Abstract: A method and memory device for generating a time estimate are provided. In one embodiment, a memory device generates a time estimate from time stamps in file system metadata for a plurality of files stored in the memory device and uses the time estimate to perform a time-based activity in the memory device. In another embodiment, a memory device generates a time estimate from time stamps stored in a plurality of files stored in the memory device and uses the time estimate to perform a time-based activity in the memory device. In yet another embodiment, a memory device obtains a plurality of time stamps, selects one or more of the plurality of time stamps based on validity rankings, generates a time estimate from the selected time stamp(s), and uses the time estimate to perform a time-based activity in the memory device.

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 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: Systems and methods are disclosed for computing various determinations at one or more mobile devices and/or central machines. In part, such determinations are computed based on analysis of one or more inputs originating at one or more sensors of one or more devices. Such determinations include determining an in-vehicle role, an in-vehicle location, a handheld state, and a vehicle class. Various transformations, modifications, and outputs can result from such determinations. Also disclosed are systems and methods for restricting operation of a mobile device, including restrictions that impede operation by a driver moreso than operation by a passenger. Also disclosed are systems and methods for orienting a coordinate system of a mobile device.

Abstract: A wireless telecommunication device including a foreground unit, and a background unit that is physically separated from the foreground unit and in local communication with the foreground unit. The foreground unit is provided to support incoming calls independently of the background unit. Furthermore, the foreground unit and the background unit cooperate to support outgoing calls. The scope of the invention also includes a method for doing business by offering the foreground unit for sale in a packaging having a form factor selected from the group consisting of a pen, a pen cap, a wristwatch, and a necklace.

Abstract: A method executed by a circuit for counting electrons in storage cells in an array of at least two storage cells is provided. The method includes providing a storage array of at least two storage cells, and each of said at least two storage cells containing an unknown amount of electrons. A receiving array of at least two receiving cells is provided, where said at least two receiving cells initially contain no electrons. Then, extracting a layer of said electrons from said storage array of cells and inserting said layer into corresponding locations in said receiving array. The method then repeats said steps of extracting and inserting while at least one of said at least two storage cells is not empty. The method counts, for each said storage cell in said storage array, a productive-extraction amount.

Abstract: Content is created at a first location using a video camera or other device. At least a subset of the created content is stored in non-volatile storage at the first location. At least a portion of the content stored in the non-volatile storage is transmitted to a remote entity via a network in response to a trigger. If the network becomes unavailable, the camera will store the video in a local flash memory and when the network becomes available, the camera can transmit the video from the flash memory to the server or other client. Alternatively, the camera may transmit low resolution video to the server while storing a high resolution version of the video in the local flash memory. If a trigger event occurs, the camera will then send the appropriate high resolution video the local flash memory to the server.

Abstract: A recording unit includes one or more signal sensors and a recording controller. The recording controller is configured to execute a first recording instruction to record first data received from the one or more signal sensors. The first data is recorded according to first recording rules that specify a first value of a parameter. The recording controller is also configured to, in response to an irregularity detected in the first data, execute a second recording instruction to record second data received from the one or more signal sensors. The second data is recorded according to second recording rules that specify a second value of the parameter, where the second value differs from the first value.

Abstract: A method of using a device, including monitoring host activity in an autonomous manner, without the host reporting to the device about its activity. The method also including initiating communications from the device and using resources of the host for such communications, thereby enabling the device to function as a proactive device.

Abstract: Various methods, devices and systems are described for providing distributed storage services. A data storage device is capable of initiating a communication session with an external entity such as a local host computer (and vice versa) coupled directly to the data storage device, a remote server computer, or directly with remote data storage devices with or without intervention by a local host computer.

Abstract: An information system includes a server that creates an information reservoir with data units for a user of a mobile communication device based on a unique user profile of the user of the mobile communication device. The server creates the unique user profile based on interaction of the user with the mobile communication device or with another computing system. The server transfers the information reservoir to the mobile communication device and each time the user requests data from a web site, the server scans it to find key terms. If the server finds key term(s) in the data, it uses a tagging rule to mark the key term(s) and, then, it transfers the data with the marked term(s) to the mobile communication device. The user may, then, select a marked key term to call/display a data unit that is locally stored on the mobile communication device.

Abstract: Devices, methods and computer-readable code for simultaneously monitoring the content of at least two streaming audio content channels are disclosed. In some embodiments, the monitored content is analyzed, and one or more features of the monitored content channels are computed, including but not limited to music classification features, content genre features, and spoken content features. These computed features may be used, for example, to compute a rating or score for each monitored audio channel, for example, a rating computed relative to user listening preferences, expressed, for example, in preference rules. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed device includes a channel selector for automatically tuning, for example, to a channel assigned a higher rating at a given time. Alternatively or additionally, content rating scores may be displayed to a user who manually selects and tunes to an audio content channel.

Abstract: Holders for portable memory cards and methods for manufacturing such holders are provided. A holder for a portable memory card described herein is configured to attach to a host device such that a portable memory card can travel with a host even when the portable memory card is not being used with the host. A holder for a portable memory card described herein may have a low profile design compatible with host electronic devices of increasingly small form factor, such as mobile phones and portable media players. A holder for a portable memory card may also include a lock for locking a portable memory card in a compartment formed by the memory card holder to prevent accidental removal of the portable memory card from the compartment.

Abstract: A low power, low cost system and method for the detection of flow disturbances in a fluid dripping system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a light source and a light detector configured to monitor the amount of light passing through a droplet while the droplet is suspended and later falls from the tip of a tube. In another embodiment, dripping fluid is monitored from a system maintained part of the time in a sleep mode to conserve power, the system waking up at predetermined times to determine from detected light whether the monitored system is functioning properly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for counting items in storage containers in an array of at least two storage containers, the method including the steps of: providing a storage array of at least two storage containers, each of the storage containers containing an unknown amount of items; providing a receiving array of at least two receiving containers, wherein the receiving containers initially contain no items; extracting a layer of the items from the storage array; inserting the layer into corresponding locations in the receiving array; repeating the steps of extracting and inserting while at least one of the storage containers is not empty; counting, for each storage container in the storage array, a productive-extraction amount; and reporting, for at least some of the storage containers, the productive-extraction amount from each storage container. Preferably, the method further includes recovering a storage identity upon recovery from a system failure that erases the productive-extraction amount.

Abstract: A memory device is disclosed including at least one surface pre-treated to roughen the surface for better adhesion of a curable fluid such as glue or ink on the surface. The surface of the memory device may be pre-treated by scoring lines in the surface with a laser or by forming discrete deformations with a particle blaster. The surface may also be roughened by providing a roughened pattern on a mold plate during an encapsulation process. In further examples, the surface may be chemically pre-treated to roughen the surface and/or increase the adhesion energy of the surface.

Abstract: A sticky drive includes a flash storage device and a mounting structure having a stickable surface. The mounting structure is coupled to the flash storage device to enable a user to attach the flash storage device to a user-selected object.

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 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: A dual-interface connector for providing an interface to a storage device and an interface to a host and for connecting between a storage device and a host includes a storage device interface, for connecting with a storage device, and a host interface, for connecting with a host. A controller is operable in at least two distinct modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the controller enables a session to be opened, by the host, between the storage device and the host when the storage device is connected to the storage device interface and the host is connected to the host interface. In a second mode of operation, the controller is operative, if an open session exists between the storage device and the host, to maintain the open session between the storage device and the host even after the storage device is disconnected from the storage device interface.