Thomson Licensing S.a.

Thomson Consumer Electronics Inc.

Other

Thomson Licensing

John Herbert Stevens

Timothy Curtis Mann

Joseph Craig Engle

Timothy Joseph Tully

A system and method for automatically switching a primary image of a display module from a television program to an interactive application upon detecting the beginning of a commercial break and optionally switching the primary image back to the television program upon detecting or determining the end of the commercial break; wherein the user's progress in executing the interactive application is automatically saved upon return to the television program so that the user can progressively execute the interactive application program during consecutive commercial breaks.

System and method for automatic switching to interactive application during television program breaks

The present invention is a button on a device that has the ability to detect when a finger touches or is proximate to the button, especially to cause the initiation of a particular feature/function of the device. The button includes a proximity detector that is operable to sense or detect when a user's finger is proximate or on the button. The proximity detector may take many forms. These forms may be combined to provide greater selectivity. Additionally, sensitivity of the proximity detector may be set via threshold values. Sensitivity of the proximity detector correlates to detection or sensing of a user's finger at various distances from the button. One application is as an autofocus/shutter button on a camera.

Finger actuated device having a proximity detector

A video camera recorder comprises an imaging means receiving an optical image and generating an image representative video signal, and a viewfinder for viewing the optical image. A synchronizing signal generator is coupled to the imaging means and to a recording means which is coupled to the imaging means. A control means for optimizing power conservation has a first mode which enables operation of the synchronizing signal generator and inhibits operation of the imaging and recording means. In a second mode the control means enables the synchronizing signal generator and recording means for reproducing a recorded image representative video signal and inhibits operation of the imaging means. In a third mode the control means enables the imaging means, the synchronizing signal generator and the recording means for recording the image representative video signal from the imaging means.

Electronic recording camera with optimized power consumption

Electronic recording camera with reduced power consumption

A battery charging apparatus anticipates usage and thus provides a charged battery available for use. In addition the charging regimen employed substantially eliminates memory effects in NICAD batteries. The battery charging apparatus comprises a power supply for generating a controllable battery charging current which is responsive to battery status. A plurality of calendars, stored in PROM, are user selectable to form a custom calendar. User specific event dates may be added to produce a composite calendar. A microprocessor maintains a real time clock calendar and executes a calendar algorithm. Upon the occurrence of a composite calendar event date, the microprocessor generates a control signal for initiating the battery charging current. The microprocessor also produces a status message display. Message data is stored in PROM and is used to generate a video signal for monitor display. The video signal is also coupled to an RF modulator for TV receiver display. Upon cessation of charging, due to completion or malfunction, battery identification and charging data are stored in memory to form a battery history.

Battery charger with calendar control

A docking and control apparatus for portable electronic entertainment devices comprises a power supply for generating a battery eliminating current. A plurality of calendars are stored in memory and are user selectable. An algorithm combines the selection to form a custom calendar. The algorithm also combines user specific event dates, names and control functions to produce a consolidated calendar. The control functions may include choices of message displayed upon event occurrence, and devices and functions to be triggered at event occurrence. The time of activation within the event day may be specified. The user may generate a specific message which may be stored for recall. The algorithm anticipates event occurrence and generates appropriate advisory messages. A microprocessor maintains a real time clock calendar and executes a calendar algorithm. Upon the occurrence of a consolidated calendar event date, and if specified at a time within the event day, the microprocessor generates a control signal specific to the control function stored with the event. The control signal may generate a message from a plurality stored in memory, or may recall a user generated message. The control signal may initiate operation of a device coupled to the docking apparatus. The microprocessor control functions may be manually initiated. The microprocessor also produces a status message display. Message data read from memory is formatted to generate a video signal for video monitor display. The video signal is also coupled to an RF modulator for TV receiver display.

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Martinsville, IN, United States of America

John Herbert Stevens