Abstract: In a portable electronic device having an anti-theft functionality and a separate user-operable useful functionality, a method of using the portable electronic device includes operating the user-operable useful functionality; using the anti-theft functionality, wherein using the anti-theft functionality includes inserting an anchor into a socket of the portable electronic device, the anchor being connected to an object separate from the portable electronic device; locking the anchor in the socket to thereby secure the anchor to the portable electronic device; and unlocking the anchor from the socket upon verifying an unlock code that is received at the portable electronic device. The portable electronic device includes a locking mechanism switchable between a locked position in which the anchor is secured to the socket, and an unlocked position in which the anchor is not locked in the socket.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively facilitating access to RFID data of one more RFID tags within a faraday cage are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, (i) an external RFID interrogation signal is received (for example, by one more external antennae deployed outside of the faraday cage; (ii) a determination is made if access to RFID data of one more RFID tags within the faraday cage is permitted; and (iii) contingent on the determining that access from outside of the faraday cage is permitted, access is provided to RFID data of one or more RFID tag(s) within the faraday cage. This access providing may include the steps of: i) in response to the received external RFID interrogation signal, interrogating inside the faraday the cage one or more RFID tags; ii) receiving an RFID response from one or more of the interrogated RFID tags; and iii) transmitting to outside the faraday cage the received RFID response.

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 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: 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 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: 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 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.