BACKGROUND

[0001] Many types of peripheral devices are shipped with documentation, drivers and other resources to facilitate end users. Manufacturers typically include such electronic resources on separate portable storage mediums, such as on a CD-ROM, which is included in the packaging of the peripheral device. Some manufacturers also provide the electronic resources on a website, or through a separate communication channel (e.g., email).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] FIG. 1 illustrates an example peripheral output device.

[0003] FIG. 2 illustrates an example method for operating a peripheral output device.

[0004] FIG. 3 illustrates an example monitor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0005] Examples are described for a peripheral output device that can enable a connected computer system to recognize the peripheral device as alternative types of devices, including as a type of storage device and a type of output device that can output content (e.g., video, audio) generated from the connected computer system.

[0006] According to some examples, a peripheral output device includes an output component, a communication interface to connect to a computer system, an internal memory and a controller. The internal memory may store a set of electronic resources, including a programmatic component that enables the computer system to use the internal memory as a type of storage device.

[0007] In some examples, the controller may detect when a computer system is connected to the communication interface, and then cause the programmatic component to be communicated to the computer system. The programmatic component may cause the computer system to recognize the peripheral device as a type of storage device. After being recognized as a type of storage device, the peripheral output device may cause the connected computer system to recognize the peripheral output device as a type of output device.

[0008] Some examples described herein can generally require the use of computing devices, including processing and memory resources. For example, one or more examples described herein may be implemented, in whole or in part, on computing devices such as servers, desktop computers, cellular or smartphones, and tablet devices. Memory, processing, and network resources may all be used in connection with the establishment, use, or performance of any example described herein (including with the performance of any method or with the implementation of any system).

[0009] Furthermore, one or more examples described herein may be implemented through the use of instructions that are executable by one or more processors. These instructions may be carried on a computer-readable medium. Machines shown or described with figures below provide examples of processing resources and computer-readable mediums on which

instructions for implementing examples described herein can be carried and/or executed. In particular, the numerous machines shown with examples described herein include processor(s) and various forms of memory for holding data and instructions. Examples of computer-readable mediums include permanent memory storage devices, such as hard drives on personal computers or servers. Other examples of computer storage mediums include portable storage units, such as CD or DVD units, flash memory (such as carried on smartphones, multifunctional devices or tablets), and magnetic memory. Computers, terminals, network enabled devices (e.g., mobile devices, such as cell phones) are all examples of machines and devices that utilize processors, memory, and instructions stored on computer-readable mediums. Additionally, examples may be implemented in the form of computer-programs, or a computer usable carrier medium capable of carrying such a program.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an example peripheral output device that is operable to be recognized and used as a peripheral storage device. A peripheral output device 100, as shown with an example of FIG. 1, may correspond to a class of devices which are designed to peripherally connect to a computer system (e.g., desktop computer, laptop, tablet, etc.) in order to provide a type of output functionality, such as video and/or audio output. While some examples are described which provide for the peripheral output device 100 to correspond to a monitor (see FIG. 3), other examples may be implemented to include other types of peripheral output devices (e.g., audio output device, projector).

[0011] In the example of FIG. 1, the peripheral output device 100 can include an output component 110, a communication interface 120 (e.g., communication bus) to enable the formation of a peripheral connection with to a computer system 150, an internal memory 130, and a controller 140. The output component 110 can be implemented at least in part by a combination of hardware elements and circuitry, which the computer system 150 can use to output content (including video and audio). Specific examples include a display panel or assembly for a monitor and/or an audio output component for a peripheral device that can output audio generated from a connected computer.

[0012] In some examples, the peripheral output component 100 includes a set of human interface components 112. For example, the human interface components 112 may include buttons, switches, or other actuatable components, designed to receive human interaction (e.g., button press). In some examples, the set of human interface components 112 includes a touch-sensitive interface that can be implemented with a display panel (e.g., with the output component 110).

[0013] The communication interface 120 may include hardware elements, circuitry and/or logic to enable a computer system to form a peripheral connection with the peripheral output device 100, where the peripheral connection uses a predetermined and established configuration and communication protocol. The communication interface 120 can include signal lines, housing structure, circuitry and logic which are in accordance with a promulgated industry standard. By way of example, the communication interface 120 may provide a communication bus and connector implemented under a Universal Serial Bus ("USB") standard, a Video Graphics Array ("VGA") standard, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface ("HDMI") standard, a Digital Video Interface ("DVI") standard, or proprietary communication interface (e.g., Lightening connector). The communication interface 120 may enable bi-directional communications, including an initial exchange (e.g., "handshake") where one or both devices in the connection provide information that identifies the device by type. In some variations, the communication interface 120 may be implemented using a wireless communication resource and protocol, such as promulgated under a

Bluetooth or 802.11 ("Wi-Fi") standard.

