Abstract: A remote convenience system (10) and an associated function remotely control convenience functions at a vehicle (16). A receiver/controller (14), located at the vehicle (16), receives vehicle remote convenience function request signals (30) that convey remote function request messages and controls vehicle systems (e.g., 48, 50, 52, and 68) to perform the remotely requested vehicle functions. The receiver/controller (14) includes a messaging processing portion (110) for providing a signal (e.g., 128/130) to activate an at-vehicle alarm component (e.g., 50/52) and for providing a signal (132) to activate a remote assistance-summoning component (68). A portable transmitter outputs the remote convenience function request signals (30) to cause remote control performance. The transmitter (12) includes a manually actuatable emergency pushbutton switch (94). The switch (94) is actuatable in a first operation mode (e.g.

Abstract: A remote convenience system (10) for remote control performance of a function includes a portable transceiver (14) and a controller transceiver (16). Preferably, the system (10) is for a vehicle (12), and the controller transceiver (16) is vehicle-based. The portable transceiver (14) is operable for remote control requests, and includes circuitry (42, 52, 54, and 60) for transmitting a function request signal (18) that contains a function request (C) and a security key (T.sub.1). Also, circuitry (42, 52, 54, and 60) of the portable transceiver (14) receives a response signal (36) that contains a new security key (T.sub.2), and updates to the new security key. The vehicle-based transceiver (16) includes circuitry (30, 74, 78, and 82) for processing valid function requests and for controlling performance of the requested function.

Abstract: A method and related system are disclosed which allow for a series of individualized audio segments to be recorded for subsequent, simultaneous insertion into the audio track(s) of a plurality of videotapes loaded into multiple videotape recorders (VTR's), respectively. In one embodiment, each audio segment recorded is uniquely associated with, and inserted into, an audio track of a respective prerecorded videotape such that each of the plurality of videotapes is personalized with its own unique message. A voice recording and data entry station is provided wherein each audio segment to be inserted is independently recorded, digitized, and stored on a data tape with related identifying information associated therewith. Audio segments from the digital data tape are then downloaded in groups into a production control center computer, incorporating software and interface circuitry to control the operation of the VTR's, in order to effect the insertion of each audio message segment into respective videotapes.

Abstract: A video system anti-copying device in which leading and trailing code sequences are inserted into the luminance portion of a video signal. These code sequences are visually manifested as dropouts on a video monitor. When the sequences match, operation of record circuitry in a video recorder is inhibited.