Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a location via a called telephony communication device is disclosed. The method at the called telephony communication device includes receiving (304) a request from a calling telephony communication device. Further, the method includes determining (306) whether the received request is for monitoring the location. The method further includes automatically transmitting (308) audio/video data captured via the called telephony communication device to the calling telephony communication device when the received request is determined to be one for monitoring the location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the management of the configuration settings of an electronic device (108) by a remote agent is provided. The remote agent is connected to the electronic device via a network (100). The method includes temporarily authorizing (304) the remote agent to access administrative information and assume administrative control of the electronic device via the network. Further, the method includes modifying (306) the configuration settings of the electronic device in response to commands received from the remote agent. Moreover, the method includes terminating (308) the temporary access and control rights of the remote agent after the configuration settings of the electronic device are modified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to alert a user of the occurrence of an event such as an incoming telephone call, e-mail, emergency alarm, scheduled appointment reminder, and the like, through the generation of an alert or control signal. An electronic device having networking capabilities, such as an IP-based (Internet Protocol) videophone, is arranged to transmit the alert trigger or control signal to another networked device like a home monitoring or home automation device. In an illustrative example, a videophone detects an incoming call and sends an alert trigger or control signal to a home lighting controller. The alert trigger or control signal instructs the home lighting controller to turn lights on and off in the home in a “ringing” pattern to indicate the incoming call.

Abstract: A method for configuring an electronic communication device (100) is disclosed. The method automatically configures the electronic communication device for a user. The method includes determining (304) an identity of the user. The method further compiles a user profile automatically (306), as a function of the manner in which the user operates the electronic communication device. The compiled user profile is stored (308) in the electronic communication device. Further, based on the stored user profile, the method automatically configures (310) the electronic communication device, without intervention of the user.

Abstract: A system (30) and network bypass device (28) for bypassing application specific data traffic past a network routing device. The network routing device routes data traffic between a first network, such as the Internet or wide-area network (WAN) and a second network, such as a residential network or other local area network (LAN). The network bypass device routes data traffic associated with various standard application devices in the LAN from the first network to the network routing device, for routing to the standard application devices. The network bypass device also routes data traffic associated with various application specific or bypass application devices from the first network to the bypass application devices in such a way that the data traffic bypasses the network routing device. In this manner, the flow of data traffic intended for the bypass application devices is not restricted by the network routing device and its security elements.

Abstract: A method for monitoring motion of an entity within a predetermined boundary established using a location detection technology. Sensor data is acquired from a motion sensor that senses non-positional movement of the entity and is attachable to the entity. A learned movement pattern associated with the entity is accessed. Computing techniques are used to analyze the acquired sensor data in relationship to the learned movement pattern. A current movement pattern is identified based on the analysis. It is determined whether the current movement pattern is a reportable movement pattern, and if so, a predetermined action is performed.

Abstract: A system, method and computer readable medium are described that improve the performance of video systems. Light is shown upon a multi-region image pickup device such as a CCD or CMOS sensor. Each region generates a portion of a full frame in response to each clock signal applied to each region. At least one clock signal is proportional to a frame rate. In low-light conditions, the clock signal, and therefore the corresponding region rate, are reduced in frequency by a clock circuit so that more light is shown upon that region of the image pickup device. The clock circuit responds to a control signal from a processor that compares a representation of the image data with threshold data to determine the level of light.

Abstract: A method and system identify programming code that is appropriate to the architecture and capabilities of a set-top terminal in a cable television system. The appropriate programming code is identified from among a variety of code objects being broadcast from the headend facility of the cable television system. A platform identifier stored in the set-top terminal is matched to a corresponding platform identifier in an entitlement management message or other download locator message that specifies where in the transport stream from the headend a particular code object can be acquired. By acquiring the object corresponding to the message bearing a matching platform identifier, the set-top terminal acquires programming code compatible with its attributes. Additionally, the cable television system can then optimally support a varied population of set-top terminals.

Abstract: A timing circuit includes a variable frequency oscillator which has a control signal that determines the output frequency of the oscillator. The control signal and a reference signal are stored in the circuit. A precision calibration pulse is applied to the timing circuit which counts the output cycles of the variable frequency oscillator during the period of the pulse. This count is stored and compared to the reference count to produce an error count. This error count is combined with the previously stored control signal to produce a new control signal that drives the output of the oscillator to a new frequency. The timing circuit can be utilized as a part of a delay circuit is an electronic blasting system wherein a control unit transmits the calibration pulse concurrently to each of the delay circuits to cause each circuit to calibrate its local oscillator in accordance with the calibration pulse. The control unit transmits a delay count to each of the delay ignition circuits.

Abstract: In the field of blasting, it is often desirable to ignite explosives at various relative times. Such delayed ignition can have advantages in better break up of rock and reduced ground vibration. A principle problem in using the time delay technique is the accuracy rate of a local oscillator which measures the delay time for each of the delay circuits. In the described system, a calibration interval, independent of any delay time, is transmitted from a control unit concurrently to each of the delay circuits wherein each delay circuit counts the output of its local oscillator during the calibration interval. This local oscillator output is then compared to a predetermined reference count, either at the delay circuit or at the control unit, and a correction factor is established. This correction factor is then applied to a delay count for the individual delay circuit.