Abstract: A device for communication may include an optical sensor to capture an image. A processor may be provided to identify or select a class of data in the image and to perform a predetermined function in response to the class of data.

Abstract: A system, device and method for wirelessly controlling a plurality of electronic appliances arranged within a local area include an electronic device having a location detection circuit, a user interface circuit and a display device. The location detection circuit is operative to determine a general location of the electronic device within the local area, and the user interface circuit is operative to receive the determined general location. Based thereon, the user interface circuit configures at least one user interface for control of at least one electronic appliance located in the same general location as the electronic device. The display device may display the user interface configured by the user interface circuit.

Abstract: A method and system of quality management for a digital photograph includes using multi-zone autofocus information to generate an image file that has a high-quality portion and a low-quality portion. In one approach, captured image data is processed so that a portion of the image data corresponding to an area different than a focus zone is lower in quality than image data corresponding to an area inside the focus zone. In another approach, sensor resolution responsiveness is set higher for a sensor area corresponding to a focus zone than sensor resolution responsiveness in an area different than the sensor area corresponding to the focus zone.

Abstract: A system, device and method for wirelessly controlling a plurality of electronic appliances arranged within a local area include an electronic device having a location detection circuit, a user interface circuit and a display device. The location detection circuit is operative to determine a general location of the electronic device within the local area, and the user interface circuit is operative to receive the determined general location. Based thereon, the user interface circuit configures at least one user interface for control of at least one electronic appliance located in the same general location as the electronic device. The display device may display the user interface configured by the user interface circuit.

Abstract: A button for efficiently displaying indicia on a hand-held device. A button constructed according to a first embodiment includes a main section and an integral extension having indicia positioned thereon. A second embodiment includes a main body section having at least one end containing indicia. Both embodiments provide for the user to actuate the button while still maintaining visible contact with the indicia. The present invention may also include an active character position within the button in which indicia is cycled through by actuating the button. The value of the indicia displayed in the active character position may then be input by an enter function.

Abstract: A battery pack provides electrical power to an electrical or electronic device. The battery pack includes a case removably receivable on an electrical or electronic device. A battery cell is disposed in the case. Battery terminals are mounted to the case and are operatively connected to the cell for mating with corresponding terminals on the device, in use, to connect the cell to the device. A photodetector is mounted to the case for receiving a wireless control signal. A control circuit is operatively connected to the photodetector and the battery cell for controlling operation of the battery pack responsive to the wireless control signal.

Abstract: Information about a battery pack, such as the battery pack type of the battery pack, is communicated to a recharging device, preferably a wireless communications device such as a cellular telephone, via an information signal generated by the battery pack so that the recharging device may automatically distinguish between a plurality of different battery pack types to identify the type of an attached battery pack. The identification signal may be a repeating type having a fixed frequency between a low voltage level and a high voltage level and a dwell time at the high value. The identification signal is communicated to the recharging device and averaged over time. The averaged identification signal is compared against a reference signal, such as the voltage level of the battery, to determine a ratio therebetween.

Abstract: A multi-rate charging circuit includes charging electronics adapted to condition power received from a power source according to operational settings for one or more charge parameters. A plurality of user-selectable charge sets each include settings for one or more of the charge parameters and one of the charge sets is designated as the current default charge set. The charging electronics assume the settings of the default charge set upon power-up, thereafter the user may select an alternative charge set if so desired. A trigger monitor, such as a current level sensor, monitors for the occurrence of a trigger event, such as low current flow associated with the removal of a battery pack, and generates a reset signal in response thereto. The reset signal causes the charging electronics to automatically assume the settings represented by the current default charge set for its operational settings.