Abstract: A multi-purpose appliance for providing a wide variety of functions, e.g., home management, device management and synchronization, archiving and distributing electronic copies of photos and/or film images and/or other services such as video conferencing is described. In various embodiments data is stored in a digital vault. The owner of stored content can set access rules and/or grant access to other individuals in a group, e.g., a family group. Content can be and sometimes is organized into categories with each category corresponding to a different type of information, e.g., medical information, personal information, calendar information, legal records family photos, etc. An owner of content can specify their relationships to another individual, e.g., another family member and have access and ownership rules apply based on the relationship to the owner of the content and/or specific user specified rules. Content is automatically added to the digital store, e.g.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using one or more feature recognition system(s) to identify features in a scanned image and to associate tags with identified features are described. Probabilities of a feature being present are taken into consideration in some embodiments. In various embodiments once a tag has been determined as corresponding to a feature which has been confirmed as being in the scanned image synonyms for the tag word are identified and also associated with the scanned image. By using results of multiple automated feature recognition systems and generating overall probabilities that a feature is present in an image more reliable tagging can be implemented in an automated manner than in system which rely on a single AI system without the need for extensive operator input with respect to identification of all features in the image which are to be tagged.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using one or more feature recognition system(s) to identify features in a scanned image and to associate tags with identified features are described. Probabilities of a feature being present are taken into consideration in some embodiments. In various embodiments once a tag has been determined as corresponding to a feature which has been confirmed as being in the scanned image synonyms for the tag word are identified and also associated with the scanned image. By using results of multiple automated feature recognition systems and generating overall probabilities that a feature is present in an image more reliable tagging can be implemented in an automated manner than in system which rely on a single AI system without the need for extensive operator input with respect to identification of all features in the image which are to be tagged.

Abstract: A multi-function/multi-purpose portable electronic device is disclosed. In one aspect, the device may include a display monitor configured to display an image and a scanner disposed below the display monitor and extending to cross the display monitor, the scanner not directly contacting the display monitor. The device may also include a base configured to support the scanner, the base including a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness, the first portion at least partially vertically overlapping the display monitor and the scanner. The device may further include a speaker disposed only in the second portion of the base. The device may also include a connector physically interconnecting the base and the display monitor to support the display monitor, at least a portion of the connector vertically overlapping the second portion of the base.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using one or more feature recognition system(s) to identify features in a scanned image and to associate tags with identified features are described. Probabilities of a feature being present are taken into consideration in some embodiments. In various embodiments once a tag has been determined as corresponding to a feature which has been confirmed as being in the scanned image synonyms for the tag word are identified and also associated with the scanned image. By using results of multiple automated feature recognition systems and generating overall probabilities that a feature is present in an image more reliable tagging can be implemented in an automated manner than in system which rely on a single AI system without the need for extensive operator input with respect to identification of all features in the image which are to be tagged.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using one or more feature recognition system(s) to identify features in a scanned image and to associate tags with identified features are described. Probabilities of a feature being present are taken into consideration in some embodiments. In various embodiments once a tag has been determined as corresponding to a feature which has been confirmed as being in the scanned image synonyms for the tag word are identified and also associated with the scanned image. By using results of multiple automated feature recognition systems and generating overall probabilities that a feature is present in an image more reliable tagging can be implemented in an automated manner than in system which rely on a single AI system without the need for extensive operator input with respect to identification of all features in the image which are to be tagged.

Abstract: A multi-purpose appliance for providing a wide variety of functions, e.g., home management, device management and synchronization, archiving and distributing electronic copies of photos and/or film images and/or other services such as video conferencing is described. In various embodiments data is stored in a digital vault. The owner of stored content can set access rules and/or grant access to other individuals in a group, e.g., a family group. Content can be and sometimes is organized into categories with each category corresponding to a different type of information, e.g., medical information, personal information, calendar information, legal records family photos, etc. An owner of content can specify their relationships to another individual, e.g., another family member and have access and ownership rules apply based on the relationship to the owner of the content and/or specific user specified rules. Content is automatically added to the digital store, e.g.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for using text messages, e.g., SMS messages, to trigger a device update and/or to update a communications device, e.g., cell phone, are described. The cell phone can be updated/programmed from a remote device. The updating can use SMS messages to accomplish the update. An SMS message may include a command and, optionally, other update information in the message body. Received SMS messages are checked to determine if they include an update command. If an update command is present the command is performed after a security check is satisfied. In some but not necessarily all embodiments, a simplified user interface is supported in addition to SMS update features.

Abstract: A portable communications device, e.g., a cell phone with a simplified user interface and easy to use keys is described. For many input/selection opportunities the user is presented with at most 4 options. This allows navigation between applications, pages and selection of actions corresponding to pages to be supported using relatively few keys, e.g., 4 keys, thereby allowing the number of keys on the phone to be kept small and the key size large. Prompts are used to present most options with keys being lighted in some embodiments when the key corresponds to a valid input option and delighted when the key does not correspond to a valid input option. Presentation of a dial prompt may be limited to times when a call can be placed successfully. In various embodiments a cell phone is implemented with less than 10 keys in total but in other embodiments more keys are used.

Abstract: A portable communications device, e.g., a cell phone with a simplified user interface and easy to use keys is described. The user interface supports book type and circular type applications. Book interface type applications are applications in which a user is stopped from moving beyond the last page when a next page operation is selected. In circular applications a user is allowed to move from the last page of an application to the first page of the application by selecting a next page option. Regardless of the application type, in response to a displayed page a user, in some embodiments, is presented with at most 4 options. This allows navigation between applications, pages and selection of actions corresponding to pages to be supported using relatively few keys, e.g., 4 keys, thereby allowing the number of keys on the phone to be kept small and the key size large.

Abstract: An improved wireless communication device, method, and system, that is easy to operate for people of all ages, particularly for senior citizens, that is compact, ergonomic, and comfortable, but which also provides simplicity of operation for those users who do not require complex cellular telephone capabilities or features.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the provisioning and functionality of wireless or portable devices, and more particularly a charging device configured to bi-directionally communicate to a database through the Internet or a private network to configure, update, and provision a wireless portable device while charging the portable or wireless device. Additionally, a system and method for alerting a user that the portable or wireless device requires a programmable action.