Koninklijke Philips Corporation N.V.

Frederik Ekkel

Jan Van Ee

Thomas James Dubil

Franciscus Cornelis Caris

A set top box (STB) is marketed together with a programmable remote. The remote has a dedicated button to connect the STB to a specific server on the Internet. The consumer can notify the server of his/her other CE equipment, which he/she desires to be controllable through the same remote as the one that came with the STB. The server downloads to the STB data representative of the relevant control codes. The STB is provided with means to program the remote with these codes. In return the server has obtained detailed and accurate information about this consumer's equipment. A reliable customer base can thus be built for streamlining Help Desk operations.

STB connects remote to web site for customized code downloads

A universal programmable remote is programmed for being used with a specific apparatus. A sequence of test codes is sent to the apparatus until the apparatus responds. The test codes comprise tags that are sent along. The tags fall all within a same narrow frequency band. An STB that is eavesdropping on the transmission is receptive to that band. The STB identifies the last tag and enables a server to identify the complete set of codes for the apparatus based on the tag. Thereupon the set is downloaded and programmed in the remote.

System and method for interleaving infrared command codes with identifier codes

A personal security device includes a motion sensor, such as a MEMS chip. In response to a characteristic motion pattern, especially acceleration of a car, the security device will trigger a consequence. The consequence might be an audible or visible alarm. Optionally the device may communicate with the engine to direct it to take some action, such as stopping or exploding air bags.

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Cupertino, CA, United States of America

Frederik Ekkel