General Instrument Corporation

The Adt Security Corporation

John Kamieniecki

Tony Nasuti

Clyde N Robbins

Douglas W Palmer

John F Maraska

Robert C Stein

Albert Fitzgerald Elcock

A method implemented by a security control device of a premises security system that is configured to monitor a premises includes communicating, via the premises security system, with a component of a vehicle and controlling an ability of the vehicle to be driven. The ability of the vehicle to be driven may be based on a state of the premises security system. Sensor information received from a premises device of the security system that indicates the presence of an occupant within the premises may be used to control the ability of the vehicle to be driven. In addition, the premises security system may communicate with the vehicle's key fob and control the ability of the vehicle to be driven using the key fob and its detected location. The ability of the vehicle to be driven can also be managed in accordance with a predefined time schedule.

Integration of car security and home security system

A method and apparatus to automatically set-up an electronic device having multiple user-controllable functionalities is provided by an arrangement that provides an interactive menu to a user. The user interacts with the menu to select and set a functionality to a desired setting. The automatic set-up arrangement receives a set-up command corresponding to the menu choice and transmits the set-up command to the electronic device in the form of an IR beam. The IR beam containing the set-up command is used to set the user-controllable functionality of the electronic device to the selected setting.

Method and apparatus for automatic set-up of electronic devices

A method of formatting data to maximize the readability of song identification (ID) information displayed on a monitor screen and a method of formatting data to maximize the amount of song ID information displayed on a limited number of lines on the monitor screen. The monitor screen is used to view in-band audio broadcast channel song ID information and out-of-band audio broadcast channel song ID information. The in-band ID information is associated with a song that is currently being played on a selected one of a plurality of channels. The out-of-band ID information is associated with all of the plurality of channels. To maximize readability, in-band ID information is abbreviated if the amount of information exceeds a maximum number of lines determined for the in-band ID information. To maximize the amount of in-band ID information, wraparound and abbreviation techniques are performed.

Methods of formatting data to maximize the readability and the amount of song identification information displayed on a limited number of lines

An automated signal generator apparatus allows testing of remotely-controlled electronic devices to verify functionality and reliability, or for product set-up, initialization or configuration. The apparatus simulates a person pressing the keys on a remote control key pad, and can simulate key press sequences, key press duration, and time between key presses. Other human interfaces may also be simulated. The apparatus can be continuously driven by an external computer in a slaved mode, or can store test instructions in an internal memory to operate in a standalone mode. Test instructions, which may be written in a macro script language, are processed by a microprocessor to provide a control signal to, e.g., an infrared (IR) transmitter. The IR transmitter can control one or more electronic devices which are under test. The transmitter may use a wide angle IR beam, or a plurality of separate transmitters for testing of a plurality of electronic devices at the same time. In a human learning mode, control signals from a human interface are processed to provide time compression or repetition of a fixed control sequence.

Automated infrared test signal generator

The cable television digital audio system of the present invention provides seamless reception and integration of analog video and audio programs and digital audio programs. The system comprises a settop terminal with a digital audio module for receiving an RF modulated digital data stream. The settop terminal permits the simultaneous reception of analog video and audio broadcasts and digital audio broadcasts. The digital audio module may include a separate frequency agile RF tuner enabling both the settop terminal and digital audio module to be tuned to and reproduce separate programs. A television monitor receiver displays normal video programming from the settop terminal and also provides on-screen display (OSD) of channel selection and program information.

System for integrating digital audio and analog video to provide

The improved settop terminal of the present invention utilizes a subscriber's television as the preferred graphical interface to simultaneously provide channel in-band and out-of-band program information to a subscriber. A subscriber may tune, view and select from among a plurality of digital audio channels and analog video channels. In-band and out-of-band information is integrated into a multi-page program guide displayed on a subscriber's television. This integration permits subscribers to visually scan and view information about currently playing selections available on other channels without having to switch to them. While listening to a music selection, the subscriber may navigate through the program guide. Program information such as the title of a song, artist and record label are also displayed.

Growing community of inventors

Lafayette Hill, PA, United States of America

John Kamieniecki