Abstract: An apparatus includes a communication module and a processor. The communication module receives an identifier of a portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is coupled to the apparatus. The processor is coupled to the communication module. The processor determines a type of the portable electronic device according to the identifier, receives a first command from the media system, converts the first command into a retrieval command readable by the portable electronic device, and sends the retrieval command to the portable electronic device. The first command includes a first play command instructing the media system to play a first media file stored in the portable electronic device. The portable electronic device sends the first media file to the apparatus in response to the retrieval command.

Abstract: A battery charging system for charging a battery with a plurality of battery cells. The battery charging system includes a battery charger and a battery management unit. The battery management unit includes a plurality of balancing circuits for controlling charging of each battery cell. The battery charging system can charge the battery in different stages depending on the voltage of each battery cell.

Abstract: A communication component sends a request of an action list to a server if information fails to pass authentication. A control component processes content stored in an electronic device according to a reply generated in response to the request. The reply includes the action list. The processing is performed according to an action included in the action list.

Abstract: A virtual camera component allows multiple camera-use applications to share a camera simultaneously. For example, a first application can request access to the camera for a first set of data, and a second application can also request access to the camera for a second set of data. The virtual camera component is coupled between the first and second applications and the camera, and caches and then processes the data according to respective requirements of the first and second applications.

Abstract: A battery includes multiple battery cells separated by isolating plates, and multiple detecting units coupled to the battery cells and operable for detecting a status of the battery cells. The battery further includes multiple interfaces coupled to the detecting units and operable for receiving detecting results indicating the status from the detecting units. After the battery is airproofed, the battery cells and the detecting units are enveloped inside the battery.

Abstract: A method for managing a battery with multiple battery cells is disclosed. The method includes monitoring parameters of the battery cells by an information acquisition unit. Parameters of the battery cells include individual cell voltages. The method further includes selecting, by a controller one of multiple charging modes in which the battery cells are charged according to the cell voltages. The charging modes include a constant current charging mode, a constant voltage charging mode, and a pulse charging mode.

Abstract: An electronic system in a vehicle includes a motor, a charger, a battery pack, and a bus. The motor drives wheels and propellers of the vehicle. The charger generates charging power according to a control signal. The battery pack coupled to the charger and the motor is operable for generating the control signal based upon a status of each cell of multiple cells in the battery pack, for receiving the charging power via a charging path when the vehicle is stalled, and for powering the motor via a discharging path when the vehicle is started. The bus coupled to the charger and the battery pack is operable for transmitting the control signal from the battery pack to the charger.

Abstract: A credential provider component receives predetermined identity information (IDINF) from a portable device and controls an information database to provide a predetermined credential if the predetermined IDINF matches content in the information database. A log-on component allows the portable device to log on to a network device using the predetermined credential if the predetermined credential is valid.

Abstract: A key for a user can be created according to at least one first image of the user. The key can be verified with at least one second image of the user captured after the key is created. A visitor can be authenticated according to a first measure of similarity between the key and at least one authentication image of the visitor. The visitor is authenticated as the user if the first measure of similarity is greater than a first predetermined threshold. The key can be refined with the at least one authentication image of the visitor if the first measure of similarity is lower than the first predetermined threshold and the visitor is authenticated as the user based on a password.

Abstract: An electronic system in a vehicle includes a motor, a charger, a battery pack, and a bus. The motor drives wheels and propellers of the vehicle. The charger generates charging power according to a control signal. The battery pack coupled to the charger and the motor is operable for generating the control signal based upon a status of each cell of multiple cells in the battery pack, for receiving the charging power via a charging path when the vehicle is stalled, and for powering the motor via a discharging path when the vehicle is started. The bus coupled to the charger and the battery pack is operable for transmitting the control signal from the battery pack to the charger.

Abstract: A virtual camera component allows multiple camera-use applications to share a camera simultaneously. For example, a first application can request access to the camera for a first set of data, and a second application can also request access to the camera for a second set of data. The virtual camera component is coupled between the first and second applications and the camera, and caches and then processes the data according to respective requirements of the first and second applications.

Abstract: A system for providing computer services includes a camera and an electronic device. The camera obtains recognition information for a user. The electronic device is operable for executing a first operating system for conducting user authentication according to the recognition information and for automatically operating a user-defined application program after the user passes said user authentication.