Abstract: In a converged computer and television system, the TV network viewed in a TV mode can be changed by entering an alphanumeric channel macro on the computer keyboard.

Abstract: A system is provided for scanning batch-type documents containing indicia on either a single side or on two sides of each document sheet. Misfeeds through a scanning device are identified by comparison of an anticipated number of pages with an actual number of scanned pages. Similar misfeeds may be identified by comparison of first and second series of pages in two-sided documents. Automatic collating of scanned pages is then performed where desired. The automatic collating may be based upon simple interleaving of pages, or upon recognition of page identifiers, such as page numbers in common or anticipated regions of the page. The scanning, analysis and collating operations may be followed by other processing steps, including transmission of facsimiles, printing, copying, and so forth.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for selectively scanning or encoding a desired region of a document. The desired region is identified via scannable indicia on a control form. The region may be outlined by a border preprinted on the form or traced by a user. Preset selectable regions may be identified by codes or other textual descriptions on the form. The form is scanned and the instructions selected by the user are encoded. The selected region is identified and scanned. Only the selected region is scanned, or a larger region is scanned and extraneous data not corresponding to the selected region is eliminated from the resulting data set. The technique permits elimination of unwanted portions of a document automatically, the reduction in scanned file size, and straightforward handling of batch scanning tasks in which selected portions of documents are to be scanned and processed.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for selectively scanning or encoding a desired region of a document. The desired region is identified via scannable indicia on a control form. The region may be outlined by a border preprinted on the form or traced by a user. Preset selectable regions may be identified by codes or other textual descriptions on the form. The form is scanned and the instructions selected by the user are encoded. The selected region is identified and scanned. Only the selected region is scanned, or a larger region is scanned and extraneous data not corresponding to the selected region is eliminated from the resulting data set. The technique permits elimination of unwanted portions of a document automatically, the reduction in scanned file size, and straightforward handling of batch scanning tasks in which selected portions of documents are to be scanned and processed.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for selectively scanning or encoding a desired region of a document. The desired region is identified via scannable indicia on a control form. The region may be outlined by a border preprinted on the form or traced by a user. Preset selectable regions may be identified by codes or other textual descriptions on the form. The form is scanned and the instructions selected by the user are encoded. The selected region is identified and scanned. Only the selected region is scanned, or a larger region is scanned and extraneous data not corresponding to the selected region is eliminated from the resulting data set. The technique permits elimination of unwanted portions of a document automatically, the reduction in scanned file size, and straightforward handling of batch scanning tasks in which selected portions of documents are to be scanned and processed.

Abstract: A system for scanning data into a host from a peripheral location. A peripheral, such as a multifunction peripheral having printer and scanner functionality, is coupled to a host, such as a personal computer. The system includes a user interface at the peripheral that can be utilized in selecting a desired target, such as an application or file, at the host. The peripheral user interface also can be used to select a networked site, such as a networked file. Thus, a user can scan desired data at the peripheral to a remote application or file without providing input at the user interface of the host.

Abstract: A facsimile machine provides firmware to remotely activate and deactivate fax forwarding. The firmware enables a user to remotely activate or deactivate fax forwarding through an email, fax, or a telephone. The facsimile machine may be set by the user to activate and deactivate fax forwarding at a predetermined activation time and a predetermined deactivation time. If fax forwarding with local printing is activated, the facsimile machine locally prints a fax after the fax is forwarded. The facsimile machine may be a multifunctional peripheral.

Abstract: A system is provided for scanning batch-type documents containing indicia on either a single side or on two sides of each document sheet. Misfeeds through a scanning device are identified by comparison of an anticipated number of pages with an actual number of scanned pages. Similar misfeeds may be identified by comparison of first and second series of pages in two-sided documents. Automatic collating of scanned pages is then performed where desired. The automatic collating may be based upon simple interleaving of pages, or upon recognition of page identifiers, such as page numbers in common or anticipated regions of the page. The scanning, analysis and collating operations may be followed by other processing steps, including transmission of facsimiles, printing, copying, and so forth.

Abstract: A system is provided for scanning batch-type documents containing indicia on either a single side or on two sides of each document sheet. Misfeeds through a scanning device are identified by comparison of an anticipated number of pages with an actual number of scanned pages. Similar misfeeds may be identified by comparison of first and second series of pages in two-sided documents. Automatic collating of scanned pages is then performed where desired. The automatic collating may be based upon simple interleaving of pages, or upon recognition of page identifiers, such as page numbers in common or anticipated regions of the page. The scanning, analysis and collating operations may be followed by other processing steps, including transmission of facsimiles, printing, copying, and so forth.

