Fixed-function consumer-electronics device providing general-computing functions with virtual machines
US8769528B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 16, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/455
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A universal appliance combines the benefits of a fixed-function CE device with the generality of a PC. The universal appliance includes a host environment for supporting fixed functions and virtual machines that can provide general computing capabilities (e.g., a Windows® OS). The user can select fixed functions and virtual machines for operation on the universal appliance. In some implementations, software environments, including the fixed functions and virtual machines, can be delivered by a universal appliance service provider over a network or other communication medium. The software environments for fixed functions and virtual machines can also be delivered by a removable or portable medium (e.g., a USB flash drive, compact disk, media player, mobile phone). Twenty-four hour server functions can be provided with the universal appliance to allow for automatic data backup, remote access to personal data and an Internet telephone that can accept calls 24 hours a day.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.