Abstract: A simple ambient light detection method that uses the same Light Emitting Diode both for illumination and for ambient light detection by alternatively forward and reverse biasing the Light Emitting Diode. The invention may be implemented without any additional hardware components when incorporated in a digital Light Emitting Diode driver circuit.

Abstract: A printed circuit board has contact lands (710) forms an array with depopulated elongated zones (820), which are radially oriented from the board center towards the board periphery. Conductive vias (803) are then clustered into these zones, the radial via channels. The radial orientation of via channels provides space needed for grouping, at the level of the internal metal layers, parallel traces (1101). Thus, the number of metal layers needed for the traces can be reduced. The device to be assembled on the board exhibits elongated radial zones free of contact pads matching the land-free zones (820) of the board.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and related system for naming files in which digital images are kept in digital camera equipment. More particularly, the specification discloses that file names for images and video captured by digital camera equipment are assigned by the user by speaking the file name into a microphone of the digital camera. A digital signal processor within the camera reads the spoken file name, and using voice recognition software, converts the spoken word or words into corresponding word or words within the system. The captured image or images are then saved using the file name assigned by the user.

Abstract: An MP3 player 10 is provided a security lock to prevent theft using a combination of the player keys 21-27. According to one embodiment in the event the authorized user forgets the code the player can provide a hint to the user of the security code for the user. According to another embodiment an unlock can be provided by a modem connection to the manufacturer.