Abstract: Systems for providing information to a user are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes an identification device. The identification device incorporates a locator and a transmitter. The locator is configured to facilitate determining a location of the identification device so that information corresponding to a user of the identification device and information associated with the location of the identification device can be transmitted via the transmitter to a services system. In response to the information provided by the identification device, the services system can provide information to the user via the first identification device based, at least in part, on the location of the identification device. Image-capturing devices also are provided.

Abstract: A method of personalizing an interface of a portable electronic device comprises the steps of interfacing the portable electronic device to a workstation, modifying the existing version of the user interface so as to define a personalized version of the user interface, transferring information defining the personalized version of the user interface from the workstation to the portable electronic device, and implementing the personalized version of the user interface on the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A method that creates a high detail reproduction of an image that closely matches the color and tone of an existing photograph. Scanning the original negative of the image retrieves the image detail. Scanning an existing photograph of the image retrieves the color and tone information. The image detail information and the color and tone information are then combined to create a high detail reproduction of the image that closely matches the color and tone of the existing photograph.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system, comprising a lens coupled to a lens control element is disclosed. The image capture system includes an image sensor configured to capture images from the lens, and a memory element and a processor coupled to the lens control element. The memory element includes image capture software, where the image capture software causes the lens and the image sensor to capture at least two images, each of the at least two images captured using a varying parameter and stored as a single file where the at least two images are combined to form a new image having at least one characteristic different from corresponding characteristics of the at least two images.

Abstract: A system for organizing and navigating through files allows a user to view and navigate through files in a rendering of three-dimensional space. The system comprises a plurality of files, each file comprising at least two attributes, a first code segment for mapping the at least two attributes into at least two dimensions, a graphical user interface for rendering the at least two attributes representing each file into three-dimensional space, where an icon represents each file, and where the graphical user interface allows a user to navigate through the three-dimensional space to view the icons representing each of the files. Embodiments of the invention map files into three-dimensional space according to values assigned to the attributes and allow the user to view and manipulate the files in three-dimensional space.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is disclosed that comprises the steps of acquiring a digital image, and automatically assigning an identifier to the digital image. The identifier allows the digital image to be accessed over a network.

Abstract: A scalable vector graphics (SVG) page layout logic receives a specification of a plurality of images, receives a specification for a page layout format, positions the specified number of images on a page and displays the page on a display.

Abstract: A camera comprising a memory for storing at least one camera setting for each of at least one user, a user identification sensor for identifying at least one of the at least one user of the camera, and a processor for controlling the camera according to the stored at least one camera setting in response to a signal from the sensor. Alternatively, a camera may comprise means for identifying at least one user of the camera, and means for automatically controlling the camera according to the identification of the user.

Abstract: A content information manager communicates content information to a digital image capture device. One embodiment comprises a means for storing the content information in a memory, a means for communicating the content information to a digital image capture device, and a means for receiving a request such that the content information is communicated to the digital image capture device when the request is received. Another embodiment comprises a means for communicating a request signal such that the content information manager provides the content information upon receiving the request signal, a means for receiving the content information from the content information manager, and a means for displaying the content information on a display residing on the digital image capture device.

Abstract: A system for improving the performance of a plurality of peripheral devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a first peripheral device associated with a first software component and having a first functionality, and a second peripheral device associated with a second software component and having a second functionality, the second peripheral device being coupled to the first peripheral device, the first and second peripheral devices together performing functionality in addition to the first and second functionalities and having a common user interface.

Abstract: Systems for providing information to a user are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes an identification device. The identification device incorporates a locator and a transmitter. The locator is configured to facilitate determining a location of the identification device so that information corresponding to a user of the identification device and information associated with the location of the identification device can be transmitted via the transmitter to a services system. In response to the information provided by the identification device, the services system can provide information to the user via the first identification device based, at least in part, on the location of the identification device. Image-capturing devices also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for obtaining and distributing calendar information from one or more calendar sources, as may be defined by a user, in a manner that allows for easy incorporation of the obtained calendar information into a personal or group calendar database. A collection and distribution unit is provided for obtaining calendar information from a predetermined calendar source. If necessary, the collection and distribution unit may convert the obtained calendar information into a predetermined format. Calendar data is distributed by the collection and distribution unit in accordance with preferences specified by a subscriber record.

Abstract: The present invention provides subscriber unit for obtaining and distributing calendar information from a collection and distribution unit, a specified calendar source or other subscriber unit. Calendar information is imported or otherwise incorporated into a calendar database associated with the subscriber unit.

Abstract: A data warehousing system, method, and logic for use with a plurality of uniquely-identifiable data capturing devices, and a warehouse for storing multiple sets of captured data from each device according to an identity of the device that captured each data set. The warehouse may comprise a service for that uniquely-names each data set from a single capture device and a service that maps the data sets to a domain of the warehouse corresponding to the device that captured the data set. The warehouse may also comprise a service that registers each data capturing device to an owner and a service that synchronizes data sets in the capturing devices with data sets in the warehouse.

Abstract: A digital camera simulates the use of fill flash. The camera takes a series of photographs of a scene at various focus distances. The photographs are stored, along with their corresponding focus distances. The photographs are analyzed to determine the distance to objects at various locations of the scene. Regions of a final photograph are selectively adjusted in brightness based on the distance information to simulate the effect that would have resulted had fill flash been used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a final image from an initial image wherein the final image and the initial image do not have the same aspect ration. The initial image is first resized so that the resized image has one of its dimensions equal to that of the final image. The resized image is placed at a position behind a mask having an opening, wherein the size of the opening is the same as the size of the final image and wherein the opening is substantially filled with a part of the resized image. The resize image is then moved to another position, wherein the opening is again substantially filled with a part of the resized image. The operator then selects the area of the resized image lying within the opening of the mask that he decides is the more pleasing view.

Abstract: A camera mount includes a body including a flat surface for mounting a camera. A hollow post is located on the flat surface and sized to fit within a mounting hole of the camera. A trigger device for raising and lowering a first connector is located within the hollow post. The first connector mates with a complimentary connector located within the mounting hole of the camera and a second connector is located on the body for connecting to a cable. The second connector is electrically connected to the first connector.

Abstract: A user interface for viewing and sorting photos at one time from a single common screen. The sorting operations includes such processes as deleting, locking, grouping, printing, and rotating the photographs or other data files such as tables. A user can (1) view from a single screen the photographs stored, (2) select the desired operations to perform on each photograph, and then (3) photograph by photograph view a display of selections made. Viewing and selecting desired operations from a single screen, eliminates unnecessary steps. In representative embodiments, a user of a digital camera or other imaging device can easily and conveniently perform these actions by selecting and activating a desired menu listed function using one or two thumbs while at the same time holding the camera.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that coordinates the printing of a page of photos that match the layout of a pre-existing matte. The matte layout can be created from a physical matte. When creating an electronic layout or template from a physical matte, a digital image of the matte and a reference target is created. The template can then be created by using the relationship in the digital image between the image of the reference target and the image of the physical matte.

Abstract: Color scanner apparatus utilizing color separation with multiple point narrow band illumination from N-colors of LEDs may comprise a multicolor light source for successively illuminating an object with N different colors of light between about a color red and a color blue. A photosensor responsive to light reflected from the object converts the reflected light into sets of color image data signals corresponding to each of the N different colors. A color image data processing apparatus connected to the photosensor converts the sets of color image data signals corresponding to each of the N different colors into equivalent tristimulus values.