AMERICAN MEGATRENDS, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150331694 | INSTALLATION OF OPERATING SYSTEM ON HOST COMPUTER USING VIRTUAL STORAGE OF BMC - Certain aspects of present disclosure are directed the present disclosure relates to a baseboard management controller (BMC) implemented method of installation of operating system (OS) on a host computer using virtual storage of BMC. The method includes: (a) receiving a device request from the host computer to access a storage device, (b) simulating the storage device to host computer according to the device request, (c) receiving a data request command from host computer, (d) transferring requested data to the host computer according to the data request command, (e) receiving a data storage command from host computer directed to the simulated storage device and writing a status file at request of the data storage command, (f) determining if the status file exists in the simulated storage, and (g) stopping emulating the storage device to the host computer through the first communication interface if it is determined that the status file exists. | 11-19-2015 |
20150254047 | Methods, Systems and Computer Readable Storage Devices for Presenting Screen Content - Screen content associated with a first communication device is presented on a screen associated with a second communication device with minimal processing of the screen content by the first communication device. Screen content associated with the first communication device that is to be presented on the screen associated with a second communication device is identified. The first communication device determines whether the identified content requires complex processing for presentation on the screen associated with the second communication device. If the identified content requires complex processing for presentation on the screen associated with the second communication device, the first communication device sends a representation of the identified content to the second communication device, and the second communication device accesses and processes the identified content for presentation on the screen associated with the second communication device. | 09-10-2015 |
20150242357 | MONITORING AND MANAGING STORAGE DRIVES AND PERFORMING BACKPLANE CONTROLLER FIRMWARE USING A USB INTERFACE - Certain aspects relate to monitoring and managing storage drives installed on a backplane and performing backplane controller firmware update through a universal serial bus (USB) interface. When the backplane controller is connected to a host computer via the USB interface, the backplane controller sends USB descriptors to the host computer through the USB interface such that the host computer recognizes the backplane controller as a specific human interface device (HID) device based on the USB descriptors. Thus, the backplane controller and the host computer may transmit backplane drive management messages, such as the result to monitor and manage the storage drives, or the control commands and control data to monitor and manage the storage drives and to update the firmware of the backplane controller, as USB HID reports in a predefined format based on the USB descriptors. | 08-27-2015 |
20150242355 | BACKPLANE CONTROLLER CAPABLE OF TRANSFERRING AND RECEIVING DATA THROUGH USB INTERFACE - Present disclosure relates to backplane controller configured as human interface device (HID) device to communicate with host computer through USB interface. Backplane controller includes: processor, memory, HID universal serial bus (USB) interface, and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory stores certain USB descriptors, drive management module, USB HID device driver, and firmware of the backplane controller. Firmware performs one or more of following operations: (a) connecting to host computer through USB interface, (b) sending USB descriptors to host computer to act as specific HID device, (c) instructing USB HID device driver of backplane controller to generate first USB HID report, (d) sending USB HID report to host computer through USB interface, (e) receiving second USB HID report from host computer through USB interface, (f) instructing USB HID device driver to retrieve and process report data from second USB HID report. USB interface includes HID USB interface, USB interface bus, host USB interface. | 08-27-2015 |
20150215420 | Methods, Devices and Computer Readable Storage Devices for Distributing Content - A gateway for distributing content receives a subscriber profile from a subscriber device. The subscriber profile indicates content in which a user associated with the subscriber device is interested. Content is received by the gateway in an electronic mail message addressed to the gateway. The received content is parsed to determine whether the received content contains the content in which the subscriber profile indicates an interest. If the received content is determined to contain the content in which the subscriber profile indicates an interest, the received content is provided to the subscriber device. | 07-30-2015 |
20150207731 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF FORWARDING IPMI MESSAGE PACKETS BASED ON LOGICAL UNIT NUMBER (LUN) - Certain aspects direct to a system having at most four service processors (SP's). Each of the at most four SP's is assigned with a logical unit number (LUN) of 0 to 3. When the SP receives a message packet, the SP identifies the message packet based on the header of the message packet. The header uses a LUN field to identify a corresponding SP as a destination of the message packet. For the LUN 0 SP, when the message packet is identified as a request message packet for the LUN 0 SP, the SP processes the request message packet to generate a corresponding response message packet. When the message packet is identified as a request message packet for other SP's (LUN 1-3), the SP saves a copy of the header of the request message packet for later response use, and forwards the request message packet to the destination. | 07-23-2015 |
20150199210 | Methods, Devices and Computer Readable Storage Devices for Confluence of Multiple Operating Systems - A secondary operating system, which is a virtual operating system executing as a guest of a primary operating system, is provided with access to resources associated with a computing device executing the primary operating system. A request is received from an application associated with the secondary operating system at a hardware abstraction layer associated with the secondary operating system. The application and the hardware abstraction layer are executed in a user mode layer associated with the secondary operating system. The request is sent from the hardware abstraction layer to an application associated with the primary operating system. The application associated with the primary operating system is executed in a user mode layer, acting as an agent of the primary operating system, and fulfilling the request by providing the secondary operating system with access to resources associated with the computing device. | 07-16-2015 |
20150188992 | THIN/ZERO CLIENT PROVISIONING AND MANAGEMENT USING CENTRALIZED MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE - Present disclosure relates to a desktop cloud manager configured to manage thin client computers. The desktop cloud manager includes: XMS server processor, XMS communication interface for communicating between desktop cloud manager and thin client computers, thin client computer database for storing thin client computers and peripherals information; and non-volatile memory storing an XMS server operating system, and firmware having thin client management software. When executed by XMS server processor, thin client management software firmware performs one or more of following operations: (a) connecting to thin client computers through a cloud, (b) discovering thin client computers using UPnP protocol, (c) registering thin client computers at thin client computer database, (d) detecting management modes of thin client computers, (e) provisioning functionalities of thin client computers according to management modes, (f) configuring device settings of the peripherals attached to thin client computers, and (g) managing and controlling thin client computers connected through cloud. | 07-02-2015 |
20150178096 | REMOTE BIOS UPDATE IN SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE COMPUTERS - Aspects of the present disclosure direct to remote BIOS update in a system having multiple host computers with service processors (SP). A remote management computer generates an ISO image for the host computer to perform a preboot execution environment (PXE) booting process to update the BIOS image. The ISO image includes a BIOS image and a flasher utility. Then the SP generates a first boot sequence change instruction for the host computer. The executed host computer, based on the boot sequence change instruction, changes the boot sequence data to perform the PXE booting process with the ISO image at the remote management computer. Then the SP reboots the host computer. The host computer boots from the ISO image by PXE booting, and executes the flasher utility of the ISO image to update the current BIOS image stored in the BIOS chip with the BIOS image of the ISO image. | 06-25-2015 |
20150178095 | SYNCHRONOUS BMC CONFIGURATION AND OPERATION WITHIN CLUSTER OF BMC - The present disclosure relates to a synchronous BMC configuration system for automatically configuring BMCs installed on clusters of managed devices. The synchronous BMC configuration system includes: (a) a master BMC configuration system; and (b) a plurality of clusters of managed devices. Each cluster of managed devices includes a master managed device, and one or more slave managed devices. The master managed device and the slave managed devices of each cluster are substantially same type of managed devices and have substantially same configuration. The BMC configuration information is received by the master BMC configuration system, and stored in a database of the master BMC configuration system. The master BMC configuration system configures all BMCs of master managed devices, and slave BMC configuration system on each master managed device of cluster configures all BMCs of slave managed devices of the cluster. | 06-25-2015 |
20150161069 | HANDLING TWO SGPIO CHANNELS USING SINGLE SGPIO DECODER ON A BACKPLANE CONTROLLER - An aspect of present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for handling two SGPIO channels by using one SGPIO decoder. The method includes: (a) establishing communication between a backplane controller and a host computer through HBA, (b) receiving control commands and control data for monitoring and controlling a first and a second group of drive slots, (c) checking a clock signal having a first time period and a second time period, (d) forwarding the control commands and control data for the first group to the first group of drive slots during first time period, and forwarding the control commands and control data for the second group to the second group of drive slots during second time period, (e) receiving responses from first and second group of drive slots, respectively, and (f) sending the responses from first and second group of drive slots to the host computer. | 06-11-2015 |
