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: A scanner has an optical head that includes lenses and a photosensor array. The distance of the optical head, relative to a surface of a platen, is variable. As a result, the primary focal point for the lenses can be moved relative to a surface of the platen. The primary focal point can be continuously variable, or the primary focal point can be selected from one of multiple alternative primary focal points.

Abstract: An improved progress monitor or progress dialog box for a computer system that uncovers or reveals information as the progress bar indicates progress in addition to changing the colors or shades of the progress bar. The information displayed can be the text of a story, the punch line of a joke, or any other information that can inform or entertain the user.

Abstract: Described is a method which corrects for malfunctioning or inoperable ink ejection elements in a one-pass printmode. The method comprises obtaining the standard printmask; identifying the ink ejection elements which are malfunctioning; ascertaining ink ejection elements adjacent to the ejection elements which are malfunctioning; selecting particular adjacent ink ejection elements from the adjacent ink ejection elements; and modifying the standard printmask by adjusting the amount of ink deposited by the selected adjacent ink ejection elements to create a modified printmask.

Abstract: Described is a method which corrects for malfunctioning or inoperable ink ejection elements in a one-pass printmode. The method comprises obtaining the standard printmask; identifying the ink ejection elements which are malfunctioning; ascertaining ink ejection elements adjacent to the ejection elements which are malfunctioning; selecting particular adjacent ink ejection elements from the adjacent ink ejection elements; and modifying the standard printmask by adjusting the amount of ink deposited by the selected adjacent ink ejection elements to create a modified printmask.

Abstract: A method of expanding the on-track operational range of a disk drive based upon detection of an external vibration condition. The method involves detecting that a vibration state exists and, while the existence of the vibration state is detected, modifying the default on-track-declaration algorithm such that a data transfer operation can be completed in less time than if the default on-track-declaration algorithm was in use.

Abstract: A rotating media storage device (RMSD) includes a cache memory and a microprocessor for executing a read caching algorithm for storing data in the cache memory. The microprocessor modifies the read caching algorithm when a vibration state is detected to optimize data transfer rates to and from the media in a vibrating operational environment.

Abstract: A camera comprising a memory for storing at least one camera setting for each of at least one user, a user identification sensor for identifying at least one of the at least one user of the camera, and a processor for controlling the camera according to the stored at least one camera setting in response to a signal from the sensor. Alternatively, a camera may comprise means for identifying at least one user of the camera, and means for automatically controlling the camera according to the identification of the user.

Abstract: A portable device that produces inconspicuous sounds for event notification is disclosed. One type of inconspicuous sound is a sound that the human body makes in response to an involuntary bodily function. For example, the portable device could produce the sound of a cough to alert the user of an event. Other types of inconspicuous sounds are sounds that are commonly heard in the environment. For example, when in a restaurant the sound of clinking glasses is a common sound.

Abstract: A method of correcting for malfunctioning ink ejection elements in a printing system using a single pass over a recording medium which includes obtaining a standard printmask, identifying ink ejection elements which are malfunctioning, ascertaining an original color measurement value for each pixel which will be printed with the malfunctioning ink ejection elements, determining a replacement color measurement value closest in value to the original color measurement value which does not use the malfunctioning ink ejection elements for each pixel which will be printed with the malfunctioning ink ejection elements and modifying the standard printmask by adjusting the number and color of ink drops deposited based on the replacement color measurement value for each pixel which will be printed with the malfunctioning ink ejection elements to create a modified printmask.

Abstract: Systems for providing information to a user are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes an identification device. The identification device incorporates a locator and a transmitter. The locator is configured to facilitate determining a location of the identification device so that information corresponding to a user of the identification device and information associated with the location of the identification device can be transmitted via the transmitter to a services system. In response to the information provided by the identification device, the services system can provide information to the user via the first identification device based, at least in part, on the location of the identification device. Image-capturing devices also are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for organizing digital images that contain a persons face is disclosed. A database of known faces allows the faces in the images to be identified. The names of the people identified in the image are used in naming the image files and in naming the path to the image files.

Abstract: Systems for providing information to a user are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes an identification device. The identification device incorporates a locator and a transmitter. The locator is configured to facilitate determining a location of the identification device so that information corresponding to a user of the identification device and information associated with the location of the identification device can be transmitted via the transmitter to a services system. In response to the information provided by the identification device, the services system can provide information to the user via the first identification device based, at least in part, on the location of the identification device. Image-capturing devices also are provided.

Abstract: A method of correcting for malfunctioning ink ejection elements in a printing system using a single pass over a recording medium which includes obtaining a standard printmask, identifying ink ejection elements which are malfunctioning, ascertaining an original color measurement value for each pixel which will be printed with the malfunctioning ink ejection elements, determining a replacement color measurement value closest in value to the original color measurement value which does not use the malfunctioning ink ejection elements for each pixel which will be printed with the malfunctioning ink ejection elements and modifying the standard printmask by adjusting the number and color of ink drops deposited based on the replacement color measurement value for each pixel which will be printed with the malfunctioning ink ejection elements to create a modified printmask.

Abstract: Ink-jet ink compositions are described comprising at least one organo-phosphonic acid or its sodium or potassium salt. The ink-jet ink compositions reduce puddling, scale formation, kogation and corrosion, and as such lead to improved print quality.

Abstract: A camera comprising a memory for storing at least one camera setting for each of at least one user, a user identification sensor for identifying at least one of the at least one user of the camera, and a processor for controlling the camera according to the stored at least one camera setting in response to a signal from the sensor. Alternatively, a camera may comprise means for identifying at least one user of the camera, and means for automatically controlling the camera according to the identification of the user.

Abstract: Systems for providing information to a user are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes an identification device. The identification device incorporates a locator and a transmitter. The locator is configured to facilitate determining a location of the identification device so that information corresponding to a user of the identification device and information associated with the location of the identification device can be transmitted via the transmitter to a services system. In response to the information provided by the identification device, the services system can provide information to the user via the first identification device based, at least in part, on the location of the identification device. Image-capturing devices also are provided.

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: 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: A multiple image scanner that performs a single scan of a document containing different types of images (e.g., text and graphics) and sends multiple renditions of the same document from the scanner to a host computer (e.g., one high resolution gray scale image and one low resolution high bit depth color image; or one high resolution, low bit depth gray scale or monochrome image and one low resolution, high bit depth gray scale or monochrome image; or one high resolution, low bit depth color image and one low resolution, high bit depth color image), thus greatly reducing the total amount of data sent to and processed by the host computer.