Abstract: An accessory interface for an electronic host device includes a digital communication bus including a plurality of communication lines configured to pass data between the electronic host device and an electronic accessory device. The accessory interface further includes detection circuitry selectively coupled to the plurality of communication lines via a multiplexer and configured to detect analog voltage levels across the plurality of communication lines, determine a device type of the electronic accessory device based on the detected analog voltage levels, and control the multiplexer to couple the plurality of communication lines to a host processor of the electronic host device upon determining the device type of the electronic accessory device. The host processor is configured to receive the device type of the electronic accessory device and transmit data via the plurality of communication lines to the electronic accessory device in accordance with the device type of the electronic accessory device.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for power-management on camera devices. In one aspect, a method is performed at a camera device having memory, one or more processors, and an image sensor. The method includes: (1) while a wireless communication component of the camera device is deactivated: (a) capturing a plurality of images containing a motion event; (b) characterizing the motion event; and (c) determining, based on the characterization of the motion event, whether to send video data to a remote computing system; and (2) in accordance with a determination to send video data to the remote computing system: (i) activating the wireless communication component of the camera device; (ii) establishing a wireless connection to the remote computing system via the wireless communication component; and (iii) sending video information to the remote computing system via the established wireless connection.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for power-management on camera devices. In one aspect, a method is performed at a camera device having memory, one or more processors, and an image sensor. The method includes: (1) while a wireless communication component of the camera device is deactivated: (a) capturing a plurality of images containing a motion event; (b) characterizing the motion event; and (c) determining, based on the characterization of the motion event, whether to send video data to a remote computing system; and (2) in accordance with a determination to send video data to the remote computing system: (i) activating the wireless communication component of the camera device; (ii) establishing a wireless connection to the remote computing system via the wireless communication component; and (iii) sending video information to the remote computing system via the established wireless connection.

Abstract: An accessory interface for an electronic host device includes a digital communication bus including a plurality of communication lines configured to pass data between the electronic host device and an electronic accessory device. The accessory interface further includes detection circuitry selectively coupled to the plurality of communication lines via a multiplexer and configured to detect analog voltage levels across the plurality of communication lines, determine a device type of the electronic accessory device based on the detected analog voltage levels, and control the multiplexer to couple the plurality of communication lines to a host processor of the electronic host device upon determining the device type of the electronic accessory device. The host processor is configured to receive the device type of the electronic accessory device and transmit data via the plurality of communication lines to the electronic accessory device in accordance with the device type of the electronic accessory device.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for power-management on camera devices. In one aspect, a method is performed at a camera device having memory, one or more processors, and an image sensor. The method includes: (1) while a wireless communication component of the camera device is deactivated: (a) capturing a plurality of images containing a motion event; (b) characterizing the motion event; and (c) determining, based on the characterization of the motion event, whether to send video data to a remote computing system; and (2) in accordance with a determination to send video data to the remote computing system: (i) activating the wireless communication component of the camera device; (ii) establishing a wireless connection to the remote computing system via the wireless communication component; and (iii) sending video information to the remote computing system via the established wireless connection.

Abstract: Systems for ensuring an audible alarm circuit sounds at a minimum magnitude of loudness are provided. Different circuitry embodiments discussed herein are each capable of assisting the audible alarm circuit in maintaining a minimum loudness threshold. Audible alarm circuit operation optimization can be achieved using embodiments that fall within anyone of four general categories: compensation networks, direct drive, dynamic tuning, and microphone feedback based dynamic tuning. Use of such circuitry can increase production yields by compensating for manufacturing variations of alarm components and aging characteristics of the components.

Abstract: Systems for ensuring an audible alarm circuit sounds at a minimum magnitude of loudness are provided. Different circuitry embodiments discussed herein are each capable of assisting the audible alarm circuit in maintaining a minimum loudness threshold. Audible alarm circuit operation optimization can be achieved using embodiments that fall within anyone of four general categories: compensation networks, direct drive, dynamic tuning, and microphone feedback based dynamic tuning. Use of such circuitry can increase production yields by compensating for manufacturing variations of alarm components and aging characteristics of the components.

Abstract: Systems for ensuring an audible alarm circuit sounds at a minimum magnitude of loudness are provided. Different circuitry embodiments discussed herein are each capable of assisting the audible alarm circuit in maintaining a minimum loudness threshold. Audible alarm circuit operation optimization can be achieved using embodiments that fall within anyone of four general categories: compensation networks, direct drive, dynamic tuning, and microphone feedback based dynamic tuning. Use of such circuitry can increase production yields by compensating for manufacturing variations of alarm components and aging characteristics of the components.

Abstract: A system for illuminating a reflective display or other material from a planar front device and a method of manufacture thereof. The system includes a light guide plate that conducts light from an edge light source across the face of a reflective display. Micro scattering features are formed on an outer surface of the light guide, farthest from the reflective display or material. A stepped index layer is formed on the surface of light guide plate containing the micro scattering features. The stepped index layer has an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction of the light guide plate to assist in the total internal reflection of light injected into the light guide plate. The micro scattering features, light reflecting areas, redirect luminous flux toward the display. In one embodiment, the micro scattering features are formed as white dots on the light guide plate.

