A system and method for filtering and organizing items from computer memories based on common elements. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, filters are provided for manipulating the items. The filters are essentially tools for narrowing down a set of items. In one embodiment, the filters are dynamically generated based on the properties of the separate items. The system utilizes virtual folders. The virtual folders expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, quick links are provided. In one embodiment, quick links are a set of predefined links (e.g., located on the left side of the display) that can be clicked on to generate useful views of the sets of items. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, libraries are provided. Libraries consist of large groups of usable types of items that can be associated together.

System and method for filtering and organizing items based on common elements

Improved techniques for interaction between a host computer (e.g., personal computer) and a media player are disclosed. According to one aspect, interaction between a host computer and a media player, such as automatic synchronization of media contents stored on a media player with media contents stored on a host computer, can be restricted. According to another aspect, management of media items residing on a media player can be performed at and by a host computer for the media player. According to still another aspect, media content can be played by a media player in accordance with quality settings established for the media content at the host computer.

Intelligent interaction between media player and host computer

In a portable multimedia device, a method, apparatus, and system for providing user supplied configuration data are described. In one embodiment, a hierarchically ordered graphical user interface are provided. A first order, or home, interface provides a highest order of user selectable items each of which, when selected, results in an automatic transition to a lower order user interface associated with the selected item. In one of the described embodiments, the lower order interface includes other user selectable items associated with the previously selected item from the higher order user interface.

Graphical user interface and methods of use thereof in a multimedia player

A distributed voice user interface system includes a local device which receives speech input issued from a user. Such speech input may specify a command or a request by the user. The local device performs preliminary processing of the speech input and determines whether it is able to respond to the command or request by itself. If not, the local device initiates communication with a remote system for further processing of the speech input.

Distributed voice user interface

A home automation system and method for automatic control of controlled devices throughout a home. A unique architecture of occupancy sensors includes entry/exit sensors for detecting movement through doorways that separate rooms in the home, room motion sensors for detecting room occupancy, spot sensors to detect occupancy of specific locations within the rooms, and house status sensors to detect the status of certain parameters of the home. A central controller communicates with the sensors and controlled objects over a communications network, where the sensors and controlled objects can be added to the system in a ‘plug and play’ manner. The central controller controls the controlled objects in response to the entry/exit sensors, room motion sensors, spot sensors and the house status sensors. This control is accomplished by assigning each room to one of a plurality of room occupancy states, and to one of a plurality of room modes for creating desired room atmospheres using the controlled objects, which both dictate how the controlled objects are controlled by the central controller. The room modes travel from room to room as the occupant moves throughout the home, and multiple occupants can be using different room modes as they move about the home. The controlled objects also have controlled object states, which are used by the central controller to control the controlled objects.

Home automation system and method

Disclosed is a digital apparatus, such as a digital camera, which generates a digital representation of an image. The digital apparatus includes an image sensor having an array of pixels. An analog-to-digital converter converts electrical signals from the array of pixels into digital data representative of the image. Information indicative of locations of defective pixels in the pixel array is stored in a pixel defect memory. Compensation circuitry compensates the digital data representative of the image using the information indicative of the locations of the defective pixels. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a digital apparatus having compensation for defective pixels.

Error calibration for digital image sensors and apparatus using the same

A method and system for synchronizing multiple versions of multimedia objects is provided. Each multimedia object may be identified by a unique identifier. In addition, a history graph may be generated and maintained for each object, where the history graph includes nodes that store unique identifiers and whose vectors describe the relationship between the multimedia objects. Metadata may be used to describe the transformations of objects.

Method and apparatus for synchronizing multiple versions of digital data

An integrated circuit card includes a storage device to store one or more code files and one or more data files, and control logic. The control logic implements an ICC runtime environment that executes an applet in response to a command identifying both a code file and a data file received from a host system.

Method and apparatus for sharing data files among runtime environment applets in an integrated circuit card

A home control system as described herein uses existing electrical power lines in a home for communications. A system includes one or more analog signal sources connected to transmit analog signals using high-bandwidth frequency channels on the electrical power lines, at relatively high bandwidths. The analog signal sources receive control data using a low-bandwidth frequency channel on the same electrical power lines, at a comparatively low bandwidth. One or more analog signal receivers are connected to receive the analog signals using the high-bandwidth frequency channels, and to receive control data using the low-bandwidth frequency channel. A controller is configured to designate one or more source/receiver groups from the analog signal sources and receivers. The controller is connected to send control data to the source and receiver of each group using the low-bandwidth frequency channel. The control data instructs each group to use a different one of the light-bandwidth frequency channels.

Automated home control using existing electrical lines as a communications medium

An application development system for smart cards includes a computer system having a client development interface (CDI), a smart card having a smart card development interface (SCDI) and application program interface (API) functionality within the smart card operating system The SCDI interfaces remote procedure calls from the CDI, thereby allowing API functionality to be called upon within the smart card operating system In operation, the SCDI receives remote procedure calls (RPC) from the computer system and selectively invokes APIs associated with smart card operating system, thereby enabling the smart card to carry out specific functional tasks

Gilad Odinak

Papers

Error calibration for digital image sensors and apparatus using the same

Method and apparatus for synchronizing multiple versions of digital data

Method and apparatus for sharing data files among runtime environment applets in an integrated circuit card

Automated home control using existing electrical lines as a communications medium

Smart card application development system and method