20150149815 | BIOS FAILOVER UPDATE WITH SERVICE PROCESSOR HAVING DIRECT SERIAL PERIPHERAL INTERFACE (SPI) ACCESS - Certain aspects direct to systems and methods of BIOS failover update with a service processor (SP) having direct serial peripheral interface (SPI) access to a basic input/output system (BIOS) chip of a host computer. In certain embodiments, the SP receives a failover backup image from a BIOS being executed at a CPU of the host computer through a system interface, and stores the failover backup image in the volatile memory. Then the SP monitors operation of the BIOS by receiving, from the BIOS, a notification signal. When the SP detects an error in the operation of the BIOS based on the notification signal, the SP sends a copy of the failover backup image to the BIOS chip of the host computer through the SPI to replace a current BIOS image stored in the BIOS chip of the host computer with the copy of the failover backup image. | 05-28-2015 |
20150149750 | BIOS UPDATE WITH SERVICE PROCESSOR WITHOUT SERIAL PERIPHERAL INTERFACE (SPI) ACCESS - Certain aspects direct to BIOS update with a service processor (SP) without access through a serial peripheral interface (SPI). In certain embodiments, the system includes a SP, which includes a processor, a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory and a system interface. The SP receives a BIOS image from a remote management computer, and stores the BIOS image in the volatile memory. When the SP receives, from a BIOS executed at a central processing unit (CPU) of a host computer through the system interface, a request for the BIOS image, the SP sends a copy of the BIOS image in response to the request for the BIOS image to the host computer through the system interface such that the BIOS executed at the CPU of the host computer replaces a current BIOS image stored in a BIOS chip with the copy of the BIOS image. | 05-28-2015 |
20150149684 | HANDLING TWO SES SIDEBANDS USING ONE SMBUS CONTROLLER ON A BACKPLANE CONTROLLER - Present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for handling two SES sidebands using one SMBUS controller. The method includes one or more of following operations: (a) establishing communication between a backplane controller and a host computer through HBA, (b) receiving control commands and control data from host computer for monitoring and controlling at least one drive of first and second group of drives, (c) determining address and device number of drive to which received control commands and control data are directed, (d) forwarding control commands and control data to first or second SMBUS sideband handler based on address received, (e) controlling the blinking of the LEDs of the drive by first or second SMBUS sideband handler, (f) generating responses by the first or second SMBUS sideband handler, (g) receiving responses by the SMBUS controller, and (h) sending the responses back to the host computer within a predetermined time period. | 05-28-2015 |
20150143095 | BIOS FAILOVER UPDATE WITH SERVICE PROCESSOR - Certain aspects direct to basic input/output system (BIOS) failover update with a service processor (SP). In certain embodiments, the system includes a host computer and a SP. A CPU of the host computer loads and executes a current BIOS image stored in a BIOS chip to a memory as a BIOS instance. The SP receives, from the executed BIOS instance at the host computer, a BIOS image as a failover backup image, and stores the failover backup image in the volatile memory of the SP. When an error occurs at the host computer, the executed BIOS instance sends a request for the failover backup image to the SP. In response, the SP sends a copy of the failover backup image to the host computer such that the executed BIOS instance may replace the current BIOS image stored in the BIOS chip with the copy of the failover backup image. | 05-21-2015 |
20150109310 | GPU BASED PARALLEL IMAGE PROCESSING AT THIN CLIENT - Disclosed herein is a computing device that includes: a processor; a graphic processing unit having N graphic processing cores, N being an integer greater than 1; a random access memory (RAM); a video port; a non-volatile memory, and a display processing unit. The non-volatile memory stores a virtual desktop client (VDC). The VDC can communicate with a first virtual machine (VM) of a hypervisor running on a remote computing device and receive an encoded image frame from the first VM; instruct the plurality of graphic processing cores to decode the encoded image frame in parallel; and generate a decoded image frame of the encoded image frame. The display processing unit can generate display signals representing the decoded image frame and transmit the display signals to the video port. | 04-23-2015 |
20150100801 | PREDICTIVE POWER MANAGEMENT BASED ON USER CATEGORY - The present disclosure relates to a predicative power management system configured to adjust computer CPU clock rate by a computer user to conserve energy based on user category. In certain embodiments, the predicative power management system includes (a) a computer user profile creator module, and (b) a power management module. The computer user profile creator module is used to create computer usage profiles and each of the computer usage profiles has a profileID for a computer user with a computer userID. The power management module is used to set and adjust computer CPU clock rate, CPU voltage and device states based on computer users' category and the computer user's computer usage profile. | 04-09-2015 |
20150100299 | TECHNIQUES FOR PROGRAMMING AND VERIFYING BACKPLANE CONTROLLER CHIP FIRMWARE - Present disclosure relates to a system for programming and verifying backplane controller chip firmware on target backplane controller chips. The system includes a backplane controller chip validation board. In certain embodiments, the backplane controller chip validation board includes: (a) a program/verify/validate controller chip, (b) one or more backplane controller chip sockets for installing one or more target backplane controller chips, and (c) a backplane simulator. The program/verify/validate controller chip includes backplane controller chip firmware verification software, a USB interface, and a software storage. The backplane simulator is used to simulate functions of drives, LEDs, and other devices of a backplane for verifying all functions of backplane controller chip firmware. The backplane controller chip validation board is in communication with a host computer, and host computer has a user interface, a backplane controller chip programming and verifying software, a USB interface, and a software storage to store backplane controller chip firmware. | 04-09-2015 |
20150100298 | TECHNIQUES FOR VALIDATING FUNCTIONALITY OF BACKPLANE CONTROLLER CHIPS - Present disclosure relates to a system for validating target backplane controller chips. The system includes a backplane controller chip validation board. In certain embodiments, the backplane controller chip validation board includes: (a) a program/verify/validate controller chip, (b) one or more backplane controller chip sockets for installing one or more target backplane controller chips, and (c) a backplane simulator. The program/verify/validate controller chip includes backplane controller chip firmware verification software, a USB interface, and a software storage. The backplane simulator is used to simulate functions of drives, LEDs, and other devices of a backplane for verifying all functions of target backplane controller chips. The backplane controller chip validation board is in communication with a host computer, and the host computer has a user interface, a backplane controller chip validation software, a USB interface, and a software storage to store backplane controller chip firmware. | 04-09-2015 |
20150095597 | HIGH PERFORMANCE INTELLIGENT VIRTUAL DESKTOP INFRASTRUCTURE USING VOLATILE MEMORY ARRAYS - Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to a system and method for performing intelligent virtual desktop infrastructure (iVDI) using volatile memory arrays. The system has a hypervisor server and a storage server in communication via a file sharing protocol. A random access memory (RAM) disk is launched on a volatile memory array using a RAM disk driver. The RAM disk driver then assigns local and remote storages of the storage server as primary and secondary backup storages for the RAM disk. A group of virtual machine (VM) images is deployed to the RAM disk, and deduplication is performed on the VM images to release some memory space of the RAM disk. The deploying and deduplicating of the VM images continues repeatedly until the RAM disk is almost full. Then, the VM images in the RAM disk are copied to the backup storages as backup copies. | 04-02-2015 |
20150082179 | MONITORING VIRTUAL MACHINE INTERFACE AND LOCAL GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE ON A THIN CLIENT AND ALTERNATING THEREBETWEEN - Technologies are described herein for alternating between a local graphical user interface (UI) and a virtual machine interface, on a computing device such as a thin client or a zero client. In particular, a virtual desktop client (VDC), which is in communication with a virtual machine hosted by a hypervisor on a remote computer system, receives desktop video display signals from the virtual machine. A monitoring application monitors the execution status of the VDC. Upon determining that the VDC has been terminated, the monitoring application is configured to present the UI by re-initializing, relaunching, or rebooting the UI, by retrieving display data associated with the UI from a RAM device, or by other means. | 03-19-2015 |
20150081878 | DESCRIBING DATACENTER RACK INFORMATION IN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Present disclosure relates to a rack management system for automatically construct a rack, configure, monitor and manage managed devices on rack. Rack management system includes: (a) user interface module, (b) database, (c) rack management communication interface, (d) rack management module, (e) device discovery module, and (f) file loader. User interface module is used to allow an administrator to enter or import rack management information of managed devices. Database is used to store the rack management information. Rack management communication interface is implemented to facilitate the communication between the rack management system and managed devices. Rack management module is used to construct, configure, monitor, and manage the managed devices. Device discovery module discovers all managed devices according to the information entered by the administrator through the user interface module. File loader is used to load rack management information to the database, device discovery module and rack management module. | 03-19-2015 |
