Methods and apparatus for retrieving data captured by a media device

• US 20060203106A1
• Filed: 03/14/2005
• Published: 09/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Cindy L. Lawrence, Joseph P. Lawrence, Nathan E. Lawrence, Paul L. Lawrence
• Original Assignee: Cindy L. Lawrence, Joseph P. Lawrence, Nathan E. Lawrence, Paul L. Lawrence
• Inventors: Lawrence, Cindy L., Lawrence, Paul L., Lawrence, Nathan E., Lawrence, Joseph P.
• Application Number:
  US11/079,374
• Publication Number:
  US 20060203106A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/231.990
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00132 in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00151 with selective access
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00172 directly from a still digital camera or from a storage medium mounted in a still digital camera H04N1/0018 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00175 from a still image storage medium H04N1/00172, H04N1/0018 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0018 of images captured using a loaned, rented or limited-use still digital camera, e.g. recyclable or disposable camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/4406 Restricting access, e.g. according to user identity mechanisms actuated y cards, PIN or the like in apparatus for dispensing G07F7/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/444 to a particular document or image or part thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0055 By radio
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0062 Stand-alone interface device
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0084 Digital still camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/765 Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/772 the recording apparatus and the television camera being placed in the same enclosure
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/781 on disks or drums
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/85 on discs or drums
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/907 using static stores, e.g. storage tubes or semiconductor memories H04N5/91 takes precedence

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to methods and apparatus for retrieving data captured by a media device. For example, a method (300) for securely retrieving data captured by a media device (100) includes the step of a supplier offering (302) a media device to a third party. The third party captures (304) one or more media types with the media device, and contacts (306) the supplier for processing a selection of the one or more media types. The supplier provides (308) a key (200-290) to enable access to the one or more media types stored in the media device, accesses (312) the selection of the one or more media types, and processes (314) said selection. The capturing, contacting, providing, accessing and processing steps can be applied two or more use-cycles unconstrained by a supplier of said device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Claims

1. A method for securely retrieving data captured by a media device, comprising the steps of:

a supplier, offering to a third party a media device;

the third party,

capturing one or more media types with the media device;

contacting the supplier to process a selection of the one or more media types;

the supplier,

providing a key to enable access to the one or more media types stored in the media device;

accessing the selection of the one or more media types;

processing the selection of the one or more media types; and

applying the capturing, contacting, providing, accessing and processing steps for a plurality of use-cycles unconstrained by a supplier of said device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the supplier comprises at least one among a group of suppliers comprising a vendor, an employer, a principal, and an agent of the principal, and wherein the third party comprises at least one among a group of third parties comprising a consumer, an employee, and an agent of a principal.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of the third party providing the supplier consideration for processing the selection of the one or more media types.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said consideration is discounted according to the frequency of processing media types with the supplier.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the key is at least one of a group of keys comprising a key for physically engaging with the media device and a key for wirelessly engaging with the media device.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the contacting step comprises the step of returning to a location of the supplier for processing the selection of the one or more media types.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the contacting step comprises the step of submitting over a first communication network a request to the supplier for processing the selection of the one or more media types, and wherein the providing and accessing steps comprise the steps of transmitting over a second communication network an electronic key to the media device for enabling access to the selection of the one or more media types, and receiving over the second communication network the selection of the one or more media types.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the request is supplied by the third party verbally to the supplier over the first communication network.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein each of the first and second communication networks comprise at least one among a group of communication networks comprising a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and a wireless communication network.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the offering step includes at least one among a group of offers comprising a purchase with no initial consideration from the third party, an equipment rental with consideration from the third party, an exchangeable purchase with consideration from the third party, and a purchase discounted according to a frequency of the third party engaging in business with the supplier.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the accessing step further comprises the step of coupling the media device to an alternate device of the supplier for processing the selection of the one or more media types.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the coupling step comprises at least one among a group of coupling techniques comprising:

