Abstract: A system and method for automatically switching a primary image of a display module from a television program to an interactive application upon detecting the beginning of a commercial break and optionally switching the primary image back to the television program upon detecting or determining the end of the commercial break; wherein the user's progress in executing the interactive application is automatically saved upon return to the television program so that the user can progressively execute the interactive application program during consecutive commercial breaks.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically switching a primary image of a display module from a television program to an interactive application upon detecting the beginning of a commercial break and optionally switching the primary image back to the television program upon detecting or determining the end of the commercial break; wherein the user's progress in executing the interactive application is automatically saved upon return to the television program so that the user can progressively execute the interactive application program during consecutive commercial breaks.

Abstract: The present invention is a button on a device that has the ability to detect when a finger touches or is proximate to the button, especially to cause the initiation of a particular feature/function of the device. The button includes a proximity detector that is operable to sense or detect when a user's finger is proximate or on the button. The proximity detector may take many forms. These forms may be combined to provide greater selectivity. Additionally, sensitivity of the proximity detector may be set via threshold values. Sensitivity of the proximity detector correlates to detection or sensing of a user's finger at various distances from the button. One application is as an autofocus/shutter button on a camera.

Abstract: A video camera recorder comprises an imaging means receiving an optical image and generating an image representative video signal, and a viewfinder for viewing the optical image. A synchronizing signal generator is coupled to the imaging means and to a recording means which is coupled to the imaging means. A control means for optimizing power conservation has a first mode which enables operation of the synchronizing signal generator and inhibits operation of the imaging and recording means. In a second mode the control means enables the synchronizing signal generator and recording means for reproducing a recorded image representative video signal and inhibits operation of the imaging means. In a third mode the control means enables the imaging means, the synchronizing signal generator and the recording means for recording the image representative video signal from the imaging means.

Abstract: The present invention is a button on a device that has the ability to detect when a finger touches or is proximate to the button, especially to cause the initiation of a particular feature/function of the device. The button includes a proximity detector that is operable to sense or detect when a user's finger is proximate or on the button. The proximity detector may take many forms. These forms may be combined to provide greater selectivity. Additionally, sensitivity of the proximity detector may be set via threshold values. Sensitivity of the proximity detector correlates to detection or sensing of a user's finger at various distances from the button. One application is as an autofocus/shutter button on a camera.

Abstract: A video camera recorder (1000) has a plurality of operating modes, and comprises an imaging means (205, 200) which receives an image and generates an image representative video signal (Iv). A recording means (500) is coupled to the imaging means for recording the image representative video signal (Iv). The imaging means (205, 100), and the recording means (500) may be independently energizable for implementing a plurality of operating modes in which different ones and combinations of the imaging means (205, 200), and the recording means (500), are simultaneously energized. A microprocessor (4000) is controllably coupled to the imaging means (205, 200) and the recording means (500) for adaptively controlling power dissipation responsive to an external interface coupling (J1, J2, P1, S1, W1, 21). User control commands and external device coupling may be used for adaptively controlled power conservation in the video camera recorder (1000).

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus anticipates usage and thus provides a charged battery available for use. In addition the charging regimen employed substantially eliminates memory effects in NICAD batteries. The battery charging apparatus comprises a power supply for generating a controllable battery charging current which is responsive to battery status. A plurality of calendars, stored in PROM, are user selectable to form a custom calendar. User specific event dates may be added to produce a composite calendar. A microprocessor maintains a real time clock calendar and executes a calendar algorithm. Upon the occurrence of a composite calendar event date, the microprocessor generates a control signal for initiating the battery charging current. The microprocessor also produces a status message display. Message data is stored in PROM and is used to generate a video signal for monitor display. The video signal is also coupled to an RF modulator for TV receiver display.