20150081829 | OUT-OF-BAND REPLICATING BIOS SETTING DATA ACROSS COMPUTERS - Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system for replicating BIOS setting data (BIOSSD) across computers. The system includes a plurality of computers, and each computer is connected to a service processor (SP). Each computer includes a BIOS chip, which stores a first BIOSSD collection. The SP stores a second BIOSSD collection. When the first BIOSSD collection is newer, the SP receives a copy of the first BIOSSD collection from the computer to replace the second BIOSSD collection. When the second BIOSSD collection is newer, the SP transmits a copy of the second BIOSSD collection to the computer to replace the first BIOSSD collection in the BIOS chip. A remote management may request and obtain from the SP the updated second BIOSSD collection such that the remote management computer may send the copy the updated second BIOSSD collection to other SP's for update. | 03-19-2015 |
20150052596 | NETWORK BASED FIRMWARE FEATURE CONFIGURATION AND FIRMWARE IMAGE GENERATION - A computer-implemented method for modeling a configuration of components connected directly or indirectly to a baseboard of a computer system includes: (a) defining a group of device description files at a network based firmware generator, each device description file describing a component in a set of components which is selectively included in the configuration, and each device description file specifies the identification information associated with the component to which the device description file is associated, (b) providing, at a remote computing device in communication with the firmware generator via a network, a graphical user interface configured to allow a user to visually generate a configuration instruction of baseboard firmware and send the configuration instruction to the firmware generator, and (c) constructing a firmware image at the firmware generator in accordance with the configuration instruction. | 02-19-2015 |
20150052371 | MULTI-VENDOR POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT SUPPORT IN RACK MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE - A PDU management system for automatically configure, manage and monitor managed power distribution units (PDUs) includes: (a) a user interface module configured to allow an operator to enter management information of the managed PDUs, (b) a database configured to store management information of the managed PDUs, (c) a power management communication interface configured to facilitate the communication between the PDU management system and the managed PDUs through a communication link, (d) a PDU power management module configured to construct, manage, and monitor the managed PDUs, (e) a PDU discovery module configured to discover all managed PDUs according to the information entered by the operator through the user interface module, (f) a PDU loader to load the management information of the managed PDUs to the database, the PDU discovery module and the PDU power management module. | 02-19-2015 |
20150050922 | MOBILE DEVICE SECURITY SYSTEM - A location based mobile device security enforcement system includes: (a) a mobile device management (MDM) server, (b) a security control module, (c) an entry point security system, and (d) a mobile device security application, when installed and executed on a mobile device, configured to register the mobile device and its user to create a mobile device user profile for the mobile device user, when the mobile device and its user enter a secure area, authenticate the mobile device user, maintain constant contact with security control module, and make security adjustments to the mobile device if contact between mobile device and security control module is lost, mobile device security application becomes non-operational, current time is beyond the mobile device user authorized access time period, and current mobile device location is outside of mobile device user authorized access area or crosses borders between one area security level to another area security level. | 02-19-2015 |
20150050004 | SYSTEM EVENT ASSISTED LIVE KEYBOARD, VIDEO AND MOUSE (KVM) CAPTURE - The disclosure relates to system event assisted live video capture. A baseboard management controller (BMC) allocates, in its available memory space of the memory, a first video block and a first node having a video block pointer and a next node pointer, and assigns the video block pointer of the first node to indicate the first video block. The BMC captures video frames of the host computer, and stores frame data and a timestamp generated from each frame in the first video block. When the first video block is full, the BMC allocates a second video block and a second node, and assigns the next node pointer of the first block to indicate the second node, and the video block pointer of the second node to indicate the second video block. The BMC then stores the frame data and the timestamp in the second video block. | 02-19-2015 |
20140366025 | Methods, Devices and Computer Readable Storage Devices for Emulating Rotation Events in a Guest Operating System from a Host Operating System - A guest operating system is provided with access to sensor data indicative of a rotation event from sensors associated with a computing device including a processor executing a host operating system. The guest operating system is launched as a virtual operating system and is executed as a guest of the host operating system. Responsive to changed sensor data indicative of the rotation event detected by at least one sensor associated with the computing device, the changed sensor data is sent to a first application associated with the host operating system via at least one driver executing within a kernel of the host operating system. The changed sensor data is sent from the first application to an application framework associated with the guest operating system. The application framework calculates rotation of the computing device based on the changed sensor data. The calculated rotation is sent to a second application associated with the guest operating system. | 12-11-2014 |
20140366024 | Methods, Devices and Computer Readable Storage Devices for Emulating a Light Sensor in a Guest Operating System from a Host Operating System - A guest operating system, launched by executing an application associated with a host operating system, is provided with access to a light sensor associated with a computing device including a processor executing the host operating system. A first application associated with the guest operating system generates a request for light sensor data. The request is received at a hardware abstraction layer associated with the guest operating system, and the request is sent from the hardware abstraction layer to a second application associated with the host operating system. The request is sent from the second application to a driver executing within a kernel of the host operating system. The driver retrieves the requested light sensor data from the light sensor. The retrieved light sensor data is provided to the first application via the second application and the hardware abstraction layer. | 12-11-2014 |
20140366023 | Methods, Devices and Computer Readable Storage Devices for Emulating a Gyroscope in a Guest Operating System from a Host Operating System - A guest operating system, launched by executing an application associated with a host operating system, is provided with access to a gyroscope associated with a computing device including a processor executing the host operating system. A first application associated with the guest operating system generates a request for gyroscope data. The request is received at a hardware abstraction layer associated with the guest operating system, and the request is sent from the hardware abstraction layer to a second application associated with the host operating system. The request is sent from the second application to a driver executing within a kernel of the host operating system. The driver retrieves the requested gyroscope data from the gyroscope. The retrieved gyroscope data is provided to the first application via the second application and the hardware abstraction layer. | 12-11-2014 |
20140366022 | Methods, Devices and Computer Readable Storage Devices for Emulating a Magnetometer in a Guest Operating System from a Host Operating System - A guest operating system, launched by executing an application associated with a host operating system, is provided with access to a magnetometer associated with a computing device including a processor executing the host operating system. A first application associated with the guest operating system generates a request for magnetometer data. The request is received at a hardware abstraction layer associated with the guest operating system, and the request is sent from the hardware abstraction layer to a second application associated with the host operating system. The request is sent from the second application to a driver executing within a kernel of the host operating system. The driver retrieves the requested magnetometer data from the magnetometer. The retrieved magnetometer data is provided to the first application via the second application and the hardware abstraction layer. | 12-11-2014 |
20140366021 | Methods, Devices and Computer Readable Storage Devices for Emulating an Accelerometer in a Guest Operating System from a Host Operating System - A guest operating system, launched by executing an application associated with a host operating system, is provided with access to an accelerometer associated with a computing device including a processor executing the host operating system. A first application associated with the guest operating system generates a request for accelerometer data. The request is received at a hardware abstraction layer associated with the guest operating system, and the request is sent from the hardware abstraction layer to a second application associated with the host operating system. The request is sent from the second application to a driver executing within a kernel of the host operating system. The driver retrieves the requested accelerometer data from the accelerometer. The retrieved accelerometer data is provided to the first application via the second application and the hardware abstraction layer. | 12-11-2014 |
