Abstract: A toggled buffer memory apparatus comprising a first memory block (134) arranged to support the first memory function over a first time frame and to toggle to support the second memory function over a second time frame. A second memory block (136) is also arranged to support the second memory function over the first time frame and to toggle to support the first memory function over the second time frame. A data input and a self-test block are respectively operably and selectively coupled to the first and second memory blocks. A controller is arranged to control toggling of the memory blocks (134, 136) which are each arranged to toggle between the first and second memory functions in respect of time frames subsequent to the second time frame.

Abstract: A low cost camera by implementing the major functions in host software is provided. This is accomplished by sending raw, digitized data from the camera directly to the host. The increased volume of raw data is handled by either an improved compression/decompression scheme using lossless compression, using lossy compression or using a shared bus with higher bandwidth. By moving such functions as color processing and scaling to the host, the pixel correction can also be moved to the host. This in turn allows the elimination of the frame buffer memory from the camera. Finally, the camera can use a low cost lens by implementing vignetting, distortion, gamma or aliasing correction with a correction value stored in a register of the camera for later access by the host to perform corrections.

Abstract: A low cost camera by implementing the major functions in host software is provided. This is accomplished by sending raw, digitized data from the camera directly to the host. The increased volume of raw data is handled by either an improved compression/decompression scheme using lossless compression, using lossy compression or using a shared bus with higher bandwidth. By moving such functions as color processing and scaling to the host, the pixel correction can also be moved to the host. This in turn allows the elimination of the frame buffer memory from the camera. Finally, the camera can use a low cost lens by implementing vignetting, distortion, gamma or aliasing correction with a correction value stored in a register of the camera for later access by the host to perform corrections.

Abstract: A camera for recording an image and associated audio. The camera activation mechanism also initiates the recording of audio data in the audio memory, with the audio memory being continuously overwritten after a maximum time of audio is recorded. Thus, at any point in time when an image is captured, audio from prior to that time is available, and audio after that time could be recorded, all with the pressing of a single button. In an alternate embodiment, a partial activation of an image capture button initiates recording of audio.

Abstract: A camera for recording an image and associated audio. The camera activation mechanism also initiates the recording of audio data in the audio memory, with the audio memory being continuously overwritten after a maximum time of audio is recorded. Thus, at any point in time when an image is captured, audio from prior to that time is available, and audio after that time could be recorded, all with the pressing of a single button.

Abstract: New and improved methods and apparatus for transmitting data over a data bus. The invention provides a bus system including an external shared bus, an external bus interface, and a resource bus. The external bus interface can be configured to move data between the external shared bus and the resource bus. The bus system can also include a data processing pipeline coupled to the resource bus. The data processing pipeline can include a plurality of components for processing data. Some of the data processing components can be coupled to the resource bus.

Abstract: A low cost camera by implementing the major functions in host software is provided. This is accomplished by sending raw, digitized data from the camera directly to the host. The increased volume of raw data is handled by either an improved compression/decompression scheme using lossless compression, using lossy compression or using a shared bus with higher bandwidth. By moving such functions as color processing and scaling to the host, the pixel correction can also be moved to the host. This in turn allows the elimination of the frame buffer memory from the camera. Finally, the camera can use a low cost lens by implementing vignetting, distortion, gamma or aliasing correction with a correction value stored in a register of the camera for later access by the host to perform corrections.

Abstract: Resets on a data processing system are targeted to specific locations of that processing system and have different effects. Some resets are transparent to instruction execution while other resets will interrupt the normal execution of instructions. In addition, in a multi-zone environment resets in one zone do not automatically propagate to the other zone; instead, each zone generates its own resets.