Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a user to define markers referred to herein as “bookmarks” that are used to mark portions of a DVD. One type of bookmark defined herein is a position bookmark that creates a mark that corresponds to a position on the DVD. Another type of bookmark is an interval bookmark that comprises two position bookmarks that define the beginning and end of an interval on the DVD. Yet another type of bookmark is an interval sequence that lists multiple intervals defined by interval bookmarks. An interval sequence may include intervals from a single DVD, or may include intervals from multiple DVDs as well. Once an interval sequence is defined, the information recorded on the DVD(s) that corresponds to the intervals in the sequence may be stored on a mass storage device, such as a hard disk drive. In this manner, several “clips” from different DVDs may be merged into a single video stream that may be displayed without breaks or interruptions.

Abstract: A sensor detects a possible attempt to open a vehicle door latch by mechanical means, and temporarily disables an electronic unlocking signal until the mechanical activation means are absent. Preferably, all functions are performed by an on-board microprocessor controller, which checks the state of the door sensor(s) upon occurrence of an unlock event. If the sensor(s) indicate that a person is or may be attempting to open the door mechanically, no unlock signal is transmitted immediately to the door latch. Preferably, the controller continues to check the state of the door sensor(s), and activates the unlock mechanism after the sensor is clear. However, if the sensor is not clear within some timeout period, the controller may simply abort the unlock operation. This is done to avoid confusing the user with an unlocking action some time after pressing the unlock switch.