[0014] By using an established configuration and communication protocol, the computer system 150 may have a capability to recognize a connected peripheral device based on, for example, data exchanged during an initial connection process (e.g., handshake). For example, the computer system 150 may form a peripheral connection with a given peripheral device, where the peripheral device and the computer system 150 are each pre-configured to use a pre-established communication interface (and supporting

communication protocol) by which the peripheral device is able to identify itself to the computer system by type (e.g., based on a primary

functionality). By way of examples, computer system 150 may connect to a monitor, and determine from the peripheral connection that the connected device is a display output device. Similarly, the computer system 150 may connect to and detect a storage device (e.g., USB type mass storage device).

[0015] As described in greater detail below, the peripheral output device 100 is configured to use the communication interface 120 to connect to the computer system 150, and to cause the computer system 150 to recognize the peripheral output device 100 as multiple alternative device types. In some examples, the peripheral output device 100 can connect to the computer system 150 to be recognized as a type of storage device and as a type of output device. For example, the peripheral output device 100 can initially connect to the computer system 150 to be recognized as a peripheral storage device, then subsequently as a type of peripheral output device. In some examples, the peripheral output device 100 enables the computer system 150 to recognize, in sequenced fashion, the peripheral output device as alternative device types. For example, the peripheral output device 100 may initiate a process on the computer system 150 where the peripheral output device is recognized as a type of storage device. The peripheral output device 100 may then terminate the process, to enable the computer system 150 to recognize the peripheral output device as a display device or other type of output device. [0016] The internal memory 130 can include, for example, a memory component (e.g., DRAM memory component) that stores a set of electronic resources 136 for use by the computer system 150. Additionally, the internal memory 130 may store instructions and data which are used internally by the logical components (e.g., local micro-processor) of the peripheral output device 100. Thus, for example, the internal memory 130 can include a memory component that stores data sets for both internal use on the peripheral output device, and external use on the connected computer system 150.

[0017] According to some examples, the set of electronic resources 136 can include a set of programmatic components 132, as well as documents (e.g., user manual, warranty) and other resources. The set of programmatic components 132 can include multiple instruction sets. In some examples, a programmatic component 132 can include a device driver or any other software program that is executable on the connected computer system 150, to cause the computer system to recognize and use the peripheral output device 100 as a particular type of device.

[0018] In some examples, the programmatic component 132 can include instructions that are executable on the computer system 150, to cause the computer system 150 to recognize the peripheral device as a peripheral storage device. Further still, the programmatic component 132 can enable the computer system 150 to use the internal memory 130 as a storage device (e.g., mass storage device, such as provided with a USB memory stick).

[0019] The controller 140 can operate to detect when the computer system 150 is connected to the communication interface 120. Upon detecting the connection, the controller 140 can transmit the programmatic component 132 to the computer system 150. In some variations, the programmatic component 132 is executable on the computer system 150 to control how the computer system 150 recognizes and/or uses the peripheral output device 100. In some implementations, the programmatic component 132 may be executable on the computer system 150 to cause the computer system to recognize and use the peripheral output device 100 as a peripheral storage device. In variations, the controller 140 may operate, using instructions stored in the internal memory 130, to emulate a particular type of device to the computer system 150. For example, the controller 140 may communicate with the computer system 150 over the communication interface 120 to alternatively emulate the peripheral output device 100 as either a storage device or an output device.

[0020] Still further, in other implementations, the programmatic component 132 controls the behavior of the computer system 150 in utilizing the peripheral output device 100 as a peripheral storage device. For example, the computer system 150 may recognize the peripheral output device 100 as a storage type device as a result of the emulation of the controller 140, and/or the execution of the programmatic component 132.

[0021] Additionally, through execution of the programmatic component 132, the computer system 150 may suppress or alter its default behavior with respect to how peripheral storage devices can be accessed and used. For example, the programmatic component 132 may include instructions or configurations that preclude the computer system 150 from forming a drive letter when recognizing the peripheral output device as a storage device. By precluding the formation of a drive letter, the programmatic component 132 may also preclude other behaviors which may be initiated as a result of the operating system of the computer system 150.

[0022] In variations, the programmatic component 132 may include instructions or configurations that preclude the computer system 150 from writing to the internal memory 130 of the peripheral storage device 100. By, for example, precluding the assignment of a drive letter, the programmatic component 132 may enable the computer system 150 to recognize the peripheral output device 100 as its default device type (e.g., display device), without requiring a new connection to be formed over the communication interface 120.

