Abstract: A user interface of a digital camera permits the user to set the camera to a setting that represents what they want to do with the resulting image, rather than all of the parameters that are necessary to produce the image. Each of a set of aliases, shortcuts, vectors, or the like represent a set of parameter settings. The shortcuts are assigned names which are related to the final use of the image produced with that parameter set, that is, a name the user can understand. For example, these settings' names may be “email”, “up to 4×6”, “up to 5×7”, “up to 8×10”, or “best quality possible.” With these settings, if the user is taking pictures to email or view on a PC, then a lower resolution and compression parameter can be used. If the user wants to make 8×10 prints, they select that shortcut and the camera adjusts resolution and compression to deliver images that will produce good 8×10 prints.

Abstract: A content control system for limiting access by sensitive users, such as children, or the like, to certain types of content. The content control system provides a user interface for an information handling system, information appliance, content recorder, or the like that provides a single point of user control for parental locks for multiple audio and/or audiovisual devices. In embodiments of the invention, the content control system may employ a method of setting the content rating parameters of a content control system based on content rating of example content. The content control system may also employ a method for modifying the content rating of content received by a content recorder such as a personal video recorder, or the like.

Abstract: Digitally encoded content (e.g., music) is provided in a protected mode, along with a player that can unlock and/or decode this music on a user's personal computer (PC) for enjoyment only at their PC. Since the music is in a proprietary, protected form, the user cannot download to players for other formats, e.g., MP3 players, nor can a CD be burned for use external to the PC. If the user decides that they like the content and wants to use it on another playback device, e.g., a MP3 player, or copy it onto a CD-R for use in a standard audio player, the user can initiate a transaction for payment through the player. Once the transaction is completed, the player either converts or transforms the content into a format usable by the, e.g., MP3 player, or converts or transforms the content into wave format and writes it to a CD-R.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing capabilities of streaming content including video on demand to multiple users are provided. The system includes a central broadcast station and at least two user locations for receiving streaming content from the central broadcast station. Each user location includes receiving equipment capable of tuning into more than one channel simultaneously and capable of capturing content from a first channel in a first in first out buffer as it presents content from a second channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method of interacting with broadcast content based upon position. By providing a method and apparatus suitable for interacting with broadcast content based upon position, a user has a dynamic and flexible way of interacting with broadcast content. A method for determining availability of broadcast content to a broadcast content receiver may include determining position of a broadcast content receiver. The broadcast content receiver is suitable for obtaining broadcast content. A broadcast data is queried by the broadcast content receiver for broadcast transmittal data corresponding to the determined position of the broadcast content receiver.

Abstract: A powerline networking adapter attaches to a power brick and includes a network data connection and two AC power connections. In another embodiment, a hybrid power brick includes both AC-DC power conversion elements and powerline networking adapter circuits in the brick.

Abstract: An electronic recipe manager capable of merging two or more electronic recipes into a task list that can be executed to prepare a multiple dishes or food items of a complete a meal is described. Electronic recipes for preparing one or more food items are retrieved wherein each recipe includes at least one task. The recipes are then merged by combining the task(s) of each recipe to provide a task list suitable for use in preparing the food items, wherein the tasks are arranged chronologically so that the food items are completed and made ready to serve at substantially the same time. In exemplary embodiments, merging of the recipes may be accomplished by interrogating a database associating each task within the recipes with a time requirement describing the estimated time required for performing the task. When a task is performed, the actual time required for performing the task may be determined and used for updating the time requirement associated with the task.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting plug types capable of being inserted into a socket includes a processor, a housing having a plug receiving cavity for one or more plug types including a proper and improper plug type. Actuators are associated with the housing, and are coupled to switches electrically coupled to the processor. A first actuator is capable of contacting the proper and improper plug type and a second actuator is capable of contacting only the proper plug type. Switches may provide a signal to the processor when the improper and proper plug type has been plugged into the socket.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cellular or cordless phone whereby power line networking is either integrated within its base station and/or charger or added as a module that can be installed into the base station and/or charger, providing a method of transferring network data between the cellular or cordless phone and another processing element connected to the power line without any additional cables.

Abstract: A surge suppressor includes a high-pass filter configured to pass signals in the range suitable for use in a powerline network.