a physical coupling between the media device, the key and the alternate device;

a physical coupling between the media device and the key, and a wireless coupling with the alternate device;

a physical coupling between the media device and the alternate device, and a wireless coupling to the key;

a physical coupling between the key and the alternate device, and a wireless coupling to the media device; and

a wireless coupling between the media device, the key, and the alternate device.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more media types comprise recordable information from one or more information sources.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more information sources comprise at least one among a group of information sources comprising location information, environmental information, medical information, public information, instrumentation information, commercial information, audio information, still image information, moving image information, still image information combined with audio information, and moving image information combined with audio information.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more media types can be accessed only by a possessor of the key.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the possessor of the key is at least one among a group of possessors comprising the supplier, a manufacturer of the media device, and agents thereof.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

the third party, returning the media device to the supplier for refurbishment;

the supplier,

disabling the media device with the key;

returning the media device to a manufacturer of said media device;

the manufacturer,

enabling the media device with a key of said manufacturer;

refurbishing the media device; and

offering the refurbished media device to a party.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the party is at least one among a group of parties comprising the supplier, an agent of the supplier, and a new supplier.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein after the disabling step the media device can only be enabled with the key of the manufacturer.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of the manufacturer providing consideration to the supplier returning the media device.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein said consideration includes at least one among a group of considerations comprising a rebate corresponding to a portion of an original purchase price paid by the supplier, a credit applied to a future purchase by the supplier of the refurbished media device or a different media device, and a discount applied to a future purchase by the supplier of the refurbished media device or a different media device.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein the refurbishing step includes at least one among a group of refurbishing techniques comprising partial or whole replacement of components of the media device with enhanced or similar components, cleaning and inspection of components of the media device, addition of components to enhance the capability of the media device, and repackaging of the refurbished media device.

23. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of disabling the media device upon detecting at least one among a group of events comprising altering the media device, accessing the stored media types without the key, exceeding a prescribed use period set by the supplier, violating use guidelines for the media device set by the supplier, and receiving a request from the supplier to disable the media device.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein a disabled media device is rendered inoperative.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein a disabled media device is rendered operable by providing at least one among a group comprising the key of the supplier, and a key of a manufacturer of the media device.

26. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

removing a storage medium of the media device; and

coupling the storage medium with the key to enable access to the one or more media types.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the key is at least one of a group of keys comprising a key for physically engaging with the storage medium and a key for wirelessly engaging with the storage medium.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the key comprises a standard interface to supply the one or more media types from the storage medium to an alternate device of the supplier.

56. The media key of claim 51, further comprising a component for supplying security information to the media device for enabling access to the one or more media types.

57. The media key of claim 56, wherein the component is at least one among a group comprising a memory with the security information stored therein, and a memory coupled to a processor for supplying the security information stored in the memory.

29. A media device, comprising:

a media module for capturing one or more media types;

a memory coupled to the media module for securely storing the captured one or more media types;

a media port coupled to the memory for providing an alternate device access to a selection of the one or more securely stored media types after detecting a valid security key; and

a housing assembly for carrying the components of the media device, wherein the aforementioned components of the media device have a plurality of use-cycles unconstrained by a supplier of said device.

30. The media device of claim 29, wherein the media port provides the alternate device access to the memory by way of the security key.

31. The media device of claim 30, wherein a first end of the security key engages with the media port and a second end engages with the alternate device.

32. The media device of claim 31, wherein the first end couples to the memory by way of the media port, and wherein the second end has a form factor and an electrical interface for coupling with the alternate device.

33. The media device of claim 32, wherein the form factor and the electrical interface comprise at least one among a group comprising an SD (Secure Digital) interface, a MMC (Multi Media Card) interface, a Smart Media card interface, a CompactFlash card interface, a TransFlash card interface, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a FireWire interface, and an Ethernet interface.