[0023] In some variations, the programmatic component 132 can execute on the computer system 150 to cause the computer system to retrieve additional resources from at least one of the internal memory 130 or a remote source in order to cause the computer system 150 to recognize the peripheral device as an output component 110. In one example, an additional resource can include another driver or electronic resource that enables the computer system 150 to recognize the peripheral device as a type of output device, rather than a type of storage device. In another example, the programmatic component 132 may trigger the computer system 150 to communicate with a remote source in order to, for example, download or update a driver for using the peripheral output device 100 as a type of output device.

[0024] As an addition or alternative, the set of electronic resources 136 may include programs which enable the peripheral output device 100 to be used as a stand-alone device, independent of a connected computer system. For example, the set of electronic resources 136 may include a menu program that is responsive to input provided from a user via an human interface feature provided with the output component 110 (e.g., touch- sensitive interface, with gesture recognition interface). Among other benefits, the operability of the peripheral output device 100 in a stand-alone mode enables a user to access electronic resources 136 that can facilitate the user in connecting and setting up the peripheral output device 100. For example, the set of electronic resources may include diagrams, media or other electronic resources that instruct how to connect the peripheral output device 100 to the computer system 150.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an example method for operating a peripheral output device. A method such as described by an example of FIG. 2 can be implemented using, for example, components described with an example of FIG. 1. Accordingly, references made to elements of FIG. 1 are for purposes of illustrating a suitable element or component for performing an element of the method being described.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, the peripheral output device 100 can be operated to detect when a computer system 150 is connected to the communication interface 120 (210). The communication interface 120 can be implemented in accordance with a promulgated industry standard (e.g., USB, VGA, HDMI-type interfaces) or other proprietary standard.

[0027] When the computer system 150 is detected, the peripheral output device communicates a programmatic component to the computer system 150 over the communication interface 120 (220). In some examples, the controller 140 can automatically communicate the programmatic component 132 from the internal memory 130 to the computer system 150 upon detecting a connection with the computer system 150. In some examples, the programmatic component 132 can include an instruction set (e.g., a driver) that enables the computer system 150 to recognize the peripheral output device 100 as a type of storage device.

[0028] As an addition or variation, the programmatic component 132 can include an instruction set that controls the behavior of the connected computer system in recognizing and/or using the internal memory 130 of the peripheral output device 100. In some implementations, the programmatic component 132 may suppress a default behavior of the computer system 150, which would otherwise be triggered through the operating system. For example, the programmatic component 132 may suppress the computer system 150 from assigning a drive letter to the peripheral output device 100. Further, the programmatic component 132 can also include an instruction set for enabling the computer system to use the peripheral device as a storage device.

[0029] After the programming component 132 is communicated to the computer system 150, the peripheral output device 100 may enable the computer system 150 to recognize and use the peripheral device as a type of output device (230). In some examples, the controller 140 can terminate a process that is initiated by the programmatic component 132 on the computer system to recognize the peripheral output device 100 as a type of storage device. Once the process is terminated, the computer system 150 may automatically detect the peripheral output device as a type of output device.

[0030] In variations, the programmatic component 132 may also include a driver to enable the computer system 150 to use the peripheral output device 100 as a type of output device. In variations, the programmatic component 132 can cause the connected computer system 150 to access and use additional programmatic resources from the internal memory 130 of the peripheral output device 100, or from another remote source (e.g., website). The computer system 150 may then use the additional programmatic resources to recognize and use the peripheral output device 100 as a type of output device.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a monitor upon which examples described herein may be implemented. By way of example, a monitor 300 may correspond to a cathode ray tube ("CRT") monitor, a flat panel Light Emitting Diode ("LED") monitor, a thin film transistor liquid crystal display ("TFT-LCD") monitor, or an electronic paper ("e-paper") display devices. In an example of FIG. 3, the monitor 300 includes a display assembly 310, a communication interface 320, an internal memory 330, and a controller 340. The display assembly 310 may house a set of internal components, including a display panel 312 that forms a portion of the monitor's exterior. A set of ports (illustrated by the communication interface 320) are provided on an exterior of the display assembly 310, to enable connection with a computer system.

The communication interface 320 may include circuitry, hardware and housing configurations which are in accordance with a promulgated industry standard. For example, the communication interface 320 may correspond to any one of a VGA, USB, HDMI, or DVI type interface. In variations, the communication interface 320 may be wireless, to receive a wireless connection from a computer system.

[0032] With further reference to an example of FIG. 3, the set of internal components may include the internal memory 330 and the controller 340. Among other data, the internal memory 330 may store instructions 332 that are executable on a connected computer system in order to trigger and/or control a specific behavior of the connected computer system 150 (see FIG. 1) with respect to how the monitor 300 is recognized and used by the connected computer system. The controller 340 can monitor the

communication interface 320, and when a connection to a computer system is detected, select an instruction set that is executable on the computer system to control the behavior of the computer system with respect to how the monitor 300 is recognized. In some examples, the controller 340 can select an instruction set from the stored instructions 332 based on, for example, an operating system or platform of the computer system, or from other information which the computer system communicates over the communication interface 320 (e.g., during a handshake process that follows the connection of the computer system).