20140337103 | DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION COLLECTION AND CONTENT DISPLAY BASED ON DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - One aspect of the disclosure relates to a digital signage display system. In one embodiment, the digital signage display system includes: a camera configured to capture an image frame; a service processor in communication to the camera; and a digital signage display. The service processor includes a processor and a non-volatile memory storing a firmware. The firmware is configured, when executed at the processor, to process the captured image frame, detect persons in the image frame, generate a demographic-map data structure, and send the demographic-map data structure to a server system. The demographic-map data structure contains demographic information of the persons detected in the image frame. The digital signage display is configured to receive a display content provided by the server system in response to the demographic-map data structure. | 11-13-2014 |
20140337004 | DIGITAL SIGNAGE MANAGEMENT AND CONTENT DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - Aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods of managing and delivering digital media content data. In certain embodiments, a management device in communication to a computing device via a universal serial bus (USB) connector is provided. The management device has a processor, a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes a first partition storing a firmware and a second partition. When executed at the processor, the firmware emulates an emulated bootable storage device for the computing device at the USB connector. In response to an access instruction from the computing device to access data stored at an emulated address of the emulated bootable storage device, the management device converts the emulated address to a physical address of the second partition, and accesses the data at the physical address. The data includes digital media content data and a control module configured to play the content data. | 11-13-2014 |
20140324944 | REMOTE MANAGEMENT OF DLNA SYSTEM - Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an IPMI Compatible Digital Media Controller (DMC). The IPMI Compatible DMC includes: a processor, a network interface controller, and a memory. The memory contains a firmware, and when the it is executed at the processor, the firmware is configured: (a) to be in communication with a number of digital media devices in a local DLNA network, (b) to receive an IPMI message from a remote management device through the network interface controller; and (c) to execute, in response to the IPMI message, an DLNA operation of the DMR or DMS. The digital media devices include at least one digital media renderer (DMR) and at least one digital media server (DMS). | 10-30-2014 |
20140317612 | METHOD OF FAIL SAFE FLASHING MANAGEMENT DEVICE AND APPLICATION OF THE SAME - An aspect relates to fail safe flashing techniques for a management device of a computer system. A non-volatile memory of the management device stores a current firmware, an actual critical information and a backup critical information, which is rewritable in a booting mode and read-only in a flash mode. A flasher module is launched to operate the management device in the flash mode. The actual critical information is copied to a volatile memory and erased in the non-volatile memory. A replacement firmware is used to upgrade the current firmware. The actual critical information is mixed and matched with a new critical information. A user input is requested to write the mixed and matched critical information back to the non-volatile memory as the actual critical information. When the user input is not received after a first predetermined time period, the mixed and matched critical information is automatically written back. | 10-23-2014 |
20140282500 | INSTALLATION OF VIRTUAL SERVICE PROCESSOR TO COMPUTER SYSTEM HAVING EXISTING OPERATING SYSTEM - System and method for installation of a virtual service processor (VSP) are disclosed. The system include a computer that has a processor, a physical drive having a first partition and a master boot record (MBR) with initial settings indicating the first partition as an active bootable partition, and a non-transitory computer storage medium having computer-executable instructions. The instructions cause the processor to (a) load and execute a hypervisor from the computer storage medium, the hypervisor having a privileged domain and an unprivileged domain; (b) initiate a VSP in the privileged domain, the VSP being configured to manage at least one health, operation, or performance related aspect of the computer system; (c) configure the unprivileged domain to allow an operating system to run therein, the operating system (OS) being executable directly on the computer system; and (d) load and execute the OS in the unprivileged domain. | 09-18-2014 |
20140282045 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF REMOTE MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTER SYSTEM USING VOICE AND GESTURE BASED INPUT - Method, application, and medium of remote management of a computer system using voice and gesture based input are disclosed. An application module is executed on a processor of a computing device. The application module (a) displays a first user interface on the computing device, the interface allowing a user to enter a first input which includes at least one of a voice input and a gesture input, (b) receives input data which include at least one of audio input data and multitouch input data from the computing device representing the first input, (c) determines, based on the input data, a first command from a plurality of commands targeted to a baseboard management controller (BMC) managing a computer system, (d) constructs a first message including the determined command, and (e) sends the first message to the BMC over a network. | 09-18-2014 |
20140281894 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF WEB-BASED KEYBOARD, VIDEO AND MOUSE (KVM) REDIRECTION AND APPLICATION OF THE SAME - Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method of performing web-based keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) redirection implemented by a baseboard management controller (BMC). The method includes: (a) receiving, at a BMC, first and second video frames redirected from a host computer, the BMC performing a management function of the host computer, (b) generating a webpage at a web server of the BMC and sending the webpage to a browser program running on a computing device in a network, the webpage being programmed to instruct the browser program to initiate a drawable area and to establish a Web Socket connection with the web server, (c) generating a processed image representing the second video frame, (d) establishing a Web Socket connection between the web server and the browser program, and (e) sending the processed image to the browser program through the Web Socket connection. | 09-18-2014 |
20140281449 | METHOD OF INSTALLING VIRTUAL SERVICE PROCESSOR (VSP) TO COMPUTING DEVICE AND APPLICATION OF THE SAME - Method, system, and storage media for remotely installing a virtual service processor (VSP) to a computing device are disclosed. The computer device initiates a preboot execution environment (PXE) client and receives a VSP installation file from a PXE server. The VSP installation file includes a VSP file, a universal plug and play (UPnP) service file, and a remote procedure call (RPC) service file. The UPnP service is discoverable by a management station in a network through UPnP. The computer device initiates a RPC service based on the RPC service file, sends hardware information of the computing device to the management station through the RPC service, receives configuration parameters for the VSP through the RPC service. The RPC service installs the VSP based on the VSP installation file and the configuration parameters. | 09-18-2014 |
20140280947 | SCALABLE BMC MANAGEMENT STACKS USING VIRTUAL NETWORKS ON SINGLE PHYSICAL NETWORK DEVICE - Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a baseboard management controller (BMC) managing a computer system including N computer nodes. The BMC has: (a) a processor, (b) a physical network interface controller, (c) a first communication interface controller, (d) a memory having firmware stored. The firmware can: (a) initiate N virtual BMC stacks each managing at least one health or performance related aspect of a respective one of the N computer nodes, and (b) initiate N virtual network interface controllers each communicating with the physical network interface controller. Each of the virtual BMC stacks has a network interface configured to communicate with a respective virtual network interface controller, and each of the N virtual BMC stacks is configured to communicate with a network connected to the physical network interface controller through a virtual network interface controller. | 09-18-2014 |
20140280837 | DYNAMIC SCALABLE BASEBOARD MANAGEMENT CONTROLLER STACKS ON SINGLE HARDWARE STRUCTURE - Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a baseboard management controller (BMC) managing a computer system including N computer nodes and N is an integer greater than 1. The BMC has: (a) a processor, (b) a first communication interface controller, (c) a memory. The memory stores a firmware, and the firmware is executed by a processor of the BMC. The firmware, when executed by the processor, is configured to (a) dynamically obtain the value of N, and (b) initiate N virtual BMC stacks each managing at least one health or performance related aspect of a respective one of the N computer nodes. The first and second virtual BMC stacks of the N virtual BMC stacks communicate, through the first communication interface controller, with the first and second computer nodes of the N computer nodes, respectively. | 09-18-2014 |
20140280814 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IPMI-BRIDGE-SERVER FOR NON-IPMI DEVICES - Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an IPMI bridge server configured to expand the management functions of an IPMI control system to a plurality of non-IPMI protocol specific managed devices. The IPMI bridge server includes: a processor, a network interface controller assigned with a network address; and a memory containing a firmware. When the firmware is executed at the processor, it is configured to be in communication with a group of first protocol specific managed devices through a first protocol control point and a first communication link, and a group of second protocol specific managed devices through a second protocol control point and a second communication link, and to receive management requests each for performing a protocol specific management function at one of the group of first protocol specific managed devices or the group of second protocol specific managed devices. | 09-18-2014 |