34. The media device of claim 29, wherein the memory is a non-volatile memory.

35. The media device of claim 29, wherein the housing assembly prevents access to the memory.

36. The media device of claim 29, wherein the media module captures recordable information from one or more information sources.

37. The media device of claim 36, wherein the one or more information sources comprise at least one among a group of information sources comprising location information, environmental information, medical information, public information, instrumentation information, commercial information, audio information, still image information, moving image information, still image information combined with audio information, and moving image information combined with audio information.

38. The media device of claim 29, wherein the media module comprises at least one among a group of recordable devices comprising an instrument for monitoring location, a measurement instrument, a sensing instrument, a health monitoring instrument, a commercial operations monitoring instrument, a public monitoring instrument, an audio capture instrument, an image capture instrument, and an image combined with audio capture instrument.

39. The media device of claim 29, further comprising a sensor for detecting events that trigger disablement of the media device.

40. The media device of claim 39, wherein the events comprise at least one among a group comprising altering the housing assembly, accessing the memory with an invalid security key, exceeding a predetermined use period set by the supplier, violating use guidelines set by the supplier, and receiving a signal from the supplier at one among a group comprising the sensor and the media port to disable the media device.

41. The media device of claim 39, wherein at least one among the sensor and the media port is wireless, and wherein one among the sensor and the media port can detect a wireless signal from the supplier requesting disablement of the media device.

42. The media device of claim 39, wherein a disabled media device is rendered inoperative.

43. The media device of claim 39, wherein a disabled media device is rendered operable by coupling with at least one among a group comprising the valid security key of a supplier of the media device, and a valid security key of a manufacturer of the media device.

44. The media device of claim 29, wherein the media port is at least one among a group comprising a wireless interface and a wired interface for coupling to the security key and the alternate device

45. The media device of claim 29, wherein the media port comprises a mechanical lock which when engaged with the key enables access to the memory, and wherein the memory further comprises a means for providing the alternate device access to the selection of the one or more media types.

46. The media device of claim 29, wherein the media port is an integral part of the memory, and wherein the memory is removable.

47. The media device of claim 46, wherein the media port comprises an undisclosed interface for coupling to an undisclosed mating interface of the security key, and wherein the coupling of said interfaces enables access to the one or more media types.

48. The media device of claim 46, wherein the memory comprises a pre-stored secure ID, and wherein the security key couples to the memory to validate the secure ID, and if valid provides the alternate device access to the one or more media types.

49. The media device of claim 46, wherein the key is at least one of a group of keys comprising a key for physically engaging with the memory and a key for wirelessly engaging with the memory.

50. A media device, comprising:

a media module;

a media port;

a memory;

a processor for controlling operation of the media module, the media port and the memory; and

a housing assembly for carrying the components of the media device, wherein the processor is programmed to;

capture one or more media types with the media module;

store the one or more media types in the memory;

restrict access to retrieve the one or more media types in the memory;

detect a valid security key at the media port;

provide an alternate device access to the selection of the one or more media types in the memory after determining the security key is valid; and

apply the foregoing steps for a plurality of use-cycles unconstrained by a supplier of said device.

51. A media key, comprising:

a first port for enabling access to one or more media types stored in a media device having a plurality of use-cycles unconstrained by a supplier of said device; and

a second port for supplying the one or more media types.

52. The media key of claim 51, wherein the second port is an integral part of the media device.

53. The media key of claim 51, wherein the first port is one among a group comprising:

a keyed implement for physically engaging and unlocking a corresponding locking implement of the media device;

an implement having one or more electrical components with exposed contacts for providing security information to the media device upon physically engaging with corresponding electrical contacts of the media device;

an implement having one or more electrical components for providing wireless security information to the media device upon physically engaging and unlocking a corresponding locking implement of the media device; and

a wireless key for supplying the media device wireless security information.

54. The media key of claim 51, wherein the second port is one among a group comprising an implement having a form factor and an electrical interface, and a wireless interface.

