Abstract: The present invention provides subscriber unit for obtaining and distributing calendar information from a collection and distribution unit, a specified calendar source or other subscriber unit. Calendar information is imported or otherwise incorporated into a calendar database associated with the subscriber unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for obtaining and distributing calendar information from one or more calendar sources, as may be defined by a user, in a manner that allows for easy incorporation of the obtained calendar information into a personal or group calendar database. A collection and distribution unit is provided for obtaining calendar information from a predetermined calendar source. If necessary, the collection and distribution unit may convert the obtained calendar information into a predetermined format. Calendar data is distributed by the collection and distribution unit in accordance with preferences specified by a subscriber record.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing an image collection. The invention is preferably embodied in computer readable program code. Program code may be provided for receiving image data for at least one user image in the image collection. Program code may also be provided for selecting at least one professional image based on the image data, and for formatting at least one attribute of the professional image based at least in part on the image data for inclusion with the image collection.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for capturing non-audible information for processing thereof is disclosed. The system comprises an optical capture device that is operable to optically scan an area. The optical capture device is also operable to recognize a triggering identifier associated with a visual object within the area, and the optical capture device is operable to process non-audible information captured thereby from the visual object in response to the optical capture device recognizing the triggering identifier associated with the visual object.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for managing the size of software files that are to be transmitted. In one arrangement, the system and method pertain to referring to a default transmission setting to determine whether a media file to be created will be too large and adjusting media capture device settings to reduce the size of the media file that will be created where the file exceeds the predetermined size. In another arrangement, the system and method pertain to referring to a default transmission setting to determine whether the stored media file is too large and reducing the size of the stored media file where the file exceeds the predetermined size.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for distributing software. In one arrangement, the method comprises the steps of querying a user as to the needs of the user, receiving user responses to the query, characterizing the use of the user based upon the user responses, and suggesting software programs that may be beneficial to the user based upon the characterization of the use.

Abstract: System and method for scanning an image via an Internet receiver. A scanner may be linked to, or housed within, a set-top device or a display device or Internet appliance. The scanner automatically detects the image and acquires the image in electronic format. A control module for the Internet receiver is preferably embodied in computer readable program code stored on computer readable storage media. The computer readable program code may comprise program code for receiving the image in electronic format from the scanner; and program code for performing at least one function with the image in electronic format via the Internet receiver.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which enable optical capture of product registration information to aid in completion of product registrations. One embodiment provides a system for performing product registration, which comprises an optical device operable to optically capture a visual object associated with a product as digital data. The visual object includes product registration information for the product. The optical device may be an optical scanner or a digital camera, as examples. The optical device may be communicatively coupled to a first processing system, which is operable to communicate the captured product registration information to a second processing system (e.g., a vendor's product registration system) via a communication network. The product registration information may be optically captured by a user from a purchased product (e.g., at the user's home). Alternatively, the product registration information may be optically captured during a point-of-sale transaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a messaging system and methods for converting attachments to e-mails into a suitable format. The messaging system includes an e-mail server for receiving or sending an e-mail message for an intended recipient and a computer system including an e-mail client and a suite of software modules for processing data files having respective compatible data file formats. A trigger is provided for responding to a data file associated with an e-mail message and providing an indication that a data format of the data file associated with said e-mail message is not one of the compatible data formats. A data file converter, responsive to the trigger, selectively converts the data file associated with said e-mail message into one of the designated compatible data file formats.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for making single, merged digital images including a processor configured to provide a digital image, a monitor configured to display the digital image, a user input device configured to accept commands from a user and software associated with the processor. The software is configured for providing at least one object cursor capable of receiving a selected portion of the digital image when overlaid on the digital image, wherein the software is also configured to merge the object cursor and selected portion of the digital image into a single image.

Abstract: A communications system for airplane passengers includes a plurality of communications units fixedly mounted onboard an airplane. Each of the communications units is adapted to be operated by an associated passenger and may perform digital image viewing and/or scanning functions. At least one processor may be operatively connected to one or more image data receiver(s), a scanner, and a video screen. At least one remote connection device may also be provided which is adapted to connect each of the communications units to a remote location such as the Internet.

Abstract: A real time “plug and play” installation mechanism which, instead of signaling the operating system to activate a pre-existing installation file previously shipped with the operating system file structure, energizes the operating system to retrieve the installation from a remote source. Examples of locations from which the installation resources may be retrieved include (1) an internet universal resource location (URL), (2) a dial-up bulletin board service (BBS), (3) a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) in which any required access protocols are supplied with the new device being installed, or (4) non-volatile storage (e.g. firmware) physically located on the new device being installed. The device manufacturer gives the operating system manufacturer a special installation file at the time that the operating system manufacturer distributes a new release. The special file appears to the operating system to be a conventional installation file.