[0033] According to some examples, the stored instructions 332 can, when executed on a connected computer system, trigger a first process in which the computer system recognizes the monitor 300 as a peripheral storage device. In this manner, the stored instructions 332 can alter or deviate a normal (or default) behavior of the computer system, where, for example, an operating system on the computer system recognizes the monitor 300 based on a functionality associated with the display assembly (e.g., display output, or display output of a particular type). The instructions 332 can also execute to provide the computer system with a driver that enables the computer system to access the internal memory 330. As an addition or variation, the internal memory controls the behavior of the computer system in accessing the internal memory 330 of the monitor 300. From the internal memory 330, the computer system can access other electronic resources, such as documentation (e.g., user manual),

demonstrative video content, or other programmatic components. For example, the internal memory 330 may store a set of drivers for enabling connected computer systems of different platforms and types to utilize the monitor 300 for its primary function (e.g., to display content via the display assembly 310). As an addition or variation, the set of drivers may enable the computer system to utilize the monitor 300 for its primary functionality (e.g., display output), and still further, perform the primary function in a particular manner (e.g., with enhanced functionality). Still further, in other variations, the internal memory 330 may store applications which the connected computer system can access and install to enhance the user's enjoyment of the monitor 300. In variations, the internal memory 330 may store application resources, such as network links were applications, programs or application data sets can be downloaded and installed. In other examples, the internal memory 330 can store browser data, to trigger a browser of the computer system to access a network resource stored at, for example, a website.

[0034] The controller 340 can process, for example, read-requests from the connected computer system for information stored in the internal memory 330. When the computer system recognizes the monitor 300 as a storage device, the controller 340 can present the contents of the internal memory 330 to the computer system as, for example, a hierarchical file system, such as provided on a mass storage device. The controller 340 can, for example, map incoming read requests of the computer system to an internal structure of the internal memory 330, in order to retrieve data from an identified set of memory addresses. The controller 340 can return the retrieved data to the computer system via the communication interface 320. For example, the communication interface 320 may be a type of USB connector, including signal lines and circuity (or micro-controller) which transmits the returned data set on the signal lines accordance with a USB protocol.

[0035] In some examples, the computer system recognizes the monitor 300 as a peripheral storage device, before the computer system recognizes the monitor 300 as a peripheral display output device. A user may, for example, provide input (via the computer system) to cause the connected computer system to cease its recognition of the monitor 300 as a type of storage device. The cessation of the computer system's behavior may be implemented in part by terminating, on the connected computer system, the process implemented with execution of the instruction set communicated from the internal memory 330 of the monitor 300. When the process is terminated, the computer system may, for example, recognize a new peripheral connection formed with the monitor 300 as a display output device, based in part on the default behavior of the computer system. As an addition or variation, the controller 340 may communicate a driver or instruction set from the internal memory 330 to trigger, or enable the computer system 150 to recognize the monitor 300 as a type of display output device.

[0036] In some examples, the controller 340 can also execute a program stored in the internal memory 330, in order to enable stand-alone operability of the monitor 300. In some examples, the instruction set 332 includes a menu program which the controller 340 can launch to display menu functionality, from which a user can provide manual input (e.g., via a human interface component or set of components). The menu program can, for example, display content on the display panel 312, such as pages from a user manual (stored as a resource in the internal memory 330), demonstrative video content, and/or prompts (e.g., lighted areas where certain components of the monitor are provided).

[0037] Among other benefits, in such examples, the monitor 300 can be independently operated to facilitate a user in connecting the monitor to the computer system 150. In contrast, many approaches require the user to refer to a user manual provided on a CD-ROM (or separate medium), meaning that in many cases, the user must first connect the monitor before being able to access a resource that would facilitate the user in connecting the monitor. In some settings (e.g., medical or scientific), connecting peripheral output devices such as monitors may be more technically challenging, and the ability of the user to operate the monitor as a standalone, independent device can reduce the amount and sophistication of manual labor needed to properly connect the monitor or other peripheral output device.

[0038] It is contemplated for examples described herein to extend to individual elements and concepts described herein, independently of other concepts, ideas or system, as well as for examples to include combinations of elements recited anywhere in this application. Although examples are described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the concepts are not limited to those precise examples. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the concepts be defined by the following claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it is contemplated that a particular feature described either individually or as part of an example can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other examples, even if the other features and examples make no mention of the particular feature. Thus, the absence of describing combinations should not preclude having rights to such combinations.