20140280756 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF WEB-BASED VIRTUAL MEDIA REDIRECTION - Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method of performing a virtual media redirection. The method includes: (a) establishing a Web Socket connection between a web server of a baseboard management controller (BMC) and a browser program of a computing device in a network, the BMC performing a management function of a host computer; (b) emulating, at the BMC, virtual media to the host computer; (c) receiving, at the BMC, a read command from the host computer and directed to the emulated virtual media, the read command specifying a first file; (d) in response to the read command, sending, at the BMC, a request for the first file according to the read command to the browser program through the Web Socket connection; and (e) receiving, at the web server, the first file from the browser program through the Web Socket connection. | 09-18-2014 |
20140280469 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTE MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTER SYSTEM USING HANDHELD DEVICE - Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a mobile IPMI remote management application program. The application program is executed on a processor of a handheld device and configured to: (a) display a first user interface on the handheld device, (b) receive a user input through the first user interface, (c) determine an IPMI request message and a target baseboard management controller (BMC) based on the user input, and (d) construct the request message and transmit the request message to the target BMC through a network. The application program includes (a) a management module, (b) a user interface module, (c) a message module, (d) a network module, and (f) a data module. The application program is also configured to: (a) encapsulate the request message in network packet, (b) determine a network address of the target BMC, and (c) transmit the network packet to the network. | 09-18-2014 |
20140232870 | VEHICLE VIDEO DISPLAY SYSTEM - A vehicle display system and methods of controlling the same. In certain embodiments, an image processing module receives video signals from a video camera and generates first video data in a first format. A system management mode (SMM) program is stored in a memory. When executed at a processor, the SMM program reads the first video data from a first area of the memory, converts the first video data to second video data in a second format, and writes the second video data to a second area of the memory. A PCI express switch forwards the first video data in the first format to a memory controller for storing in the first area of the memory, and forwards the second video data in the second format from the second area of the memory to the graphic controller. | 08-21-2014 |
20140215489 | INTERFACE SPECIFIC AND PARALLEL IPMI MESSAGE HANDLING AT BASEBOARD MANAGEMENT CONTROLLER - Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a baseboard management controller (BMC). The BMC includes a processor and a memory storing firmware. The firmware, when executed by the processor, is configured to include a plurality of communication interfaces and a plurality of message handlers. The plurality of message handlers each are configured to process an IPMI request message that is received from, and that is to be associated with, a respective different communication interface of the plurality of communication interfaces; to perform a management function to a host computer of the BMC in accordance with the processed IPMI request message; and to be on a respective different thread. | 07-31-2014 |
20140195711 | PCI EXPRESS CHANNEL IMPLEMENTATION IN INTELLIGENT PLATFORM MANAGEMENT INTERFACE STACK - Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a baseboard management controller (BMC) that includes a PCI express (PCIe) interface controller configured to provide access to a PCIe channel over a PCIe link, and firmware. The firmware includes a PCIe module being configured to access the PCIe channel through the PCIe interface controller and registered as a PCIe function. A software stack of the BMC communicates, through the PCIe module, with a PCIe device over the PCIe channel. | 07-10-2014 |
20140195704 | CHASSIS MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION BY MANAGEMENT INSTANCE ON BASEBOARD MANAGEMENT CONTROLLER MANAGING MULTIPLE COMPUTER NODES - Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a baseboard management controller (BMC). The BMC includes a processor and a memory having firmware. The firmware includes a master management instance and a plurality of assisting management instances. When the firmware is executed at the processor, the master management instance is configured to manage a chassis of a computer system, and each of the assisting management instances is configured to manage at least one health or performance related aspect a respective different computer node of a plurality of computer nodes of the computer system. | 07-10-2014 |
20140195669 | EMULATED COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MASTER MANAGEMENT INSTANCE AND ASSISTING MANAGEMENT INSTANCES ON BASEBOARD MANAGEMENT CONTROLLER - Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a baseboard management controller (BMC). The BMC includes a processor, and a memory having firmware including a message interface, a master management instance, and first and second assisting management instances. The first and second assisting management instances monitor at least one health or performance related aspect of first and second computer nodes, respectively. The master management instance can receive an IPMI message from the message interface, the IPMI message containing first data for constructing an IPMB message, the first data including a first IPMB slave address. The master management instance can identify the first assisting management instance from the assisting management instances based on the first IPMB slave address. The master management instance can transfer the first data to the first assisting management instance. | 07-10-2014 |
20140195657 | IMPLEMENTATION ON BASEBOARD MANAGEMENT CONTROLLER OF SINGLE OUT-OF-BAND COMMUNICATION ACCESS TO MULTIPLE MANAGED COMPUTER NODES - Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a baseboard management controller (BMC). The BMC includes: a processor; a network interface controller assigned with a network address; and a memory having firmware. The firmware is configured to be, when executed at the processor, in communication with a plurality of computer nodes, and to receive, through the same network interface controller, management requests each for performing a management operation at one of the plurality of computer nodes and addressed to the same network address, the management requests being directed to at least two of the plurality of computer nodes. | 07-10-2014 |
20140047224 | METHOD OF FLASHING BIOS USING SERVICE PROCESSOR AND COMPUTER SYSTEM USING THE SAME - A method of flashing a BIOS memory of a computer system is described herein. The method includes executing a kernel of baseboard management controller (BMC) to create a partition for the BMC memory and a second partition for the BIOS memory; detecting whether the host processor is accessing the BIOS memory; controlling a multiplexer (MUX) to allow the first processor to access the BIOS memory when the host processor is not accessing the BIOS memory; and retrieving first BIOS software from the BMC memory and writing the first BIOS software to the BIOS memory. | 02-13-2014 |
20140040440 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MAC ADDRESS ASSIGNMENT USING DYNAMIC MAC ADDRESS PROTOCOL - A hypervisor and a DMAP server in a network are described herein. The hypervisor is configured to generate a universally unique identifier (UUID), associate the UUID with a virtual NIC, construct a discover message including the UUID and the hypervisor's network address, broadcast the discover message in the network. The DMAP server is configured to generate a MAC address that is unique in the network, receive the discover message, and associate the generated MAC address with the UUID in response to the discover message, construct an offer message having the MAC address, the UUID, and the network address of the DMAP server, and transmit the offer message to the hypervisor. | 02-06-2014 |
20130289926 | Virtual Service Processor Stack - Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a computer system, including: a hypervisor configured to run on a CPU and to provide a first domain; and a virtual baseboard management controller (BMC) stack configured to run in the first domain or as part of the hypervisor. Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions executable by at least one processor, the instructions including loading a virtual baseboard management controller (BMC) stack in a first domain of, or as a part of, a hypervisor running on the processor. | 10-31-2013 |
20130252590 | COMMUNICATION DEVICE TO BE USED AS A DIGITAL SIGN AND A METHOD OF CONFIGURING THE COMMUNICATION DEVICE TO BE USED AS A DIGITAL SIGN - Technologies are described herein for configuring a communication device to be used as a digital sign. Connection to a remote portal may occur through a transceiver of the communication device. Digital content is received from the remote portal and stored in a memory of the communication device. A digital sign mode of the communication device is activated in response to receiving a first instruction from the remote portal. In the digital sign mode, a ringing function of the communication device may be disabled. A digital content present mode of the communication device is activated in response to receiving a second instruction from the remote portal. In the digital content present mode, the digital content may be presented via at least one of a screen and a speaker of the communication device. | 09-26-2013 |
20130251025 | MEMORY BANDWIDTH REDUCTION DURING VIDEO CAPTURE - Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a video processing module, including: a video capture module configured to capture a screen display; a compression module configured to compress the screen display to construct compressed data representing the screen display; and a memory module configured to store the compressed data. Certain aspects are directed to a computer-implementable method, including: reading compressed video data having a plurality of data units and representing a screen display out of a data storage, the data units including a line tag, an encoding tag, and a pixel value data unit; detecting a line tag from the compressed video data and extracting a line number from the line tag; receiving an expected line number from a counter; comparing the line number with the expected line number and determining a comparison result; and determining whether a fault exists based on the result. | 09-26-2013 |
