Abstract: A portable storage device controllable by a remote service center is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the portable storage device includes a register for storing permission indicia and a non-volatile user memory for storing user data. Upon receiving a permission directive from a remote service center (e.g. via the host device), the permission indicia may be replenished (i.e. if it is desired to extend additional device-use privileges) or depleted (i.e. if is desired to deny or reduce device-use privileges). When providing host access to the onboard non-volatile user memory of the portable storage device, the permission indicia are consumed, thereby limiting the extent of host-user memory access allowable without a refresh of the permission indicia. Exemplary permission indicia include but are not limited to distinct host-device couplings, inter-device transfer quota, and usage time quote. Methods, systems including the aforementioned portable storage device, and computer code are also described.

Abstract: A portable storage device includes a storage area for storing data; a first connector operative to enable access to only a first portion of the storage area; a second connector operative to enable access to only a second portion of the storage area; and a single housing that accommodates the storage area, the first connector and the second connector. An access control mechanism also controls access to the first portion of the storage area.

Abstract: An audio recording device includes a memory storing pre-recorded audio data that include a plurality of voice tags; a detector that is operative to produce a signal upon detection of a substantial similarity between a first portion of a statement spoken by a user and one of the voice tags; and a controller operative, in accordance with the signal produced by the detector, to store, in the memory, a second portion of the statement in association with the voice tag. In accordance with the scope of the invention, audio data may further include instruction commands, such that in response to a substantial similarity detected by the detector between a first portion of the statement and one of the instruction commands, the instruction command is applied in association with the second portion of the statement.

Abstract: A card connector having a card attachment mechanism, a host attachment mechanism and electrical signal paths extending from the card attachment mechanism to the host attachment mechanism. The card attachment mechanism is reversibly attached to a card. The host attachment mechanism may be permanently attached to the card attachment mechanism and also reversibly attached to the host. The card attachment mechanism is configured to connect the electrical signal paths to electrical signal paths on the card, and the card connector is configured to transfer signals between the card and the host without changing the protocol of the signals. A card is configured for attachment with a connector to enable USB communication with a host.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an enforcement system for controlling security in a territory including: (a) a multifunctional device having a plurality of device functionalities; (b) a disabling mechanism for reversibly disabling at least one device functionality; and (c) a gate controller, for enforcing security in the territory, having a restricting mechanism for activating the disabling mechanism. A method for controlling device functionalities of a device in a territory including the steps of: (a) sending a disable instruction to the device to disable at least one device functionality upon entry of the device into the territory; and (b) disabling at least one device functionality, by the device, upon receipt by the device of the disable instruction.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer-code are disclosed where an impending decoupling between a peripheral device and a host is detected. In some embodiments, in response to the detected impending disconnection, a user alert signal is generated. In some embodiments, an ‘onboard detector’ that is associated with housing of the peripheral device and operative to detect the impending disconnection is provided. In some embodiments, the user alert signal is generated in accordance with inter-device data flow between the host and the peripheral device. Exemplary peripheral devices include but are not limited to transient storage devices such as a USB flash drives (UFD).

Abstract: A device includes a carrier having a form factor of a smart card and a mechanism for reversibly retaining a card within an aperture of the carrier. The card is configured according to a standard, such as an ID-000 format, with an electronic circuitry. The mechanism can be by means of cuts, adhesive label, breakable extensions, solidifying adhesive material, connectors, etc.

Abstract: A storage device includes a local memory, wherein data are locally stored, and a controller that is operative, in accordance with a reduction policy, to modify the data on the local memory, thereby freeing storage area on the local memory.

Abstract: The present audio arrangement of a headset and an audio extension cord enables a user to listen to a portable audio player while essentially eliminating the risk that the audio extension cord would become tangled with exterior objects. The audio extension cord attaches to the user's shirt and provides to the headset a signal path from the portable audio player, which is attached at the waist or on the arm. No modification of a standard portable audio player is necessary, which thus provides widespread applicability. The invention can also be embodied as a method of attaching an audio extension cord to a shirt in a fashion to facilitate listening to a portable audio player with a nearly eliminated risk that the audio extension cord would encumber nearby objects.

Abstract: A file synchronization system that includes a non-volatile memory for storing at least one bookmark respective to a file; a telecommunication mechanism for receiving a new bookmark value respective to this file; and a controller operative to update the respective bookmark according to the new bookmark value; and to control presentation of the file in accordance with the updated bookmark value. A plurality of bookmarks that associate to a single file are stored in the file synchronization system, each such bookmark respective to a different user.

