other and may display images based upon instructions from the processor. Preferably, the second display portion is arranged and constructed to pivotally move relative to the first display portion.

Laptop computer with a large display area

Abstract: The present invention is a laptop computer having three screens extending upward from a computer base for providing a large combined display area, wherein the three screens can be stacked in a compact manner for portable storage. The laptop computer includes a computer base, and a center screen rotatably connected to the top of the computer base. A left and right pole are rotatably connected to the top of the computer base on opposite sides of the center screen. A left and right screen are rotatably connected to the left and right pole, respectively. In an operative mode, the center, left and right screen are rotated to extend upward from the computer base to provide a large combined display area. In a storage mode, the center, left and right screen are rotated to be stacked above the computer base to provide compact storage and easy transport of the laptop computer.