Abstract: A system and method for implementing a plugin control mechanism. A disclosed method includes: launching an application; injecting additional functionality into the application; and utilizing the additional functionality to: detect a file processing call; evaluate the file processing call against to a set of rules to determine whether the file processing call involves execution of an extension file; and call an operating system (OS) application control function in response to determining the file processing call involves execution of the extension file, wherein the OS application control function is configured to conditionally prevent execution of the extension file.

Abstract: A method of storing different video data in a video file is disclosed. The method processes a display of video windows (eg 621) each for displaying the different video data in an arrangement, and a user interface (eg 601) for selecting a period of the different video data to be stored for display in the video windows (eg 621) The method stores a portion of the different video data, corresponding to the selected period, in the video file. The video file maintains the arrangement of the video windows (eg 621) for displaying the portion of video data.

Abstract: An electronic card (100) configured to be read by a reading device (300) is disclosed. The card (100) comprising a card portion (270) having a surface (156) onto which are formed a plurality of user interface elements (154) and electronic apparatus (259) attached to the card portion (270). The apparatus (259) comprising a memory (276) in which are retained a plurality of data strings. At least one of the data strings is associated with a corresponding one of the user interface elements (154). The apparatus (259) also comprises a processor means (275) coupled to the memory means (276) and communication means (278) for coupling the processor means (275) to the reading device (300). The processor means (275) is configured to relate reading signals generated from a selection of at least one of the elements (154) and received via the communication means (278) with at least one of the retained data strings. The retained data strings are inaccessible to the reading device (300).

Abstract: A method of generating a media file for display on a display device. The method includes the steps of (a) initializing the media file and an associated index file, the associated index file referencing the media file, and (b) inserting a plurality of video frames from a camera into the media file. The inserting step includes the steps of (i) determining if the media file is configured to accept the plurality of video frames, and (ii) configuring the media file, based on the determination step, such that the plurality of video frames is accepted by the media file.

Abstract: A method of storing different video data in a video file is disclosed. The method processes a display of video windows (eg 621) each for displaying the different video data in an arrangement, and a user interface (eg 601) for selecting a period of the different video data to be stored for display in the video windows (eg 621) The method stores a portion of the different video data, corresponding to the selected period, in the video file. The video file maintains the arrangement of the video windows (eg 621) for displaying the portion of video data.

Abstract: A user input device (300) configured with a communication protocol for communicating transmission data with predetermined apparatus (700, 601) is disclosed. The device (300) comprises a receiving means for receiving protocol data and an associated format function. The protocol data and the format function in combination describe a further communication protocol for communicating with the predetermined apparatus (700, 601). The device (300) also comprises a central processing unit (805) for selecting the received protocol data and the format function and for configuring the device (300) to communicate with the predetermined apparatus (700, 601). The protocol data defines properties of the further communication protocol and the format function is adapted to configure at least a portion of the transmission data for communication with the apparatus (700, 601) according to the further communications protocol.

Abstract: An electronic card comprises a card portion including one or more user interface elements formed on a surface thereof. The electronic card also comprises a memory configured on the card portion. The memory has retained therein at least a plurality of data strings each associated with a corresponding one of the user interface elements. The memory comprises a buffer configured therein. The electronic card also comprises a processor configured on the card portion. The processor is coupled to the memory. First data and second data corresponding to selected ones of the user interface elements are stored within the buffer upon selection of the selected user interlace elements of the card. The first and second data correspond to first and second data strings. The first and second data strings are concatenated for subsequent processing by the processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for executing messages using a plurality of applications resident in a memory means (276) of an electronic card (100), is disclosed. The electronic card (100) is adapted for coupling to a reader device (300) to facilitate reading of the memory means (276). The reading device (300) is configured for communication with a remote apparatus (computer 700) having a further application executing thereon. The one or more card resident applications are required to process one or more messages received from the further application. Depending on the determination, the one or more messages are executed using a first of the card resident applications if one or more predetermined criteria are met. Alternatively, the one or more messages are executed using a second of the card resident applications if one or more further criteria are met. The one or more further criteria are determined via an array containing the one or more further criteria.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restoring state information associated with a software application executing within an electronic card (100), is disclosed. The electronic card (100) comprises a card portion (270) having an electronic apparatus (259) attached thereto. The electronic apparatus (259) comprises a processor means (275) coupled to a memory means (276) and a communication means (278). The communication means (278) is configured to couple the processor means (275) to a reading device (300) for facilitating reading of the electronic card (100). The memory means (276) is configured to retain at least the software application for execution by the processor means (275). State information representing a present state of the software application is retained in the memory means (276) in response to an indication that the electronic apparatus (259) is to be powered down.