Abstract: A system including a plug device, configured to be reversibly operationally plugged into a socket of a standard configuration, and a socket device, configured with at least one restriction structure that prevents a plug that is configured according to the standard configuration from being operationally plugged into the socket device. The plug device is configured with a respective accommodating structure to be reversibly operationally plugged into the socket device despite the restriction structure. The scope of the invention also includes a method of digital rights management by configuring a media player with the socket device of the present invention to connect to a media carrier configured with the plug device of the present invention, thereby allowing only the media carrier configured with the plug of the present invention to download data to this media player.

Abstract: A method for managing a memory device, a memory device so managed and a system that includes such a memory device. A value of a longevity parameter of the device is monitored after a data operation on the device in which the monitoring is performed by the device. A grade of the device is derived from the value. Preferred longevity parameters include a ratio of successfully-processed data to unsuccessfully-processed data and a deviation in a power consumption of the device. The grade serves as a forecast of a life expectancy of the memory. Preferred grades include: a comparison grade, a maximum grade, and an average grade.

Abstract: The present invention teaches systems and methods for validating a user's identity to a validating agent. The system includes a verifiable digital certificate (MPCs—Mobile Presentable Certificates) issued by a certifying authority to a user. The digital certificate is validated by a user device, configured to store and transmit the digital certificate, and an agent device, configured to receive the digital certificate from the user device. Preferably, the devices have a graphical display. MPCs can be transmitted by various communication methods. Verification of MPCs can be performed via a remote certifying authority. MPCs include: a driver's license, a customer discount card, a membership card, a competition-ranking status, and a venue admission ticket. Optionally, MPCs include quadrants which conform to an MPC standard. The method includes issuing an MPC to the user; and transmitting the MPC from a user device to an agent device of the validating agent.

Abstract: A storage device including: a local storage for storing items on the storage device; a display for displaying prioritized menus of item entries, wherein the item entries represent high-use items and low-use items; a memory in which is stored: program code for setting criteria related to parameters external to the prioritized menus, the criteria being based on a usage likelihood of each item represented by each associated item entry; and program code for applying the criteria to modify a priority order of the item entries in the prioritized menus; and a CPU for executing the program code. Preferably, the memory has program code for conserving storage space in the local storage. Preferably, the memory has program code for conserving storage space in the local storage by moving the high-use items into, and the low-use items out of, the local storage according to the priority order.

Abstract: A method and system for enhanced electronic delivery and sale of a content item. In order to speed delivery and avoid congestion of a delivery channel, a potential customer is identified and the item delivered prior to solicitation by the customer. Delivery is at a time when communication resources available prior to a critical time of peak demand. Delivery of the item may be enhanced via multicasting. Sale of the item is encouraged through one click context sensitive buying.

Abstract: A portable storage device includes a meclhanismn for receiving a value of an identification parameter from a receiving device, a non-volatile memory for storing digital content, a licensing policy, and a license for viewing the digital content on the receiving device as identified by the identification parameter, and a controller that is operative, in response to the identification parameter and the license, to provide a controlled feeding of at least a portion of the digital content to the receiving device, in accordance with the licensing policy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for a computing portal system including: a computing engine for performing computing operations; at least one memory component for storing program code of an operating system; a computing-engine connector for providing operational connectivity to the engine, wherein the connector is a contact pad; a solid package for housing the engine, at least one memory component, and the connector; at least two peripheral assemblies, each assembly for providing power and resources when operationally connected to the connector; and program code, residing on at least one memory component, for enabling functional operation of the engine as a main processing unit of each computing portal, wherein each computing portal includes the computing engine and one assembly, upon operational connection of the engine to one assembly.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a powerless lockable UFD system and a method for securely protecting information stored and retrieved on UFDs (USB flash drives) that does not require electric power in order to enter a password to the UFD. The system also features an alarm and reset mechanism for clearing entered passwords. Passwords are concealed from the sight of a viewer for further protection. The system can be similarly incorporated into peripheral devices such as hard-disk drives (HDDs), printers, scanners, cameras, and portable memory devices.

Abstract: A card vending machine includes a storage area, wherein each of a plurality of memory cards to be issued by a respective one of at least two different issuers are stored. A security mechanism conditions access of each issuer to only a respective portion of the storage area upon authorization of this issuer. An interface mechanism is operated by a user to define a purchasing transaction and a controller is operative, in accordance with the interface mechanism, to customize a memory card at least in part according to the purchasing transaction.

Abstract: A system and method for postponing and managing outgoing calling tasks for on or off-site retrieval are presented. More precisely a system and method are presented to compile a list of pending calling tasks, transfer a task to a calling device and prompt a user to make a call. Optionally the list may contain synchronized sublists, one sublist on personal computer and a second sublist on a mobile calling device.