55. The media key of claim 54, wherein the form factor and the electrical interface comprises at least one among a group comprising an SD (Secure Digital) interface, a MMC (Multi Media Card) interface, a Smart Media card interface, a CompactFlash card interface, a TransFlash card interface, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a FireWire interface, and an Ethernet interface.

58. The media key of claim 51, wherein the media device is a digital camera comprising a memory for storing the one or more the media types as image files, and wherein the media key further comprises a pass-through connector for supplying the unadulterated one or more image files in the memory to a photo finishing lab of a supplier of the media device.

59. A media device having a computer-readable storage medium, comprising computer instructions for:

capturing one or more media types with a media module of the media device;

storing the one or more media types in a memory of the media device;

accepting a key at a media port of the media device to enable access to a selection of the one or more media types;

supplying an alternate device coupled to the media device the selection of the one or more media types, and

applying the foregoing steps for a plurality of use-cycles unconstrained by a supplier of said device.

60. The storage medium of claim 59, further comprising computer instructions for providing at least one among a user and a supplier of the media device a means for selecting the one or more media types.

61. The storage medium of claim 59, wherein the key is at least one among a group of keys comprising a key for physically engaging with the media port and a key for wirelessly engaging with the media port, and wherein the storage medium further comprises computer instructions for processing information from engagement of the media port and the key.

62. The storage medium of claim 59, wherein the accessing step further comprises computer instructions for coupling the media device to an alternate device of the supplier for processing the selection of the one or more media types.

63. The storage medium of claim 62, wherein the coupling step comprises at least one among a group of coupling techniques comprising:

a physical coupling between the media device, the key and the alternate device;

a physical coupling between the media device and the key, and a wireless coupling to alternate device;

a physical coupling between the media device and the alternate device, and a wireless coupling to the key;

a physical coupling between the key and the alternate device, and a wireless coupling to the media device;

a wireless coupling between the media device, the key, and the alternate device.

64. The storage medium of claim 59, further comprising computer instructions for controlling operations of the media module to capture recordable information from one or more information sources, wherein the one or more information sources comprise at least one among a group of information sources comprising location information, environmental information, medical information, public information, instrumentation information, commercial information, audio information, still image information, moving image information, still image information combined with audio information, and moving image information combined with audio information.

65. The storage medium of claim 59, further comprising computer instructions for:

disabling the media device with the key of a supplier; and

enabling the media device with the key of a manufacturer of said media device.

66. The storage medium of claim 59, further comprising computer instructions for disabling the media device upon detecting with a sensor of the media device at least one among a group of events comprising altering the media device, accessing the stored media types without the key, exceeding a predetermined use period set by a supplier, violating use guidelines set by the supplier, and receiving a request from the supplier to disable the media device.

67. The storage medium of claim 59, further comprising computer instructions for:

deciphering security information provided by the key; and

determining whether the security information is valid.

68. The storage medium of claim 67, further comprising computer instructions for providing the alternate device access to the selection of the one or more media types in the memory after determining the security information is valid.

69. The storage medium of claim 67, further comprising computer instructions for processing a request provided by the key, wherein the request is at least one among a group of requests comprising a request for accessing the selection of the one or more media types, and a request for disabling the media device.

70. The storage medium of claim 59, wherein the media port further comprises at least one among a group comprising a wireless interface and a wired interface for communicating with a communication network, and wherein the storage medium further comprises computer instructions for contacting a supplier of the media device by way of the media port.

71. The storage medium of claim 70, wherein the contacting step comprises computer instructions for:

transmitting a request to the supplier for processing the selection of the one or more media types;

receiving the key from the supplier for said processing; and

transmitting the selection of the one or more media types to the supplier.

72. A media key having a computer-readable storage medium, comprising computer instructions for:

enabling through a first port of the media key access to one or more media types stored in a media device having a plurality of use-cycles unconstrained by a supplier of said device; and

supplying through a second port of the media key the one or more media types supplied by the media device.