Abstract: An electronic card (100) configured to be read by a reading device (300) is disclosed. The card (100) comprising a card portion (270) having a surface (156) onto which are formed a plurality of user interface elements (154) and electronic apparatus (259) attached to the card portion (270). The apparatus (259) comprising a memory (276) in which are retained a plurality of data strings. At least one of the data strings is associated with a corresponding one of the user interface elements (154). The apparatus (259) also comprises a processor means (275) coupled to the memory means (276) and communication means (278) for coupling the processor means (275) to the reading device (300). The processor means (275) is configured to relate reading signals generated from a selection of at least one of the elements (154) and received via the communication means (278) with at least one of the retained data strings. The retained data strings are inaccessible to the reading device (300).

Abstract: A method of providing an interface to a first application is disclosed. The first application is retained within a memory means (276) of an electronic card (100), with at least one of a plurality of user interface elements (154) being associated with a user interface element object stored in the memory (276). The memory means (276) is coupled to a processor means (275) of the electronic card (100). The processor means (275) is coupled to a reading device (300) configured to facilitate reading of the electronic card (100). The method executes at least a first application and a second application within the processor means (275). The second application is configured to associate reading signals generated by the reading device (300) in response to a selection of at least one of the elements (154) with a command to be issued to the first application. The second application is configured to provide the interface to the first application.

Abstract: A process (500) for storing video and text data samples, is disclosed. The process (500) may be implemented within a video surveillance system (100). The system (100) comprises video cameras (110, 111, 112 and 113) connected to a communications network (2220), such as the Internet or an Intranet. Each of the cameras (110, 111, 112 and 113) is independently responsible for the capture of video data. The system (100) also comprises a viewer (2200) for processing and displaying captured video data.

Abstract: A user input device (300) configured with a communication protocol for communicating transmission data with predetermined apparatus (700, 601) is disclosed. The device (300) comprises a receiving means for receiving protocol data and an associated format function. The protocol data and the format function in combination describe a further communication protocol for communicating with the predetermined apparatus (700, 601). The device (300) also comprises a central processing unit (805) for selecting the received protocol data and the format function and for configuring the device (300) to communicate with the predetermined apparatus (700, 601). The protocol data defines properties of the further communication protocol and the format function is adapted to configure at least a portion of the transmission data for communication with the apparatus (700, 601) according to the further communications protocol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restoring state information associated with a software application executing within an electronic card (100), is disclosed. The electronic card (100) comprises a card portion (270) having an electronic apparatus (259) attached thereto. The electronic apparatus (259) comprises a processor means (275) coupled to a memory means (276) and a communication means (278). The communication means (278) is configured to couple the processor means (275) to a reading device (300) for facilitating reading of the electronic card (100). The memory means (276) is configured to retain at least the software application for execution by the processor means (275). State information representing a present state of the software application is retained in the memory means (276) in response to an indication that the electronic apparatus (259) is to be powered down.

Abstract: A program, method and apparatus for allowing access to data associated with at least one file stored within an electronic card (100) having one or more associated user interface elements (154), is disclosed. The electronic card (100) comprises a card portion (270) having an electronic apparatus (259) attached thereto. The electronic apparatus (259) comprises a processor means (275) coupled to a memory means (276). The processor means (275) is adapted for coupling to a reading device (300) to facilitate reading of the electronic card (100). The memory means (276) is configured to retain the files and the program for execution by the processor means (275). The program relates reading signals generated from a user selection of at least one of the associated user interface elements (154) with a first file stored within the memory (276). The first file is classified by the program as protected. The program allows access to data of a second file associated with the first file.

Abstract: A method of storing data in a buffer is disclosed. The buffer configured within an electronic card (100). The electronic card (100) comprises a card portion (270) having an electronic apparatus (259) attached thereto. The apparatus (259) comprises a memory (276) in which are retained at least a plurality of data strings each associated with a corresponding one of user interface elements (154). The apparatus (259) further comprises processor means (275) coupled to the memory means (276). The method comprises at least the step of storing a data string corresponding to the selected user interface element (e.g. 154) within the buffer, upon selection of at least one of said user interface elements (154).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for executing messages using a plurality of applications resident in a memory means (276) of an electronic card (100), is disclosed. The electronic card (100) is adapted for coupling to a reader device (300) to facilitate reading of the memory means (276). The reading device (300) is configured for communication with a remote apparatus (computer 700) having a further application executing thereon. The one or more card resident applications are required to process one or more messages received from the further application. Depending on the determination, the one or more messages are executed using a first of the card resident applications if one or more predetermined criteria are met. Alternatively, the one or more messages are executed using a second of the card resident applications if one or more further criteria are met. The one or more further criteria are determined via an array containing the one or more further criteria.

Abstract: A method of providing an interface to a first application is disclosed. The first application is retained within a memory means (276) of an electronic card (100), with at least one of a plurality of user interface elements (154) being associated with a user interface element object stored in the memory (276). The memory means (276) is coupled to a processor means (275) of the electronic card (100). The processor means (275) is coupled to a reading device (300) configured to facilitate reading of the electronic card (100). The method executes at least a first application and a second application within the processor means (275). The second application is configured to associate reading signals generated by the reading device (300) in response to a selection of at least one of the elements (154) with a command to be issued to the first application. The second application is configured to provide the interface to the first application.