Abstract: A condition of a subject is monitored by a wearable recording unit that adaptively records various signals associated with the condition of the subject. The various signals are recorded by the wearable recording unit using a recording plan that is contextually adaptively updated to the monitored subject from one recording session to another based on the result of the analysis of previous recording sessions.

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: Transferring a package from a source location to a target location, including obtaining the package from a shipper at the source location, the package containing no indication of the target location; affixing to the package a unique identifier; storing, in a package routing system, the unique identifier, and associating therewith, information identifying the target location; transporting the package toward the target locations associated with the unique identifier; and delivering the package to the target location associated with the unique identifier in the package routing system.

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: 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 a personal computer and a second sublist an a mobile calling device. At the completion of a calling task or other event, the list is automatically updated.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a usage of objects, the method includes: receiving, by a control unit, an indication that a user intends to use an object; wherein the utilization is dependent upon a reception of power from a power supply network; receiving, by the control unit, over a power line communication network and from a power controller associated with the object, a request to determine whether to enable a provision of power from the power supply network; determining, by the control unit, whether to allow a reception of power by the object; and sending to the power controller a power indication representative of the determination.

Abstract: A system including a portable object and a portable object holder is disclosed. Preferably, the portable object is an electronic device such as a flash memory drive such as a USB flash drive. According to some embodiments, when the portable object and the portable object holder are attached to each other, the combination is convenient for a user to carry in her pocket. While detached from each other, the portable object holder is retained in a state where the portable object holder is inconvenient for a user to carry in her pocket. Thus, the user may be less likely to forget the electronic device after use, and may be more likely to remember to replace the electronic device in or on the device holder. According to some embodiments, the portable object holder has a first state and a second state. Detachment of the portable object from the portable object holder is operative to cause the device holder to adopt the second state, where at least one dimension of the device holder is increased.

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: An electromechanical locking system includes a locking mechanism that is switchable between a locked position and an unlocked position, a keyway for receiving a rotatable key, a latch, and an angle detector for detecting an angular orientation of the key while the key is in the keyway. After detecting a sequence of angular orientations of a key, the angle detector may issue a corresponding angle sequence data. A lock controller controls the latch in accordance with an authentication data that has been received from the key and the issued angle sequence data that reflects a combination code. If the authentication data and the angle sequence data are both valid, the lock controller enable operation of the latch, whether automatically or manually. The key includes a light source that projects a light beam at an acute angle in order to provide a visual indication of a current angular orientation of the key.

Abstract: A storage system for exchanging data with a host system, the storage system including a plurality of storage devices, each of the storage devices including: a non-volatile memory, wherein a fixed static-IP address resides in the non-volatile memory, the fixed static-IP address being common to two or more of the plurality of storage devices, and the fixed static-IP address providing enablement of a storage-device functionality of the storage device; a physical interface for operationally connecting the storage device with the host system; and a memory controller for: controlling the respective non-volatile memory; and exchanging data, using a communication protocol, via the respective fixed static-IP address. For at least one of the storage devices, the respective fixed static-IP address may be pre-loaded into the respective non-volatile memory during manufacture, or installed in the respective non-volatile memory after manufacture.

Abstract: An alarm clock device includes a monitor for monitoring a transmission of a selected station, a detector for detecting, in the transmission of the selected station, at least one milestone. A controller operating in response to detection of the milestone is provided to store, in a memory, data of the transmission after the milestone was detected, and to initiate playing of the data at a selected wakeup time. According to the present invention, the data is recorded in response to detecting a transmission of a selected station selected from a plurality of stations.

Abstract: A method of servicing a command sent from a host device file system (HDFS) within a host device (HD) by a local storage device (LSD) in communication with the HD is described. The method includes receiving a first command at the LSD instructing the LSD to execute an operation on associated logical addresses. If the first command is associated with at least a first set of logical addresses, the method includes servicing the first command by the LSD at least by way of sending a second command to a device (RD) external to the LSD that instructs the RD to execute an operation on memory locations within the RD. If the first command is not associated with the first set of logical addresses, the method includes servicing the first command by the LSD only by way of operations executed by the LSD on memory locations within the LSD.

Abstract: A local storage device (LSD) is provided configured to have a host device (HD) in communication with the LSD. The LSD includes a memory array. The LSD is configured to characterize data access usage of the LSD by at least one program executing on the HD. The LSD is configured to monitor access to the LSD as a result of data access operations by the HD relative to the memory array of the LSD. The LSD is additionally configured to determine characteristics of the monitored access. The LSD is additionally configured to, based on characteristics of the monitored access, determine and store data on the LSD indicative of the characterized monitored access.

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: 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: 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 computing system including: a host system; at least one device, mechanically connected to the host system, each device having an active state and an inactive state, wherein each device is conductively disconnected from the host system when the inactive state is enabled; and a mechanism for the host system to switch each device between the active state and the inactive state Preferably, at least one device is connected to the host system via a connector. Preferably, the device is hard-wired to the host system. Preferably, some wires of at least one device are isolated from the host system via a mechanical contactor. Preferably, some wires of at least one device are isolated from the host system via an optical isolator. Preferably, the system further includes: a switching battery; and a mechanism for charging the battery when at least one device is disconnected from the host system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for protecting a peripheral device in a computing system from electrical surge currents, the method including the steps of: providing a controller operationally connected to a host system; and reversibly conductively connecting, via the controller, wires of the device to the host system. Preferably, the device is connected to the host system via a connector. Preferably, the device is hard-wired to the host system. Preferably, at least some wires of the device are isolated from the host system via a mechanical contactor. Preferably, at least some wires of the device are isolated from the host system via an optical isolator. Preferably, the method further includes the step of: charging a switching battery when the device is disconnected from the host system. Most preferably, the method further includes the step of: powering the device using the battery when the device is connected to the host system.

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.