Abstract: A digital imaging device and methods thereof that will enable the embedding and retrieving of information in digital images are provided. The digital imaging device includes a capture module for capturing an image and creating a digital image file; an input module for inputting information regarding the captured image; and a processing module for associating the inputted information to the digital image file. The device further includes a scanning module for reading a symbology associated with a printed digital image and wherein the processing module is adapted to use the symbology to retrieve the associated information of the digital image file. The device may be embodied as a digital camera, a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), etc.

Abstract: A digital imaging system and method for embedding and retrieving of information in digital images are provided. The method includes the steps of receiving at least one digital image file along with associated information; parsing the associated information and storing each piece of parsed information in at least one field of a record of a database; and processing at least one request stored in at least one field. The request may include displaying of the at least one digital image in a particular sequence, printing of the digital image, e-mailing of the digital image or storing the digital image on a server coupled to the Internet. The method further includes the steps of receiving an identifier of the digital image and a user request; querying the database to retrieve a record for the digital image based on the identifier; and processing the user request with the information in the record.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively switching between a plurality of audio channels are provided. The system and method of the present disclosure will enable a user to listen to desired audio content, e.g., music with a total lack of distraction while selectively allowing certain important and selected sounds to interrupt the audio content. The system for selectively switching between a plurality of audio channels includes an audio content device (ACD) for supplying audio content on a first channel; at least one microphone input device for generating an acoustic signal from sound external to the system on a second channel; an audio signal processing control unit (ASPCU) for receiving the audio content on the first channel and the acoustic signal on the second channel and for selectively switching between the first and second channel; and an audio output device (AOD) for audibly producing sounds from the selected channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing communications of at least one user, e.g., a client, over a network, e.g., the Internet, are provided. The methods and systems of the present disclosure are implemented via a portal web site running on an appropriate computing platform, e.g., a portal server. The portal will enable a user to communicate efficiently with other users, provide specific content to the user, enable a user to share a “surfing” session with another user and provide expert human guidance to user queries.