Abstract: A method and system for providing communication with devices using instant messaging, by enabling a device to be an autonomous IM user. In one embodiment, a unique user login is obtained from an IM service for the device, and this unique user login is stored (e.g., on the device itself, or on another entity such as a computer or a remote server). Once the device is connected to the network, the device can then log onto the IM service, and function as an IM user. Other IM users can then communicate with the device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device can both send and receive messages. In one embodiment, received messages can be interpreted as commands to the device, based on pre-defined instructions.

Abstract: A method of processing image data includes providing an image capturing apparatus. A host device for receiving image data generated by the image capturing apparatus is provided. An image to be captured with the image capturing apparatus is targeted. First image data representing the targeted image is generated using the image capturing apparatus. The first image data has a first resolution size. A first tag to the first image data is attached for post processing in the host device. The first tag instructs the host device to convert the first image data from the first resolution size to a second resolution size. The apparatus is programmed to automatically attach the first tag to the first image data once the first image data is generated.

Abstract: A method of storing images includes providing an image capturing apparatus. A non-volatile memory medium is inserted into the image capturing apparatus. The non-volatile memory medium is suitable for storing image data. A program is written onto the non-volatile memory medium. The program is capable executing without specific user initiative when the non-volatile memory medium is coupled to a computer to access image data stored in the non-volatile memory medium.

Abstract: A system and a method for the transfer of data between a digital camera and a host using a novel combination of hardware and software related elements. An aspect of the hardware-related elements provides a camera base unit which remains connected with the host, and which the camera is connected with to facilitate the transfer of data to the host. The camera base unit significantly simplifies the connection between the camera and the host by alleviating the need to directly connect the camera with a host. Furthermore, the camera base unit, by providing a pass-through connection and placement guides that mate with the camera, assures that an intuitive placement of the camera on the camera base unit also enables an electronic connection between the camera and the host. Therefore, the simple placement of the camera in contact with the camera base unit ensures a proper interface between the camera and the host, which is connected with the camera base unit.

Abstract: A method and system for providing communication with devices using instant messaging, by enabling a device to be an autonomous IM user. In one embodiment, a unique user login is obtained from an IM service for the device, and this unique user login is stored (e.g., on the device itself, or on another entity such as a computer or a remote server). Once the device is connected to the network, the device can then log onto the IM service, and function as an IM user. Other IM users can then communicate with the device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device can both send and receive messages. In one embodiment, received messages can be interpreted as commands to the device, based on pre-defined instructions.

Abstract: An automatic, seamless connection for transmitting video regardless of the firewall configurations. In particular, the invention marries the peer-to-peer connection with a reflector, web page configuration. The producer of a video sends its IP address to a recipient. (1) The recipient then attempts to establish a peer-to-peer connection using the producer IP address. If this is unsuccessful, the recipient passes its IP address to a designated web server, which the producer will contact after it notices that the recipient has not established a connection. The producer retrieves the recipient IP address from the designated web server and (2) attempts to establish a peer-to-peer connection using the recipient IP address. If this is unsuccessful, (3) a reflector arrangement is used by the producer sending video to a reflector server.

Abstract: A method and system for sending image data on an image capturing apparatus, to specified destination(s). The image capturing apparatus includes a list of aliases for the various destinations which can be specified. The data to be sent, and the alias specifying the destination to which it is to be sent, is selected. The alias is then inserted into the data, and the modified data is downloaded to a host. The host contains a look-up table specifying the destination address(es) corresponding to the alias. The specified data is sent to this destination address.

Abstract: A method of storing images includes providing an image capturing apparatus. A non-volatile memory medium is inserted into the image capturing apparatus. The non-volatile memory medium is suitable for storing image data. A program is written onto the non-volatile memory medium. The program is capable executing without specific user initiative when the non-volatile memory medium is coupled to a computer to access image data stored in the non-volatile memory medium.

Abstract: A method of processing image data includes providing an image capturing apparatus. A host device for receiving image data generated by the image capturing apparatus is provided. An image to be captured with the image capturing apparatus is targeted. First image data representing the targeted image is generated using the image capturing apparatus. The first image data has a first resolution size. A first tag to the first image data is attached for post processing in the host device. The first tag instructs the host device to convert the first image data from the first resolution size to a second resolution size. The apparatus is programmed to automatically attach the first tag to the first image data once the first image data is generated.

Abstract: A system and a method for the transfer of data between a digital camera and a host using a novel combination of hardware and software related elements. An aspect of the hardware-related elements provides a camera base unit which remains connected with the host, and which the camera is connected with to facilitate the transfer of data to the host. The camera base unit significantly simplifies the connection between the camera and the host by alleviating the need to directly connect the camera with a host. Furthermore, the camera base unit, by providing a pass-through connection and placement guides that mate with the camera, assures that an intuitive placement of the camera on the camera base unit also enables an electronic connection between the camera and the host. Therefore, the simple placement of the camera in contact with the camera base unit ensures a proper interface between the camera and the host, which is connected with the camera base unit.