Abstract: A hand-held information processing device, such as a mobile phone, has a thumb wheel that lets the user scan a circular array of options. Each respective one of the options is represented by a respective audio output that gets played out when the wheel is turned a notch up or down. This enables the user to select an option with one hand and without having to look at the device. It also allows for a form factor smaller than that of a conventional mobile phones since a keypad is not needed for entering digits to make a call from a personalized directory.

Abstract: A device is equipped with local storage arrangement such as HDD and a removable optical storage carrier input device. Removable carriers include storage applications that necessitate storage space for storing data items. A storage management unit allocates storage space of the local storage arrangement to the inserted removable optical storage carrier and the application stored therein. The management unit also attributes to the portion identification information respecting access rights granted to the application with respect to data items stored in the allocated portion. The application is given no access to data items stored outside the allocated portion.

Abstract: The invention is based on the idea that a mechanism is introduced, by which it is possible to convert limited digital rights, which gives the proprietor of the digital rights access to the work a limited number of times, into an unlimited digital right, provided that the number of accesses associated with the limited light is sufficiently high. The present invention is advantageous since if a proprietor of limited rights associated with a digital content holds a sufficient number of limited rights, he/she is allowed to convert these limited rights into an unlimited right. The proprietor of the copyrighted content and/or the content distributor can thereby attract users to surf in to sites on the internet by in return offering limited digital rights to content, to buy media such as magazines, CDs ad DVDs to which rights are attached.

Abstract: User interaction with game software on an optical disc can start or be resumed from a specific state of the software. Upon terminating user interaction halfway down the game, the specific state is saved on a network and a pointer to the specific state is saved locally on an IC integrated with the optical disc. This approach renders user interaction with the software independent of the physical location of the user, and enables local memory at gaming consoles to be lean.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for converting digital rights. The invention is based on the idea that a mechanism is introduced, by which it is possible to convert an unlimited right into at least one limited digital right, which gives a user access to the content a limited number of times. The present invention is advantageous since if a proprietor of an unlimited right wants to share his/her unlimited right with a friend, he/she does not have to give up the unlimited right to the friend. If the proprietor would like to share the right with other content consumers, the unlimited right can be converted into a number of limited rights, wherein these limited rights can be shared with the other content consumers.

Abstract: A hand-held information processing device, such as a mobile phone, has a thumb wheel that lets the user scan a circular array of options. Each respective one of the options is represented by a respective audio output that gets played out when the wheel is turned a notch up or down. This enables the user to select an option with one hand and without having to look at the device: It also allows for a form factor smaller than that of a conventional mobile phones since a keypad is not needed for entering digits to make a call from a personalized directory.

Abstract: A hand-held information processing device, such as a mobile phone, has a thumb wheel that lets the user scan a circular array of options. Each respective one of the options is represented by a respective audio output that gets played out when the wheel is turned a notch up or down. This enables the user to select an option with one hand and without having to look at the device. It also allows for a form factor smaller than that of a conventional mobile phones since a keypad is not needed for entering digits to make a call from a personalized directory.

Abstract: A sequential playback system is configured to select each sequential song based upon characteristics of an ending segment of each preceding song. Songs are selected based on the characteristics of the overall theme of the selection, if any, and also based on a musical correspondence between songs. The correspondence may be based on the rhythm of each song, the notes and chords of each song, and other musical characteristics of the songs. The end segment of each selected song is characterized, and the first segment of a candidate song that satisfy the overall selection criteria is compared to this characterization to determine a correspondence. If the first segment of the candidate song is inconsistent with the end segment of the previously selected song, another candidate song is found that satisfies the overall selection criteria, and the first segment of this new candidate song is compared to the characterization.

Abstract: A mute trigger apparatus includes a transducer, a database, a processor, a comparator and a mute switch. The transducer is responsive to acoustic wave energy to develop a first electrical signal commensurate with said acoustic wave energy. The database contains stored signal data. The processor is responsive to the first electrical signal to develop dynamic signal data. The comparator is responsive to each of the stored signal data and the dynamic signal data to develop a second electrical signal in the event the stored signal data and the dynamic signal data are substantially equivalent. The mute switch has an off state and an on state. The mute switch is normally biased in its off state and transitionable to its on state in response to the second electrical signal.

Abstract: A sequential playback system is configured to select each sequential song based upon characteristics of an ending segment of each preceding song. Songs are selected based on the characteristics of the overall theme of the selection, if any, and also based on a musical correspondence between songs. The correspondence may be based on the rhythm of each song, the notes and chords of each song, and other musical characteristics of the songs. The end segment of each selected song is characterized, and the first segment of a candidate song that satisfy the overall selection criteria is compared to this characterization to determine a correspondence. If the first segment of the candidate song is inconsistent with the end segment of the previously selected song, another candidate song is found that satisfies the overall selection criteria, and the first segment of this new candidate song is compared to the characterization.

Abstract: A universal programmable remote control detects the presence of a control code of a new apparatus in the user's CE environment. The code or representatives thereof gets communicated to a network-based server. The server maintains a database of codes and distributes the new set of codes to the remote and to other control devices as needed.

Abstract: Sensing devices are provided within a system, and these sensing devices are used to determine the location of emanating devices. Collocating the sensing devices with the emanating devices allows for a determination of a relative location of each emanating device, relative to each other emanating device, thereby obviating the need to obtain absolute locations of each emanating device. Given the location of each device, one or more aspects of the system are adjusted to improve system performance. In an audio system, the configuration and placement of loudspeakers can be adjusted to provide a proper acoustic balance. In a wireless system, the configuration and placement of base stations can be adjusted to prevent gaps in coverage. The relative location of a target emanation can also be determined, and the system can be adjusted to optimize the performance of the system relative to the location of the target emanation.

Abstract: A consumer electronics device, such as a cell phone, digital camera or tracking device, is designed to record real time audio and/or video as well as location based information. The recording can be remotely monitored and stored for the purpose of creating a personal logbook or for the purpose of tracking a person or object on the move.

Abstract: A consumer electronics device, such as a cell phone, is designed to record all real time communications occurring on it. Recording is started when a communication is initiated, either by the user making or accepting a call. Recordings are stored and organized for ease of retrieval. Recordings can be forwarded to a remote user.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a cooling fan within an electronic device based on the temperature within the electronic device and the audio output level of the electronic device and/or the ambient noise level.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a cooling fan within an electronic device based on the temperature within the electronic device and the audio output level of the electronic device and/or the ambient noise level.