Abstract: Schemes for customization of content presentation relating to a Digital Versatile/Video Disc source, which source is preferably integrated into a convergence device system. A user preferences or settings database is provided that is automatically maintained or supported by a computer subsystem, wherein records containing user preference values are indexed to a DVD title or volume having an identity tag. Changed values are also stored and applied during the next playback of the title. The present invention also provides a censor block database structure containing individualized viewing sequences from a title for different users with different levels of censorship.

Abstract: A system operable with a Digital Versatile/Video Disc source, provided with a scheme for preferably automatically pausing the playback of a DVD title when a user indicates that another activity is to be engaged. By automatically pausing the title playback, computational load on a processor subsystem associated with the system is minimized while graceful management of the additional video sources is effected. When the user switches to experiencing the DVD source as the primary source, the playback of the title is preferably automatically resumed.

Abstract: A computer convergence device, operable in a at least two modes, such as a computer mode and a video mode and when in the video mode the computer convergence device is operable in at least two states. The computer convergence device includes a universal graphic user interface for providing information corresponding to the operating states. The universal graphic user interface receives inputs from a user which can be used to control various characteristics of each operating state, and can be used to change the operating state of the computer convergence device. The computer convergence device further includes a controller for interfacing between the universal graphic user interface and the processes of the operating states.

Abstract: A method and apparatus allows users to quickly effect a modal change in an appliance having first and second modes. The apparatus captures a user actuation indicative of a modal change. The user actuation may be a mouse button closure, a keyboard button closure, or a remote control button closure. Upon detecting the user actuation indicative of a modal change, the apparatus detects the current mode for the appliance. Based on the current mode of the appliance, the apparatus cycles to the next mode in a round-robin basis and sets the next mode to become the current mode for the appliance. Further, in setting the next mode, the apparatus displays the next mode of the appliance as a mode change item in a menu list. The apparatus also then requests a second user actuation confirming a modal change.

Abstract: A purchaser of DVD unit establishes a list of users who may access the DVD unit, and corresponding restrictions that apply to each user. When a user attempts to play a DVD disc, the unit examines the DVD disc for parental management information. If the DVD disc does not contain the parental management information, then the unit will only permit access if the user has no content restrictions. If the DVD disc does contain the parental management information, then the unit will compare it to the restrictions applicable to the user. Where the parental management information indicates that the material exceeds the restrictions applicable to the user, the unit will not play the DVD disc.

Abstract: An electronic convergence device system, such as a PC/TV adapted to operate in a computer mode and a TV mode. When switching and/or operating in TV mode the top-most windows from the computer mode applications are inhibited from interfering with the TV mode experience.

Abstract: A system operable with a Digital Versatile/Video Disc source, which system includes a scheme for altering one or more user preferences without interrupting the playback of a DVD title. Whereas the DVD title may have title-specific or content-provider-specific settings, the present invention decouples the user-selected preferences from the settings and stores them in a persistent medium. A generalized graphic user interface is presented for allowing a user to read the persistent medium to determine current preference values and to change them if desired. The changed values are then written back to the persistent medium so as to be available for current or future playback sessions of the DVD title. As a variation, the generalized graphic user interface may be used for providing an indication as to what other preference values are available for that title in addition to the current value in effect.

Abstract: A DVD assembly, and an associated method, for a convergent device, such as a television converged into a computer. The DVD assembly is integrated into the convergent device to facilitate ease of user control over operation of the DVD assembly. Common control interfaces which include the "look and feel" of the control interfaces otherwise used by the convergent device simplify operational control over operation of the DVD assembly.

Abstract: A computer convergence device, operable in a computer mode and, for example, a television mode, includes a computer, a display monitor for displaying images in both the computer mode and the television mode, and multiple video inputs for receiving various types of video signals, each being selectable during operation in television mode. A controller device is coupled to the computer for independently controlling and storing user selected video geometry settings for both the computer mode and the television mode, and further for independently controlling and storing user selected video quality settings for the computer mode, and each of the various video inputs.

Abstract: Auto run apparatus, and an associated method, selectively permits execution of an auto run CD received at a CD ROM drive of a convergent device. When the auto run CD is received at the CD ROM drive, the operational mode of the convergent device is transferred to a computer mode. Thereafter, automatic execution of the CD is permitted.

Abstract: An electronic convergence device system, such as a PC/TV adapted to operate in a computer mode and a TV mode. When switching and/or operating in TV mode the top-most windows from the computer mode applications are inhibited from interfering with the TV mode experience.