73. The storage medium of claim 72, further comprising computer instructions for supplying the one or more media types to an alternate device through the second port.

74. The storage medium of claim 72, further comprising computer instructions for supplying a request to the media device through the first port.

75. The storage medium of claim 74, wherein the request is at least one among a group of requests comprising a request for providing an alternate device access to the one or more media types, a request for selecting the one or more media types, and a request for disabling the media device.

76. The storage medium of claim 72, wherein at least one among the first and second ports includes a wireless interface, and wherein the storage medium further comprising computer instructions for processing wireless signals on said ports.

77. The storage medium of claim 72, wherein a removable memory of the media device is coupled to the first port of the media key, and wherein the one or more media types of the media device are stored in the removable memory.

78. The storage medium of claim 77, wherein the enabling and supplying steps further comprise computer instructions for:

retrieving a secure ID from the removable memory;

comparing said secure ID to a validation ID stored in said media key; and

supplying the one or more media types stored in the removable memory when the secure ID matches the validation ID.

79. The storage medium of claim 77, wherein the second port comprises a standard interface to supply the one or more media types from the removable memory to an alternate device of a supplier of the media device.

80. A method for securely retrieving data captured by a media device, comprising the steps of:

a supplier, offering to a third party a media device;

the third party,

capturing one or more media types with the media device, wherein the one or more media types comprise recordable information from one or more information sources excluding still image information;

contacting the supplier to process a selection of the one or more media types;

the supplier,

providing a key to enable access to the one or more media types stored in the media device;

accessing the selection of the one or more media types; and

processing the selection of the one or more media types.

81. The method of claim 80, wherein the one or more information sources comprise at least one among a group of information sources comprising location information, environmental information, medical information, public information, instrumentation information, commercial information, audio information, moving image information, moving image information combined with audio information.

82. The method of claim 80, wherein a portion of the foregoing steps are limited to a single use cycle.

83. The method of claim 82, further comprising the step of resetting the single use cycle so as to restart a subsequent single use cycle of the portion of the foregoing steps.

84. The method of claim 83, further comprising the step of the third party providing the supplier consideration for the resetting step.

85. A media device, comprising:

a media module for capturing one or more media types, wherein the one or more media types comprise recordable information from one or more information sources excluding still image information;

a memory coupled to the media module for securely storing the captured one or more media types;

a media port coupled to the memory for providing an alternate device access to a selection of the one or more securely stored media types after detecting a valid security key; and

a housing assembly for carrying the components of the media device.

86. The media device of claim 85, wherein the one or more information sources comprise at least one among a group of information sources comprising location information, environmental information, medical information, public information, instrumentation information, commercial information, audio information, moving image information, moving image information combined with audio information.

87. The media device of claim 85, wherein a portion of the foregoing components of the media device are limited to a single use cycle.

88. The media device of claim 87, wherein the single use cycle is resettable so as to restart a subsequent single use cycle of the portion of the foregoing components of the media device.

91. The storage medium of claim 88, wherein a portion of the foregoing computer instruction steps are limited to a single use cycle.

92. The storage medium of claim 91, further comprising computer instructions for resetting the single use cycle so as to restart a subsequent single use cycle of the portion of the foregoing computer instruction steps.

89. A media device having a computer-readable storage medium, comprising computer instructions for:

capturing one or more media types with a media module of the media device, wherein the one or more media types comprise recordable information from one or more information sources excluding still image information;

storing the one or more media types in a memory of the media device;

accepting a key at a media port of the media device to enable access to a selection of the one or more media types; and

supplying an alternate device coupled to the media device the selection of the one or more media types.

90. The storage medium of claim 89, wherein the one or more information sources comprise at least one among a group of information sources comprising location information, environmental information, medical information, public information, instrumentation information, commercial information, audio information, moving image information, moving image information combined with audio information.