20130185402 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DEVELOPING SERVICE PROCESSOR SOLUTIONS - A computer-implementable method. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of initializing operation of a physical service processor to communicatively couple to a remote file system over a communications link. The remote file system has a computer-executable development module for modifying at least one network configuration setting for the physical service processor. The method also includes the step of causing the development module to modify at least one network configuration setting on a virtual service processor that is operative to emulate operation of the physical service processor, and the step of initializing operation of the virtual service processor with the at least one modified network configuration setting. The method further includes the step of verifying that the virtual service processor, when initialized with the at least one modified network configuration setting, operates without error. | 07-18-2013 |
20130139234 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTE MANAGEMENT OF A PLURALITY OF TARGET COMPUTERS FROM A COMMON GRAPHICAL INTERFACE - A computer system. In one embodiment, the computer system includes a remote management computer with a user input means and a display means, a plurality of target computers communicatively connected to the remote management computer over a communications link, and a computer-executable remote management application. The remote management application is configured to cause the remote management computer to perform functions that include receiving user authentication data for a user to remotely access particular target computers over the communications link, sending a request for remote management data to each of the particular target computers, receiving remote management data from each of the particular target computers in response to the request, and causing the display means to simultaneously display the graphical user console for each one of the particular target computers in a common graphical interface. | 05-30-2013 |
20130139233 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING USER ACCESS TO A SERVICE PROCESSOR - According to one aspect, a system for managing user access to a service processor is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a computer-executable management access module for performing functions to authenticate a user. A management computer that is communicatively coupled to the service processor is operative to perform management functions for at least one target computer. User authentication functions include receiving a first set of login data from a user of the management computer and verifying whether the received login data corresponds to an approved user. If the first set of login data corresponds to an approved user, a code is generated and then displayed on the management computer. When recognized by the personal computing device, data from the code is used for providing a second set of login information to the user, for permitting the user to access the service processor via the management computer. | 05-30-2013 |
20130136263 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REGISTERING A PERSONAL COMPUTING DEVICE TO A SERVICE PROCESSOR - In one aspect, a system for registering a personal computing device to a service processor is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a computer-executable first registration module that is executable to perform functions that include providing a device identifier associated with a personal computing device to a service processor over a communications link. The system also includes a computer-executable second registration module that is executable to perform functions that include receiving the device identifier over the communications link and retrieving stored user access data associated with a particular authorized user of the personal computing device who has remote access to the service processor via a management computer. The second registration module is further executable to generate a cryptographic key based on the device identifier and configuration data associated with firmware of the service processor, and to provide the cryptographic key to the personal computing device over the communications link. | 05-30-2013 |
20130080697 | DRIVE MAPPING USING A PLURALITY OF CONNECTED ENCLOSURE MANAGEMENT CONTROLLERS - According to one aspect, a computing system having a plurality of enclosure management controllers (EMCs) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the EMCs are communicatively coupled to each other and each EMC is operatively connected to a corresponding plurality of drive slots and at least one of a plurality of drive slot status indicators. Each EMC is operative to receive enclosure management data, detect an operational status of the drive slots, and generate drive slot status data. One of the EMCs is configured to function at least partly as a master EMC to receive drive slot status data and, based on received enclosure management data and received drive slot status data, generate mapped data for each one of the EMCs for selectively activating at least one of the drive slot status indicators to indicate corresponding operational status. | 03-28-2013 |
20130077609 | AUDIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AND METHODS USING PERSONAL WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES - According to one aspect, a communications system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the communications system includes a managed communications module that is executable on a personal communications device. The managed communications module is operative to, when executed by a processor, receive input data associated with sound from a user of the personal communications device and to cause the personal communications device to send audio output data including the input data over a local wireless network link. A management module that is executable on a management computer is operative to, when executed by a processor, receive the audio output data and to perform at least one audio data processing function to generate processed audio data. The management module is also operative to, when executed, cause the management computer to send the processed audio data to the managed communications module over the local wireless network link. | 03-28-2013 |
20130073882 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTELY MANAGING ELECTRIC POWER USAGE OF TARGET COMPUTERS - In one aspect, a system for remotely managing electric power usage of a plurality of target computers is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of target computers arranged in a group, each using electric power at a rate associated with a corresponding duty cycle and power rating. A remote management computer is communicatively connected to the group of target computers and operative to receive user input data including a total group power usage limit and a priority assignment, minimum duty cycle setting, and/or power zone setting for at least one of the target computers. A power controller is operative to remotely control the power usage of the target computers according to the corresponding user input data, to cause the total group power usage to be at or below the group power usage limit. | 03-21-2013 |
20130054943 | FIRMWARE WITH A PLURALITY OF EMULATED INSTANCES OF PLATFORM-SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT FIRMWARE - In one aspect, a firmware on a management controller operatively connected to a plurality of managed computing platforms is disclosed. In one embodiment, the firmware includes a plurality of emulated instances of platform management firmware. Each emulated firmware instance contains platform-specific configuration data for a corresponding one of the managed computing platforms. The management controller is operative to perform one or more platform management functions for each of the managed computing platforms based at least in part on the configuration data for a corresponding one of the emulated firmware instances. | 02-28-2013 |
20120274267 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO HARNESS KEYBOARD STROKES AND MOUSE MOVEMENT TO CHARGE AN ELECTRICAL STORAGE DEVICE - In one aspect, the a system for charging an electrical storage device of a computer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes at least one user input device that is operatively connected to the computer and configured to communicate input data to the computer in response to an action of a user. The input device has one or more transducers that are configured to receive a mechanical force resulting from user input to the input device and to convert the received mechanical force into electrical energy. The input device also has a connector that is configured to operatively connect the user input device to the electrical storage device of the computer and to deliver the electrical energy from the user input device to the electrical storage device. | 11-01-2012 |
20120246385 | EMULATING SPI OR 12C PROM/EPROM/EEPROM USING FLASH MEMORY OF MICROCONTROLLER - In one aspect, a microcontroller is disclosed. In one embodiment, the microcontroller includes a system memory that has an erasable memory of a first type, with a first storage partition and a second, different storage partition. The system memory also has a random access memory (RAM). The microcontroller further includes a network interface that is configured to communicate management commands over a communications link, and a programmable processor that is operatively connected to the system memory and the network interface. The communications link includes an interface bus and is configured for one or more of I2C, SPI, and system management bus communications. The programmable processor is programmed to perform functions that include receiving a first management command configured for the erasable memory of the first type, causing the second storage partition of the erasable memory of the first type to emulate a second type of erasable memory, and receiving a second management command configured for the second type of erasable memory. | 09-27-2012 |
20120239845 | BACKPLANE CONTROLLER FOR MANAGING SERIAL INTERFACE CONFIGURATION BASED ON DETECTED ACTIVITY - According to one aspect, a backplane controller of a storage backplane is disclosed, the storage backplane having a plurality of drive slots configured to operatively connect to a corresponding plurality of mass storage devices. In one embodiment, the backplane controller is operative to perform functions that include detecting activity status on a first serial interface that is configured to operatively connect one or more sets of a plurality of drive slots on the storage backplane to a host bus adapter (HBA), according to a first drive slot assignment. The backplane controller is further operative to detect an activity status on a second serial interface that is configured to operatively connect one or more sets of a plurality of drive slots on the storage backplane to the HBA, according to a second drive slot assignment. The backplane controller is also operative to, if a change in the activity status is detected for at least one of the first serial interface and the second serial interface, modify the first drive slot assignment and the second drive slot assignment. | 09-20-2012 |
