Abstract: This baby monitor provides monitoring of a baby's activities and vital signs from a remote location, possibly anywhere in the world. A sensor unit placed near the baby receives input from the baby, typically sound, image and vital signs such as heartbeat, respiration and temperature. Environmental conditions such as ambient temperature can also be monitored. One embodiment of the invention is worn on, or close to, a baby's chest while sleeping and monitors heartbeats and generates an alarm if the heart rate drops unexpectedly, indicating distress such as lack of oxygen. The invention can also be used for parental reassurance by indicating the baby's heartbeat through a pulsating LED or audible sound.

Abstract: A system for controlling a clothes dryer whereby the user selects a desired time of drying and the heat used to dry the clothes is adjusted during the operational time such that the clothes are not dried unnecessarily quickly. Accordingly, the energy efficiency of the clothes dryer using this invention is improved compared to the prior art.

Abstract: This baby monitor provides monitoring of a baby's activities and vital signs from a remote location, possibly anywhere in the world. A sensor unit placed near the baby receives input from the baby, typically sound, image and vital signs such as heartbeat, respiration and temperature. Environmental conditions such as ambient temperature can also be monitored. One embodiment of the invention is worn on, or close to, a baby's chest while sleeping and monitors heartbeats and generates an alarm if the heart rate drops unexpectedly, indicating distress such as lack of oxygen. The invention can also be used for parental reassurance by indicating the baby's heartbeat through a pulsating LED or audible sound.

Abstract: A music synthesising system wherein the musical output is responsive to the normal activities of a living organism. In one example, electrical activity within the cells of a living plant is used to trigger and modulate a music synthesiser. In another example, the movements of a bird in a cage as sensed by a video camera are used to trigger and modulate a music synthesiser.

Abstract: An indicator appears on a TV screen when additional information is available about items in the scene being viewed. If the viewer presses an “info” button the action freezes and an overlay appears on the picture highlighting one or more products for which additional advertising is available. If the viewer moves the cursor to the item of interest and presses “OK”, an advertisement offering additional information about the cursored item plays or other information is displayed, such as special offers, links to retailer's website, opportunity to purchase etc. Similarly, when the credits roll at the end of a show, the viewer can press the “info” button and the credits freeze. A cursor appears on the first item in the credits. This cursor can be navigated around the credits to items that have links attached. If the user presses “OK” they are taken to the website of the credited body, or a prerecorded ad is played off hard disk.

Abstract: A set-top-box receives catalogs through digital TV data broadcast or through the Internet. The catalogs are stored as files on the STB e.g. on hard drive or solid state memory. Usually, a particular user will receive only a subset of transmitted catalogs according to preferences set or deduced from user-specific information such as location. Users can search the catalogs by store, category keyword or other terms. Catalogs can appear in the “channels” menu or the “library” menu or any other menu. The ordering of catalogs displayed in a menu can be arranged according to likely interest to a viewer, or with “specials” first, or “newest” first or “closest” first etc. Viewers can click straight to a catalog or item when invited during watching a show or a commercial. They can be notified of specials, new catalogs or new items by means of an icon or other popup, or a notice appearing on a menu, or by SMS or email etc.

Abstract: An electronic appliance equipped with an infra-red or ultrasonic remote control device in which the device is controlled from a great distance by receiving control signals transmitted from a remote station (6), reformatting the control signals (3) in the device to controm with the protocol required by the appliance to be controlled, and transmitting the infra-red (5) or ultrasonic signal to the appliance.