Abstract: A method of performing power down of a computer monitor when a video signal is no longer present and apparatus which performs the method schedules an automatic power conservation mode after a given period of time unless an inhibiting power sustain command embedded in the video signal is received. The power sustain command is placed in the regular video signal at a regular interval. The frequency of the command may be made shorter than the power-off timeout in order to maintain the power-on state of the monitor. Multiple time lapse thresholds may be set to permit multiple power conservation modes. This method may be implemented without making hardware changes in retrofitting a monitor.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying a remote device of a low battery capacity condition in a wireless communications system is disclosed. A detector monitors the capacity of the battery in a wireless device receiving operational power from the battery for a low capacity condition. A control system coupled to the detector sends a low battery capacity status signal to the remote device upon detection a low battery capacity condition. While the battery is in a low capacity condition, communications between the wireless device and the remote device may be maintained until the low battery capacity condition is corrected.

Abstract: A method and system for managing the transmission of data having variable priority over a transmission link are disclosed. Higher and lower priority data share a common transmission link such as a wireless communications network. Lower priority data such as a printing job does not interrupt or delay the transmission of higher priority data such as modem communications. When data to be transmitted is received by a transmitting device, a determination is made whether the data is higher or lower priority data. Higher priority data is transmitted, and lower priority data is saved in a memory for transmission during a lower priority time period. Errors occurring during the transmission of lower priority data are also saved for retransmission during a lower priority time period. A computer-based information handling system sends data to be transmitted to a transmitter for transmitting data over the transmission link. A receiver receives the data and sends the data to a remote device coupled to the receiver.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing a device with protection from a weather event. A method for providing a device with protection from weather events may include receiving a notification of a weather event. At least one weather characteristic of the weather event is determined and whether at least one device of a plurality of devices is ascertained as susceptible to the determined weather characteristic. Protective action is taken to protect the at least one device susceptible to the determined weather characteristic from the notified weather event.

Abstract: A method, system, signal and software which maintains an electronic program guide (EPG) that includes episode identifiers associated with program information. The method includes keeping a database of selected information and using the information in the database to specify programs or actions associated with specified programs. These programs may include, but are not limited to, recording a program that has not been previously recorded, or re-recording a program of lesser recording quality or reproduction quality if a better quality recording can be made.

Abstract: A computer system having a housing including an option bay into which a modular option device may be removably inserted is disclosed. The option bay includes a secondary access port providing access to the modular option device for uncluttered connection of lines and easy access to control functions. The secondary access port may be covered by a sliding door that opens automatically upon insertion of selected modular option devices into the option bay.

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting the settings of an information handling system based on the individual user preferences of one or more users is disclosed. An individual user preference profile is retrieved for each identified user of the information handling system. A combined user preference profile is negotiated based on the individual user preference profiles retrieved for each identified user. The settings are then adjusting based on the combined user preference profile. A user interface identifies users of the information handling system. A system controller retrieves an individual user preference profile for each identified user, negotiates a combined user preference profile based on the individual user preference profiles retrieved for each identified user, and adjusts the settings of the information handling system based on the combined user preference profile.

Abstract: A standalone kiosk accepts photographic data from a customer for printing one or more photographs from that photographic data. The kiosk may estimate the amount of time required to generate physical prints of the photographic data and display that time estimate to the customer. The kiosk establishes a connection with a wireless communications device carried by the customer and notifies the customer when the printed photographs are complete. The kiosk may dispense a wireless communications device; such as a pager, to the customer to allow for such a connection.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying a remote device of a low battery capacity condition in a wireless communications system is disclosed. A detector monitors the capacity of the battery in a wireless device receiving operational power from the battery for a low capacity condition. A control system coupled to the detector sends a low battery capacity status signal to the remote device upon detection a low battery capacity condition. While the battery is in a low capacity condition, communications between the wireless device and the remote device may be maintained until the low battery capacity condition is corrected.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying a remote device of a low battery capacity condition in a wireless communications system is disclosed. A detector monitors the capacity of the battery in a wireless device receiving operational power from the battery for a low capacity condition. A control system coupled to the detector sends a low battery capacity status signal to the remote device upon detection a low battery capacity condition. While the battery is in a low capacity condition, communications between the wireless device and the remote device may be maintained until the low battery capacity condition is corrected.