Abstract: A device with a human-machine interface for use as a user control interface, particularly in an automotive environment, which temporarily makes an indication of the function of a control organ perceptible, when the user begins to actuate it, but has not yet definitively actuated it. The device with a human-machine interface helps the user to find the right control organ, or warns about dangerous control organs. Moreover, ways of finding groups of control organs and verifying the setting of groups of control organs are made possible.

Abstract: A device with a human-machine interface for use as a user control interface, particularly in a an automotive environment, which temporarily indication of the function of a control organ perceptible, when the user begins to actuate it, but has not yet definitively actuated it. The device with a human-machine interface helps the user to find the right control organ, or warms about dangerous control organs. Moreover, ways to finding groups of control organs and verifying the setting of groups of control organs are made possible.

Abstract: In the system, computer programs are distributed by a host system (100) to a plurality target systems (200, 201, 202). The host system stores a plurality of different computer programs in a first storage means (110). Selection means (120) are used to selecting a computer program from the stored computer programs. Transmission means (130) simultaneously transmit the selected computer program to a plurality of target systems via a data communication medium. Reception means (310) in the target system receive a computer program transmitted via the data communication medium. Storing means (320) automatically store a received computer program in second storage means (330). The target system uses execution means (340) to execute a user-selected computer program stored in the second storage means (330). Preferably, each target system is assigned a unique target identifier. Before transmitting a selected computer program, the transmission means transmit activation information incorporating target identifiers.

Abstract: The system allows a group of end apparatuses (101, 102, 103, . . .), such as a game computer or a PDA, to communicate wirelessly, for instance via infra-red. In order to increase the reliability of the communication, the end apparatuses communicate via a central apparatus 100. This makes it easier to maintain contact. Furthermore, conventional acknowledgement schemes can be used to increase the reliability of the communication between an end apparatus and the central apparatus 100. Each end apparatus comprises execution means 240 for executing a group application. During the execution, the group application communicates to a corresponding group application in at least one end apparatus. The communication takes place by exchanging application messages. To this end, an end apparatus uses message sending means 200 to send the application message to the central apparatus 100. Message receiving means 210 of the central apparatus 100 receive the message.

Abstract: A device with a human-machine interface for use as a user control interface, particularly in an automotive environment, which temporarily makes an indication of the function of a control organ perceptible, when the user begins to actuate it, but has not yet definitively actuated it. The device with a human-machine interface helps the user to find the right control organ, or warns about dangerous control organs. Moreover, ways of finding groups of control organs and verifying the setting of groups of control organs are made possible.

Abstract: A portable data processing apparatus has an integrated screen that displays one or more graphical or other objects presented thereto. The screen has a gravitation-controlled sensor for measuring a spatial orientation thereof. The apparatus has a programmed data processor for under control of a predetermined range of spatial orientations imparting a non-stationary motion pattern to a predetermined selection among the objects. The motion can be used in the way of a joystick. Eventually it may result in off-screen dumping, loading, or transfer of an associated object.

Abstract: A device with a human-machine interface for use as a user control interface, particularly in an automotive environment, which temporarily makes an indication of the function of a control organ perceptible, when the user begins to actuate it, but has not yet definitively actuated it. The device with a human-machine interface helps the user to find the right control organ, or warns about dangerous control organs. Moreover, ways of finding groups of control organs and verifying the setting of groups of control organs are made possible.

Abstract: The communication system allows a group of at least three apparatuses, such as game computers and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), to communicate wirelessly by using, for instance, infrared transmission. The apparatuses are the same from a communication point of view. A message frame (500) transmitted by an apparatus (10) can, therefore, be received by all other apparatuses (101 e.a.), which are part of the system. Reliability is increased by acknowledging correct reception of a message frame (500) and retransmitting a message frame (500) up to a predefined maximum number of times if no acknowledgement frame (510) is received. The chance of message frames (500) and/or acknowledgement frames (510) colliding is reduced. After a message frame (500) has been transmitted, a following defined time period is reserved for acknowledging reception of the message frame (500). Upon receiving the message frame (500), the receiving apparatuses (101 e.a.

Abstract: The system allows an apparatus, such as a computer or a PDA, to establish communication between a local application and applications in at least one other apparatus. The communication is established when a user of an apparatus triggers execution of a seection application. An active activation unit invites applications in the other apparatuses to join by using a message sending unit to transmit a broadcast frame to all apparatuses, requesting activation of the selected application. The broadcast frame specifies which application is being activated. The active activation unit then determines a communication channel which corresponds to the application and the selected application, stored in storage, is executed by an execution unit. The broadcast frame is received by a message receiving unit in other apparatuses. A passive activation unit verifies whether the receiving apparatus has an application, which corresponds to the specified application and whether such an application needs to be activated.

Abstract: A smart card security system has a system code and a security code. By means of a unique card containing the system code, the security code can be changed. Any card containing the correct security code renders the apparatus to be protected operable. The holder of the card bearing the system code can temporarily authorize other users to operate the apparatus.