20120239844 | DATA STORAGE SYSTEM FOR MANAGING SERIAL INTERFACE CONFIGURATION BASED ON DETECTED ACTIVITY - According to one aspect, a data storage system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the data storage system includes a storage backplane having a plurality of drive slots configured to operatively connect to a corresponding plurality of mass storage devices, a first serial interface operative to communicatively connect one or more sets of the plurality of drive slots to a host bus adapter (HBA), according to a first drive slot assignment, a second serial interface operative to communicatively connect one or more sets of the plurality of drive slots to the HBA, according to a second drive slot assignment, and a backplane controller operatively connected to the first serial interface and the second serial interface, operative to detect the activity status on the first serial interface and the activity status on the second serial interface and, if a change in the activity status is detected for at least one of the first serial interface and the second serial interface, modify the first drive slot assignment and the second drive slot assignment. | 09-20-2012 |
20120215925 | Managing IPMI Sessions - Technologies are described herein for managing Intelligent Platform Management Interface (“IPMI”) sessions between an application module and a target IPMI device. A session abstraction layer module receives an IPMI request from the application module over a first communication link. The session abstraction layer module establishes an IPMI session with the target IPMI device over a second communication link and forwards the IPMI request to the target IPMI device via the established IPMI session. The session abstraction layer module then receives a response to the IPMI request from the target IPMI device via the established IPMI session, and forwards the response to the application module over the first communication link. | 08-23-2012 |
20120215917 | Detecting the Health of an Operating System in Virtualized and Non-Virtualized Environments - A remote management controller is provided for use in conjunction with a managed host computer. The remote management controller exposes a virtual network interface controller, such as a driverless virtual USB network interface controller, to the managed host computer. Through the in-band connection provided by the virtual network interface controller, the remote management controller can send a command to the host operating system or one or more guest operating systems executing in a virtualized environment. If no reply is received to the command, the remote management controller takes corrective action to restore the operation of the host operating system or the non-responsive guest operating systems. | 08-23-2012 |
20120173858 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO CREATE SINGLE FIRMWARE IMAGE FOR MULTIPLE SERVER PLATFORMS - According to one aspect, a computer-implemented method for managing a computer system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the computer system includes a processor that is programmed to cause the computer system to perform specific functions. The functions include: initializing a management controller operating on a management platform; detecting preloaded identification data containing a predetermined manufacturer-specific platform identifier; if no preloaded identification data is detected, determining the platform identifier based on GPIO settings, firmware data, EEPROM data, and/or sensor detection; detecting preloaded hardware data containing operating parameters for hardware components operating on the management platform and operatively coupled to the management controller; if no preloaded hardware data is detected, determining the operating parameters according to the platform identifier; causing the management controller to initialize the hardware components according to the platform identifier and operating parameters; and, flashing initialization data containing the platform identifier and operating parameters to a system memory. | 07-05-2012 |
20120084420 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING COMPUTER NETWORK INTERFACES - According to one aspect, a computer-implemented method for managing at least one network interface of a computer system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of executing of a boot loader to initialize a dedicated network interface and a side-band network interface, determining if a boot loader priority setting designates a preference to use one of a detected dedicated network interface or side-band network interface, determining if preferred network interface is available for use, then passing the priority setting to an operating system to use for network communications during run time. | 04-05-2012 |
20120084408 | APPARATUS FOR REMOTELY CONFIGURING NETWORK INTERFACES IN A REMOTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - According to one aspect, a computer system for remotely configuring network interfaces of a host computer is disclosed, the system including a remote management computer and a managed host computer communicatively connected to the remote management computer over a communications link. The host computer includes a first network interface operable to communicatively connect to two or more server computers on two or more corresponding port numbers, and a second network interface operable to communicatively connect to two or more server computers on two or more corresponding port numbers. The system also includes a microcontroller operatively connected to the first network interface and the second network interface. The microcontroller has a programmable processor that is programmed to cause the host computer to perform functions that include receiving configuration data from the remote management computer over the communications link. | 04-05-2012 |
20120072897 | MICROCONTROLLER FIRMWARE RUNNING FROM RAM AND APPLICATIONS OF THE SAME - In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system memory device for a computer system having a processor and a firmware. In one embodiment, the system memory device has a RAM, and a ROM with stored boot block data and operational code data, the boot block data containing computer-executable instructions for initializing the firmware, determining if the operational code data is valid, and if the operational code data is valid, copying the operational code data from the ROM to the RAM, where the operational code data contains computer-executable instructions for enabling a plurality of different interfaces to receive a firmware update from a firmware update provider, and if the operational code data is not valid, causing a particular one of the plurality of enabled interfaces to wait for an available firmware update and, when a firmware update is available, receiving the firmware update. | 03-22-2012 |
20120017040 | Maintaining Data Consistency in Mirrored Cluster Storage Systems Using Bitmap Write-Intent Logging - Techniques for maintaining mirrored storage cluster data consistency can employ write-intent logging. The techniques can be scaled to any number of mirror nodes. The techniques can keep track of any outstanding I/Os, data in caches, and data that has gone out of sync between mirrored nodes due to link failures. The techniques can ensure that a power failure on any of the storage nodes does not result in inconsistent data among the storage nodes. The techniques may keep track of outstanding I/Os using a minimal memory foot-print and having a negligible impact on the I/O performance. Properly choosing the granularity of the system for tracking outstanding I/Os can result in a minimal amount of data requiring transfer to synchronize the mirror nodes. The capability to vary the granularity based on physical and logical parameters of the storage volumes may provide performance benefits. | 01-19-2012 |
20110283297 | SYSTEM MANAGEMENT INTERRUPT INTERFACE WRAPPER - In a personal computing system function calls, formatted in 16-bit format for a 16-bit interface to the firmware, are communicated through an operating system providing a System Management Interrupt (SMI) interface to the firmware. An SMI function call in SMI format is generated and sent to an SMI Interface Wrapper module between the operating system and the firmware. The SMI function call is received over the SMI interface at the SMI Interface Wrapper. In the SMI Interface Wrapper, function data from the SMI function call is extracted to provide function call data. A 16-bit function call with the function call data is generated by the SMI Interface Wrapper and passed to the firmware. | 11-17-2011 |
20110283214 | CONFIGURING A MANAGEMENT MODULE THROUGH A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR USE IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM - A customization program for use in customizing a baseboard management controller used for monitoring operation of various computer system components is disclosed. A user interacts with the customization program to customize the baseboard management controller based on a configuration of components specified for the baseboard of the computer system. The customization program provides a user interface having a repository of icons and a design page. The icons represent various components that may be connected, either directly or indirectly, to the baseboard. The design page is used for constructing a model representing the specified configuration of components. As a user drags icons onto the design page, the model is updated to reflect selection of the components corresponding to these icons. Further, the customization program creates a configuration file that identifies and describes each of the selected components. The configuration file is loaded into the baseboard management controller to effectuate the aforementioned customization. | 11-17-2011 |
20110283120 | AC-POWERED IN-WALL COMPUTING DEVICE WITH POWER-LINE NETWORKING CAPABILITIES - Apparatus and systems provide processing capabilities and power-line networking capabilities. An in-wall computing device has a power connector for receiving an Alternating Current (AC) signal from a power source and a housing that is sized for installation into an electrical wall box. The device may have internal data injection circuitry for injecting data into the AC signal or may have internal data receiving circuitry for extracting data from the AC signal. A system includes at least two in-wall computing devices, each having a power connector for receiving an AC signal from a power source. A first device has a user input interface and internal data injection circuitry for transmitting user input data to a second device over the AC signal. The second device has internal data receiving circuitry for extracting the user input data and controlling peripherals attached to peripheral ports of the device according to the data. | 11-17-2011 |