93. A method for retrieving data captured by a media device, comprising the steps of:

a supplier, offering to a third party a media device;

the third party,

capturing one or more media types with the media device, wherein the one or more media types comprise recordable information from one or more information sources excluding still image information;

contacting the supplier to process a selection of the one or more media types;

the supplier,

accessing the selection of the one or more media types; and

processing the selection of the one or more media types, wherein a portion of the foregoing steps are limited to a single use cycle.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein the one or more information sources comprise at least one among a group of information sources comprising location information, environmental information, medical information, public information, instrumentation information, commercial information, audio information, moving image information, moving image information combined with audio information.

95. The method of claim 93, further comprising the step of resetting the single use cycle so as to restart a subsequent single use cycle of the portion of the foregoing steps.

96. The method of claim 95, further comprising the step of the third party providing the supplier consideration for the resetting step.

97. A media device, comprising:

a media module for capturing one or more media types, wherein the one or more media types comprise recordable information from one or more information sources excluding still image information;

a memory coupled to the media module for storing the captured one or more media types;

a media port coupled to the memory for providing an alternate device access to a selection of the one or more stored media types; and

a housing assembly for carrying the components of the media device, wherein a portion of the foregoing components are limited to a single use cycle.

98. The media device of claim 97, wherein the one or more information sources comprise at least one among a group of information sources comprising location information, environmental information, medical information, public information, instrumentation information, commercial information, audio information, moving image information, moving image information combined with audio information.

99. The media device of claim 97, wherein the single use cycle is resettable so as to restart a subsequent single use cycle of the portion of the foregoing components of the media device.

100. A media device having a computer-readable storage medium, comprising computer instructions for:

capturing one or more media types with a media module of the media device, wherein the one or more media types comprise recordable information from one or more information sources excluding still image information;

storing the one or more media types in a memory of the media device; and

supplying an alternate device coupled to the media port a selection of the one or more media types, wherein a portion of the foregoing computer instructions are limited to a single use cycle.

101. The storage medium of claim 100, wherein the one or more information sources comprise at least one among a group of information sources comprising location information, environmental information, medical information, public information, instrumentation information, commercial information, audio information, moving image information, moving image information combined with audio information.

102. The storage medium of claim 100, further comprising computer instructions for resetting the single use cycle so as to restart a subsequent single use cycle of the portion of the foregoing computer instruction steps.

103. A method for securely retrieving data captured by a media device, comprising the steps of:

a supplier, offering to a third party a media device;

the third party,

capturing one or more media types with the media device;

contacting the supplier to process a selection of the one or more media types;

the supplier,

providing a key to enable access to the one or more media types stored in the media device;

accessing through the key the selection of the one or more media types without modifying said media types while traversing said key; and

processing at a final processing means coupled to the key the selection of the one or more media types.

104. The method of claim 103, wherein the one or more media types comprise recordable information from one or more information sources, and wherein the one or more information sources comprise at least one among a group of information sources comprising location information, environmental information, medical information, public information, instrumentation information, commercial information, audio information, still image information, moving image information, still image information combined with audio information, and moving image information combined with audio information.

105. The method of claim 103, wherein a portion of the foregoing steps are limited to a single use cycle.

106. The method of claim 105, further comprising the step of resetting the single use cycle so as to restart a subsequent single use cycle of the portion of the foregoing steps.

107. A media device, comprising:

a media module for capturing one or more media types;

a memory coupled to the media module for securely storing the captured one or more media types;

a media port coupled to the memory and to a key for providing a final processing means coupled to the key access to a selection of the one or more securely stored media types without modifying said media types while traversing said key; and

a housing assembly for carrying the components of the media device.

108. The media device of claim 107, wherein the one or more media types comprise recordable information from one or more information sources, and wherein the one or more information sources comprise at least one among a group of information sources comprising location information, environmental information, medical information, public information, instrumentation information, commercial information, audio information, still image information, moving image information, still image information combined with audio information, and moving image information combined with audio information.

