Abstract: A control device method and apparatus has application for use in multi-media systems. The multi-media system contains a host computer having a video display, a control device and at least one target device. The target device is any remotely controlled equipment that the user wishes to integrate into the multi-media system. The host computer contains a host system configuration which provides the user the ability to select an operating mode for the control device. The control device operates as an interactive user interface to control a cursor on the host computer video display when the control device is placed in the cursor control mode. The user selects a remote control mode to remotely control the target devices using the control device. The host system configuration also includes learn and computer networking modes. In the learn mode, control data information is entered into the host system configuration for new target devices.

Abstract: A digital wiring configuration comprises a switch control allowing a user to select a function to control a corresponding electrical device. A control unit couples electrical power to the electrical devices through power outlets. The control unit allows an operator to dynamically configure the switch controls to operate electrical devices at specified power outlets. Upon selection of a function on the switch control, the switch control transmits both a switch state, indicative of the function selected, and a switch identification that uniquely identifies that switch control. The control unit receives the switch state and the switch identification and generates a device identification uniquely identifying the power outlet corresponding to the control switch. The control unit transmits the device identification and the switch state to the power outlets. The corresponding power outlet is selected through the device identification and executes the function in accordance with the switch state.

Abstract: A hybrid compiler-interpreter comprising a compiler for "compiling" source program code, and an interpreter for interpreting the "compiled" code, is provided to a computer system. The compiler comprises a code generator that generates code in intermediate form with data references made on a symbolic basis. The interpreter comprises a main interpretation routine, and two data reference handling routines, a dynamic field reference routine for handling symbolic references, and a static field reference routine for handling numeric references. The dynamic field reference routine, when invoked, resolves a symbolic reference and rewrites the symbolic reference into a numeric reference. After rewriting, the dynamic field reference routine returns to the main interpretation routine without advancing program execution to the next instruction, thereby allowing the rewritten instruction with numeric reference to be reexecuted.

Abstract: A paging system which sends and receives encrypted messages. The message may be encrypted either by the sender of the message or by the paging system. Multiple keys may be used for encrypting and decrypting. Public key systems may also be used and integrated into this paging system. The paging system can send out time update messages containing the current time and date. The pagers use the time update messages to automatically update the time in an internal clock. Time stamps can be inserted into the encrypted messages to prevent unauthorized users from replaying old messages.