20110283006 | COMMUNICATING WITH AN IN-BAND MANAGEMENT APPLICATION THROUGH AN OUT-OF-BAND COMMUNICATIONS CHANNEL - A remote management controller is provided for use in conjunction with a managed host computer. The remote management controller exposes a virtual network interface controller, such as a driverless virtual USB network interface controller, to the managed host computer. Through the in-band connection provided by the virtual network interface controller, the remote management controller can communicate with in-band management applications executing on the managed host computer. The managed host computer can also access services executing on the remote management controller through the in-band communications interface. The remote management controller can also enable communication between the management client computer and in-band management applications executing on the managed host computer. The managed host computer can also access an out-of-band communications network between the remote management device and a management client computer. | 11-17-2011 |
20110273108 | DATA CABLE POWERED LIGHT FIXTURE - A light fixture can be affixed within a wall and powered using the same cable along which data signals are transmitted. The LED lights in the light fixture are sufficiently bright to be used for illumination and are powered by a voltage derived from power delivered via the data cable. The light fixture may be used in conjunction with a building automation system. The light provided by the LED lights may be modified based on control signals received via the data cable. Modifications may include changes to the perceived brightness and/or color of the light. | 11-10-2011 |
20110271125 | ETHERNET POWERED COMPUTING DEVICE AND SYSTEM - Apparatus and systems provide processing capabilities while utilizing power received via an Ethernet. A computing device has an Ethernet connector for receiving power and data, internal power supply circuitry for extracting power from the Ethernet connector, and a Central Processing Unit (CPU) for receiving the power. A housing may encompass the components of the computing device and be configured for installation in an electrical wall box. The housing may include a display or connectors for peripherals. A system includes at least two computing devices. Each device has an Ethernet connector for receiving power and communicating with other devices and are installed within a housing within an electrical wall box. One device has a display for receiving user input instructions for transmittal to another device, while another device has a peripheral connector for controlling a peripheral according to the instructions. | 11-03-2011 |
20110188196 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVABLY MOUNTING HARD DISK DRIVES - A system and apparatus are described for removably mounting one or more hard disk drives within a computer system. According to one embodiment, the system includes a disk drive carrier cage configured to receive a disk drive backplane and up to eight pair of disk drive carrier rails. The disk drive carrier cage is sized for insertion into a drive bay having the dimensions of two optical mass storage devices compatible with a 5.25 inch form factor. The system also includes a disk drive backplane for receiving up to eight hard disk drives, disk drive carriers for holding the hard disk drives, and disk drive carrier rails mountable within the disk drive carrier cage for slidably receiving the disk drive carriers. The disk drive carriers and disk drive carrier rails are translucent thereby permitting light emanating from the backplane to be viewed at the front of the cage. | 08-04-2011 |
20110125941 | METHOD AND INTEGRATED CIRCUIT FOR PROVIDING ENCLOSURE MANAGEMENT SERVICES UTILIZING MULTIPLE INTERFACES AND PROTOCOLS - A method and integrated circuit for providing enclosure management services compatible with a multitude of physical interfaces and protocols for exchanging enclosure management data between an HBA and an enclosure management backplane is provided. According to one method, two or more interfaces utilized for exchanging enclosure management data may be monitored to determine whether one of the interfaces is actively being utilized by an HBA to transmit enclosure management data. If one of the interfaces is identified as being active, a determination is then made as to which of a plurality of protocols for transferring enclosure management data is being utilized on the active interface. In particular, a determination may be made as to whether a protocol defined by one HBA manufacturer is being utilized or whether another protocol defined by another HBA manufacturer is being utilized. Alternatively, a determination may be made as to whether one of a multitude of different protocols defined by the same manufacturer is being utilized. Once the interface and protocol have been identified, enclosure management data received on the active interface is decoded utilizing the identified protocol. | 05-26-2011 |
20110109806 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY TERMINATING A VIDEO SIGNAL BASED ON THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF A TERMINATING DEVICE - A system and apparatus are provided for selectively terminating an analog video signal depending on whether or not a terminating device is present. A conditional terminator receives an analog video signal from a video input and terminates the video signal in the absence of a terminating device and does not terminate the video signal when a terminating device is connected to the analog video signal. A conditional terminator may comprise a resistor and transistor connecting the video signal to ground when a ground signal from a terminating device is not present and disconnecting the signal from ground as a result of the presence of a ground signal from a connected terminating device. The conditional termination may occur in a video input device or alternatively in a video cable connector. | 05-12-2011 |
20110066773 | REDIRECTING INPUT AND OUTPUT FOR MULTIPLE COMPUTERS - Apparatus, methods, and systems provide for remote management of a set of local computers by transferring screen frames produced by the local computer for viewing at a remote computer. A redirection module captures and transmits video signals from a local computer through over a network, such as the Internet, to a remote computer where the remote computer produces a display that contains the screen frames being transferred. The module is configured for use with and installation within a keyboard, video, and mouse switch configured for receiving the module. The redirection module is further configured for use with and installation on a server-blade to allow remote management of the server-blade. | 03-17-2011 |
20110055533 | SYSTEM MANAGEMENT INTERRUPT INTERFACE WRAPPER - In a personal computing system function calls, formatted in 16-bit format for a 16-bit interface to the firmware, are communicated through an operating system providing a System Management Interrupt (SMI) interface to the firmware. An SMI function call in SMI format is generated and sent to an SMI Interface Wrapper module between the operating system and the firmware. The SMI function call is received over the SMI interface at the SMI Interface Wrapper. In the SMI Interface Wrapper, function data from the SMI function call is extracted to provide function call data. A 16-bit function call with the function call data is generated by the SMI Interface Wrapper and passed to the firmware. | 03-03-2011 |
20110040904 | REMOTELY CONTROLLABLE SWITCH AND TESTING METHODS USING SAME - Apparatus, methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for remotely controlling the connection between a host computer and a multitude of connected devices. One apparatus described herein includes a multiplexer that has a host port for connection to a host computer, device ports for connection to the devices, and control lines. The multiplexer is operative to connect a device port to the host port based upon the status of the control lines. The apparatus further includes a controller connected to the multiplexer. The controller has an input interface and is operative to receive control data on the input interface that identifies a device port on the apparatus that should be connected to the host port. In response to receiving such control data, the controller is operative to place signals on the control lines that cause the multiplexer to connect the identified device port to the host port. The device port that is connected to the host port can be remotely selected by transmitting the appropriate data to the input interface of the controller. | 02-17-2011 |
20110026217 | COMPUTER SYSTEM EXPANSION DEVICE ADAPTABLE FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL USE - Systems and apparatus for providing supplemental functionality to a computer system with an expansion card adaptable for both internal and external coupling to the computer system. An expansion card has a bracket for internally coupling to a host computer and a housing for external coupling to a host computer. The expansion card may receive power from the host computer via an edge connector when internally coupled and through a power adapter via a power port when externally coupled. The expansion card may further receive data from the host computer via the edge connector when internally coupled and through an external bus when externally coupled. When externally coupled, the expansion card is mounted within a housing that may be mounted to an outside surface of a computer rack to preserve space within the rack. | 02-03-2011 |
20110015918 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH A COMPUTER MANAGEMENT DEVICE - Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for enabling communication with a computer management device. According to a method one or more vendor specific commands for communicating with a management device are defined according to a first communication standard. The one or more vendor specific commands are then transmitted to the management device over a communication link conforming to a second communication standard. A device conforming to the second communication standard may be emulated on the communication link. If vendor specific commands are received by the management device that are not intended for the emulated device, the commands may be used for communicating with the management device. | 01-20-2011 |