109. The media device of claim 107, wherein a portion of the foregoing components of the media device are limited to a single use cycle.

110. The media device of claim 109, wherein the single use cycle is resettable so as to restart a subsequent single use cycle of the portion of the foregoing components of the media device.

111. A media device having a computer-readable storage medium, comprising computer instructions for:

capturing one or more media types with a media module of the media device;

storing the one or more media types in a memory of the media device;

accepting a key at a media port of the media device to enable access to a selection of the one or more media types without modifying said media types while traversing said key; and

supplying the final processing means coupled to the key the selection of the one or more media types.

112. The storage medium of claim 111, wherein the one or more media types comprise recordable information from one or more information sources, and wherein the one or more information sources comprise at least one among a group of information sources comprising location information, environmental information, medical information, public information, instrumentation information, commercial information, audio information, still image information, moving image information, still image information combined with audio information, and moving image information combined with audio information.

113. The storage medium of claim 111, wherein a portion of the foregoing computer instruction steps are limited to a single use cycle.

114. The storage medium of claim 113, further comprising computer instructions for resetting the single use cycle so as to restart a subsequent single use cycle of the portion of the foregoing computer instruction steps.

115. A media key, comprising:

a first port for enabling access to one or more media types stored in a media device; and

a second port for supplying the one or more media types to a final processing means without modifying the one or more media types.

116. The media key of claim 115, wherein the second port is one among a group comprising an implement having a form factor and an electrical interface, and a wireless interface.

117. The media key of claim 116, wherein the form factor and the electrical interface comprises at least one among a group comprising an SD (Secure Digital) interface, a MMC (Multi Media Card) interface, a Smart Media card interface, a CompactFlash card interface, a TransFlash card interface, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a FireWire interface, and an Ethernet interface.

118. The media key of claim 115, further comprising a component for supplying security information to the media device for enabling access to the one or more media types.

119. The media key of claim 118, wherein the component is at least one among a group comprising a memory with the security information stored therein, and a memory coupled to a processor for supplying the security information stored in the. memory.

120. The media key of claim 115, wherein the first port is one among a group comprising:

a keyed implement for physically engaging and unlocking a corresponding locking implement of the media device;

an implement having one or more electrical components with exposed contacts for providing security information to the media device upon physically engaging with corresponding electrical contacts of the media device;

an implement having one or more electrical components for providing wireless security information to the media device upon physically engaging and unlocking a corresponding locking implement of the media device; and

a wireless key for supplying the media device wireless security information.

121. A media key having a computer-readable storage medium, comprising computer instructions for:

enabling through a first port of the media key access to one or more media types stored in a media device; and

supplying through a second port of the media key the one or more media types supplied by the media device to a final processing means without modifying the one or more media types.

122. The storage medium of claim 121, further comprising computer instructions for supplying a request to the media device through the first port, wherein the request is at least one among a group of requests comprising a request for providing the final processing means access to the one or more media types, a request for selecting the one or more media types, a request for disabling the media device, and a request for resetting the media device to activate a subsequent single use cycle.

123. The storage medium of claim 121, wherein at least one among the first and second ports includes a wireless interface, and wherein the storage medium further comprising computer instructions for processing wireless signals on said ports.

124. The storage medium of claim 121, wherein a removable memory of the media device is coupled to the first port of the media key, and wherein the one or more media types of the media device are stored in the removable memory.

125. The storage medium of claim 124, wherein the enabling and supplying steps further comprise computer instructions for:

retrieving a secure ID from the removable memory;

comparing said secure ID to a validation ID stored in said media key; and

supplying the one or more media types stored in the removable memory when the secure ID matches the validation ID.

126. The storage medium of claim 124, wherein the second port comprises a standard interface to supply the one or more media types from the removable memory to the final processing means of a supplier of the media device.