Abstract: A dual position display is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention include simultaneously displaying at least two geographic locations for a single device. In some embodiments, a received position of the device is displayed, the received position being received from the on-line, real-time mapping system and being indicated on a map display by a first icon. In at least some embodiments, the current position of the device as indicated by the positioning receiver is also displayed, the current position of the device being indicated on the map display by a second icon displayed simultaneously with the first icon. In at least some embodiments, the map display continues to display the received position as a previous position that corresponds to a loss of communication of the positioning data between the device and the mapping system.

Abstract: A quality display is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide for the display of an indication of quality of a geographic survey. In some example embodiments, a survey grid corresponding to the geographic boundaries of a dynamically created survey area is displayed, where the displayed survey grid expands based on the geographic movement of survey participants. In additional embodiments, data representing the survey grid, cells of the survey grid, and a plurality of sub-cells into which each cell of the survey grid is divided is stored. In other embodiments, a numerical index corresponding to the quality of the survey in each cell of the survey grid is determined based on positioning information. In still other embodiments, a display attribute associated with each cell of the survey grid is adjusted in accordance with the numerical index.

Abstract: Timekeeping apparatus providing premises-automation-related function through a network. A household appliance or device such as a bedside alarm clock provides time-based control functions as well as premises automation related functions. The device is connected to the premises automation system through a local area network (LAN), or some other type of network interface. The device contains a display unit to display the time and other information. The device also includes an internal processing system that controls the device to provide the time-based control function and to send and receive messages over the network. Sent messages can include time-keeping status information, reports of user input, or packets designed to set outputs in the premises automation system. Received messages can control local actions such as time settings and display of premises automation status information.

Abstract: Infrared crosspoint system. An infrared (IR) command code is received at the source location, and processed to produce a packet of information representing the IR command code. This packet can be incorporated into a communication frame such as an Ethernet frame and forwarded over a network. The frame is parsed at the destination location and the IR command code can be reassembled based on information in the packet. In some embodiments, apparatus including a frequency determination buffer, an IR transmitter and receiver and a processing platform is used to implement the invention. The techniques disclosed herein can also be implemented as part of a general purpose, premises automation system, consisting of distributed processing platforms.

Abstract: A method and assembly for terminating premises automation equipment wiring by mounting premises automation components in readily available holders. A mount for premises automation system components is provided using a punchdown block holder. Opposing tabs of the punchdown block holder bias a printed circuit board (PCB) or a mechanical adapter plate against the holder's top surface. The PCB or mechanical adapter are sized and shaped so that the PCB or adapter snaps in between the tabs and is held against the block holder. An additional PCB may be mounted on top of the first PCB or adapter using coaxial holes and fasteners. The planimetric shape of the first PCB or adapter may vary so long as it snuggly fits in the punchdown block holder, and the second PCB may have the same planimetric shape as or vary from that of the first PCB or adapter.

Abstract: Timekeeping apparatus providing premises-automation-related function through a network. A household appliance or device such as a bedside alarm clock provides time-based control functions as well as premises automation related functions. The device is connected to the premises automation system through a local area network (LAN), or some other type of network interface. The device contains a display unit to display the time and other information. The device also includes an internal processing system that controls the device to provide the time-based control function and to send and receive messages over the network. Sent messages can include time-keeping status information, reports of user input, or packets designed to set outputs in the premises automation system. Received messages can control local actions such as time settings and display of premises automation status information.

Abstract: Distributed, packet-based premises automation system. The system can include, multiple, distributed, processor-based input/output (I/O) units. Changes in inputs can be broadcast using one or more protocols onto a home or other premises network, and/or the Internet. I/O units can receive commands from the network and effect control of the premises equipment based on those commands. Input and output identifiers have a format that allows them to uniquely identify any input and output in the distributed system, regardless of how large the system is or how many I/O units the system has. Any computer or controller on the network can see the changes in the inputs and any computer or controller can effect changes in an output, providing for true, distributed control. Virtual inputs are provided, each allowing a standard meaning to be applied to a storage bit that represents some state or condition of the premises.

Abstract: A computer network encryption/decryption device includes at least one microprocessor, microprocessor support hardware, at least two network ports for connecting to upstream and downstream networks, memory hardware for storing program, configuration, and keylist data, and data encryption/decryption hardware. Both network ports have the same network address, making the device transparent to the local area network in which it is spliced. The device operates by selectively encrypting or decrypting only the data portion of a data packet, leaving the routing information contained in the header and trailer portions of the data packet unchanged.

Abstract: A computer network encryption/decryption device includes at least one microprocessor, microprocessor support hardware, at least two network ports for connecting to upstream and downstream networks, memory hardware for storing program, configuration, and keylist data, and data encryption/decryption hardware. The device operates in one of two modes by selectively encrypting or decrypting packets or portions of packets based on information contained in a packer's header.

Abstract: A computer network encryption/decryption device includes at least one microprocessor, microprocessor support hardware, at least two network ports for connecting to upstream and downstream networks, memory hardware for storing program, configuration, and keylist data, and data encryption/decryption hardware. Both network ports have the same network address, making the device transparent to the local area network in which it is spliced. The device operates by selectively encrypting or decrypting only the data portion of a data packet, leaving the routing information contained in the header and trailer portions of the data packet unchanged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a VCR or other television program recording device for unattended recording of television programs based upon user selections from an on-line television program schedule system, converts the on-line television schedule listings for the user selected programs into event timer information and loads the event timer information into an event timer. The event timer, which may be located in the VCR or external to the VCR, controls the VCR for unattended recording in the customary manner. Since the VCR is controlled by the event timer information, rather than directly from the on-line program schedule listings, the VCR may be controlled for unattended recording even if the on-line listings are lost. Accordingly, the on-line listings may be stored in low cost volatile memory (dynamic RAM). Only the event timer information should be stored in non-volatile memory (static RAM), which can be kept small due to the limited information contained in the event timer information.

Abstract: An online television program information system extracts from a broadcast datastream of television program information only that program information for those shows which meet predetermined selection criteria, and stores only the extracted information. By not storing all broadcast television information, memory size for information storage is reduced and a high performance processor is not required for subset searches of the entire stored datastream for programs of interest. A low cost online television program information system is thereby provided, which may store large amounts of useful program information. Content selective storage is facilitated by transmitting and receiving the television program information in three groups, with the first group comprising event data, the second group comprising titles and the third group comprising descriptions.