Abstract: Subscription based content is decrypted for one or more trial periods without shortening the subscription period for the device. The subscription period for the content does not start until the expiration of the last trial period. The subscription logic included with the device monitors a packet value received in a broadcast to determine when the device is receiving a packet within a trial period. The packet value is time-based such that the subscription logic can determine when the device has exceeded the number of allowed trial periods as well as to determine when the subscription ends.

Abstract: Preview content is automatically downloaded to a user's device. When desired, the user may obtain more detailed information relating to the preview information. The more detailed information may be personalized to the user. The user may customize the preview content they receive on their device. For example, using a web interface, the user may select which preview information they wish to receive on their device. Preview content may also be automatically configured for the user. The preview information may be displayed on a low power auxiliary display which is readily visible by the user. The more detailed information may be automatically downloaded based on a user's preferences, or the user may explicitly request to receive the more detailed information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital apparatus, such as a digital camera, which generates a digital representation of an image. The digital apparatus includes an image sensor having an array of pixels. An analog-to-digital converter converts electrical signals from the array of pixels into digital data representative of the image. Information indicative of locations of defective pixels in the pixel array is stored in a pixel defect memory. Compensation circuitry compensates the digital data representative of the image using the information indicative of the locations of the defective pixels. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a digital apparatus having compensation for defective pixels.

Abstract: A method and system for synchronizing multiple versions of multimedia objects is provided. Each multimedia object may be identified by a unique identifier. In addition, a history graph may be generated and maintained for each object, where the history graph includes nodes that store unique identifiers and whose vectors describe the relationship between the multimedia objects. Metadata may be used to describe the transformations of objects.

Abstract: An electronic device is configured to perform different actions (e.g. playing media content) for an alarm in response to a received broadcast signal. The broadcast data received by the device is used to determine what action to perform when the alarm is triggered. The action to be performed may change based on the received broadcast data. For example, different media content may be selected in response to the received broadcast data. The action may also relate to modifying the playback of the media content in response to the broadcast data. The device may also be configured to quantize values into ranges for selection of the appropriate media as well as modify playback of the media in response to the broadcast data.

Abstract: Subscription based content is decrypted for one or more trial periods without shortening the subscription period for the device. The subscription period for the content does not start until the expiration of the last trial period. The subscription logic included with the device monitors a packet value received in a broadcast to determine when the device is receiving a packet within a trial period. The packet value is time-based such that the subscription logic can determine when the device has exceeded the number of allowed trial periods as well as to determine when the subscription ends.

Abstract: A digital audio recording device is provided with an audio recorder adapted to receive sound waves and to provide in response a digital audio data stream. The recording device also includes an image recorder which provides digital representations of multiple still frame images. A synchronizer receives the digital audio data stream and the digital representations of the still frame images and provides as an output the digital audio data stream synchronized with the still frame images. An image selection input provides interactive synchronization of particular still frame images with particular portions of the audio data stream. In addition, methods of synchronizing the audio data stream and the still frame images are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the image acquisition time in a digital imaging device by processing segments of the image through an image processing pipeline and storing the processed image segments. Processing segments of the image allows the digital imaging device to write processed data segments to a storage medium while other image segments are being processed. Any portion of the image processing pipeline may be divided to perform parallel processing on the image segments to increase processing speed.

Abstract: A method and system for synchronizing multiple versions of multimedia objects is provided. Each multimedia object may be identified by a unique identifier. In addition, a history graph may be generated and maintained for each object, where the history graph includes nodes that store unique identifiers and whose vectors describe the relationship between the multimedia objects. Metadata may be used to describe the transformations of objects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for reducing the image acquisition time in a digital imaging device by processing segments of the image through an image processing pipeline and storing the processed image segments. Processing segments of the image allows the digital imaging device to write processed data segments to a storage medium while other image segments are being processed. Any portion of the image processing pipeline may be divided to perform parallel processing on the image segments to increase processing speed.

Abstract: A method and a camera perform processing functions based on a preliminary frame of light before capturing a second frame of light that forms a final camera image. After the light for the final image is captured, additional post-capture processing is performed on image data produced from that light. The results of the pre-capture processing are combined with the results of the post-capture processing to produce a final set of image data.

Abstract: A digital audio recording device is provided with an audio recorder adapted to receive sound waves and to provide in response a digital audio data stream. The recording device also includes an image recorder which provides digital representations of multiple still frame images. A synchronizer receives the digital audio data stream and the digital representations of the still frame images and provides as an output the digital audio data stream synchronized with the still frame images. An image selection input provides interactive synchronization of particular still frame images with particular portions of the audio data stream. In addition, methods of synchronizing the audio data stream and the still frame images are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital apparatus, such as a digital camera, which generates a digital representation of an image. The digital apparatus includes an image sensor having an array of pixels. An analog-to-digital converter converts electrical signals from the array of pixels into digital data representative of the image. Information indicative of locations of defective pixels in the pixel array is stored in a pixel defect memory. Compensation circuitry compensates the digital data representative of the image using the information indicative of the locations of the defective pixels. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a digital apparatus having compensation for defective pixels.

Abstract: A digital audio recording device is provided with an audio recorder adapted to receive sound waves and to provide in response a digital audio data stream. The recording device also includes an image recorder which provides digital representations of multiple still frame images. A synchronizer receives the digital audio data stream and the digital representations of the still frame images and provides as an output the digital audio data stream synchronized with the still frame images. An image selection input provides interactive synchronization of particular still frame images with particular portions of the audio data stream. In addition, methods of synchronizing the audio data stream and the still frame images are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for uniquely identifying programs included in broadcasts. One or more samples are obtained from a program and these samples are compared with corresponding samples of other programs. The samples are obtained from a descriptive stream such as the closed captioning stream of the program. The comparison of the sample(s) includes compensating the sample(s) for timing/framing offsets and also uses fuzzy comparisons to account for minor data differences. After the samples have been compared, a determination is made as to whether the sample(s) substantially match. If the sample(s) substantially match, the program has already been recorded. If the sample(s) do not match, then the program is recorded as it is likely to be unique with respect to other programs stored by the user.

Abstract: A removable digital medium that supports a plurality of data formats and supports automatic format conversion based upon host requirements and preferences. The automatic format conversion enables information to be stored/retrieved in a format compatible with or selected by the consumer electronic device that is storing/reading the information. The removable digital medium is provided with a processor that supports a directory structure for accomplishing the automatic format conversion. The directory identifies the possible formats that are supported by the removable digital medium.

Abstract: A method and system for synchronizing multiple versions of multimedia objects is provided. Each multimedia object may be identified by a unique identifier. In addition, a history graph may be generated and maintained for each object, where the history graph includes nodes that store unique identifiers and whose vectors describe the relationship between the multimedia objects. Metadata may be used to describe the transformations of object.