Abstract: A system for illuminating a reflective display or other material from a planar front device and a method of manufacture thereof. The system includes a light guide plate that conducts light from an edge light source across the face of a reflective display. Micro scattering features are formed on an outer surface of the light guide, farthest from the reflective display or material. A stepped index layer is formed on the surface of light guide plate containing the micro scattering features. The stepped index layer has an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction of the light guide plate to assist in the total internal reflection of light injected into the light guide plate. The micro scattering features, light reflecting areas, redirect luminous flux toward the display. In one embodiment, the micro scattering features are formed as white dots on the light guide plate.

Abstract: A door assembly for enclosing a compartment of a portable electronic device. The door assembly includes a door cover, operable to selectively provide access to the compartment, anchors, affixed to the door cover, configured to retain the door in a cover portion of the portable electronic device, and a permanent magnet, disengageably mounted in the door cover, the permanent magnet operable to maintain the door in a closed state with respect to the compartment.

Abstract: A secure processor assuring application software is executed securely, and assuring only authorized software is executed, monitored modes and secure modes of operation. The former executes application software transparently to that software. The latter verifies execution of the application software is authorized, performs any extraordinary services required by the application software, and verifies the processor has obtained rights to execute the content. The secure processor (1) appears hardware-identical to an ordinary processor, with the effect that application software written for ordinary processors can be executed on the secure processor without substantial change, (2) needs only a minimal degree of additional hardware over and above those portions appearing hardware-identical to an ordinary processor. The secure processor operates without substantial reduction in speed or other resources available to the application software.

Abstract: A secure processor assuring application software is executed securely, and assuring only authorized software is executed, monitored modes and secure modes of operation. The former executes application software transparently to that software. The latter verifies execution of the application software is authorized, performs any extraordinary services required by the application software, and verifies the processor has obtained rights to execute the content. The secure processor (1) appears hardware-identical to an ordinary processor, with the effect that application software written for ordinary processors can be executed on the secure processor without substantial change, (2) needs only a minimal degree of additional hardware over and above those portions appearing hardware-identical to an ordinary processor. The secure processor operates without substantial reduction in speed or other resources available to the application software.

Abstract: A secure processor assuring application software is executed securely, and assuring only authorized software is executed, monitored modes and secure modes of operation. The former executes application software transparently to that software. The latter verifies execution of the application software is authorized, performs any extraordinary services required by the application software, and verifies the processor has obtained rights to execute the content. The secure processor (1) appears hardware-identical to an ordinary processor, with the effect that application software written for ordinary processors can be executed on the secure processor without substantial change, (2) needs only a minimal degree of additional hardware over and above those portions appearing hardware-identical to an ordinary processor. The secure processor operates without substantial reduction in speed or other resources available to the application software.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and system combining the capabilities of a console and controller, having a hand-held form factor including a removable and re-writable cartridge that can be inserted, using a processor capable of general purpose processing. The software can be upgraded, possibly dynamically. Dynamic upgrades can occur in real time. The processor has links to supplemental consoles, and supports multiplayer games. The communication link is coupled to a PC workstation or network router, and supports interactive communication. Multiplayer games can include players in remote locations. Games can include contests among multiple players, and among teams of players.

Abstract: A secure processor assuring application software is executed securely, and assuring only authorized software is executed, monitored modes and secure modes of operation. The former executes application software transparently to that software. The latter verifies execution of the application software is authorized, performs any extraordinary services required by the application software, and verifies the processor has obtained rights to execute the content. The secure processor (1) appears hardware-identical to an ordinary processor, with the effect that application software written for ordinary processors can be executed on the secure processor without substantial change, (2) needs only a minimal degree of additional hardware over and above those portions appearing hardware-identical to an ordinary processor. The secure processor operates without substantial reduction in speed or other resources available to the application software.

Abstract: A special bridge device provides a level of isolation between two independent but compatible bus environments such that only addresses and transactions directed to the other environment are passed through, together with associated data and control information. The device includes address and transaction remapping between the two environments.During an initialization phase, this device presents itself to the host system as a simple bus device. In one preferred embodiment, the special bridge presents itself as a mass storage or memory device. The host computer performs the minimal setup for such a device. During initialization of the second bus environment, the special bridge device again presents itself only as a simple device, and preferably is not presented as a bus device to the second system at all.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to accomodate a card designed to operate, with an alternate bus standard within a computer designed to operate with a primary bus standard, where the primary bus standard and the alternate bus standard are not directly compatible. The card is designed to fit within the computer in the available physical space and to connect to a card connector as required for the primary bus. However, the card is designed to be electrically compatible with the alternate bus standard. In a preferred embodiment the card draws power and any other signals, perhaps including clock, that are useful to both bus standards, but the address, data and control bus signals for the alternate bus are delivered to the card through an independent channel. This independent channel can be a separate connector to carry any signals needed for the alternate bus standard, which according to the application may or may not repeat signals already available through the primary bus.

Abstract: A dual bus controller includes a system bus control module connected to a local bus control module. An optional filter is also connected to the system bus control module. A plurality of programmable status registers for the local bus is connected to the local bus control module and a time dependent reset circuit is connected to both the system bus control module and the local bus control module. The dual bus controller allows simultaneous, autonomous activity with both the local bus and the system bus via the local bus and system bus control modules. The unique interaction between the local bus and system bus control modules also allow both the local bus and system bus to interact with the dual bus controller operating as a slave without any imposed speed limitations by actively resolving bus collisions and "live-lock" conditions.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a digital circuit (block 12 of FIG.