Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide smart alerts to users, e.g., alerts to users about diabetic states that are only provided when it makes sense to do so, e.g., when the system can predict or estimate that the user is not already cognitively aware of their current condition, e.g., particularly where the current condition is a diabetic state warranting attention. In this way, the alert or alarm is personalized and made particularly effective for that user. Such systems and methods still alert the user when action is necessary, e.g., a bolus or temporary basal rate change, or provide a response to a missed bolus or a need for correction, but do not alert when action is unnecessary, e.g., if the user is already estimated or predicted to be cognitively aware of the diabetic state warranting attention, or if corrective action was already taken.

Abstract: A systems for inserting feedback from members of the viewing public into a television program. Viewers submit reactions to programming in realtime in the form of spoken messages, text messages, or graphics which are incorporated into the program being watched or into a separate program broadcast subsequently. The invention has many applications in the entertainment industry, including, for example, making television programs more entertaining and creating an extra revenue source for broadcasters.

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 conform with the protocol required by the appliance to be controlled, and transmitting the infra-red (5) or ultrasonic signal to the appliance.

Abstract: An event logging system in which logged events are time stamped by storing a value read from a counter which is incremented at an arbitrary but consistent rate. When the data is recalled for analysis, the actual time of the event is calculated by reading the current value of the counter, reading the stored counter values associated with logged events, measuring the period of the clock incrementing the counter, and then using this information to calculate the absolute time.

Abstract: An event logging system in which logged events are time stamped by storing a value read from a counter which is incremented at an arbitrary but consistent rate. When the data is recalled for analysis, the actual time of the event is calculated by reading the current value of the counter, reading the stored counter values associated with logged events, measuring the period of the clock incrementing the counter, and then using this information to calculate the absolute time.

Abstract: A system for generating documents which, as well as presenting the usual alpha-numeric text information, contain a distinctive marking. The marking scheme of the invention can convey identifying information which, in the event of a document coming into the possession of an unauthorized person, allows a particular copy of a document to be traced to its source. The invention can also be used to distinctively identify each of a number of photocopies made from an original document.

Abstract: A system is provided for recording and evaluating audience responses, for example, answers given to questions posed in television quiz shows. Responses are sensed using, for example, a membrane switch array, and timing information is generated by a timer. Data identifying responses and associated timing information is stored in a memory for later recall. When the responses are recalled, the associated timing information can be used to verify that a quiz-show participant made the response within the time period allowed according to the rules of the quiz.

Abstract: Television programs interupted by non-program material, such as commercials, are broadcasted by the disclosed system over standard TV channels. An ecrypted indicating signal is also broadcasted by the system such that the ecrypted signal can be received and decrypted at authorized viewer locations to provide program identifying information. Each of the authorized viewer locations includes a credit store for storing data representing an available credit. Each authorized location also includes means for editing the viewing/recording of received program signals based on the provided program identifying information when the data in said credit store indicates that credit is available. The available credit represented by the stored data is consumed in response to the usage the means for editing program signals.

Abstract: A system for controlling reception or recording of television broadcasts according to censorship classifications. One or more persons monitoring broadcasts nominate a classification and cause an appropriate signal to be generated and transmitted to viewers' homes by means of a radio transmission network also used for transmission of other data signals, such as a pocket paging system. Means are provided to ensure that classification signals are transmitted with priority over paging signals or other non-time-critical data.

Abstract: A signal representative of a television program guide, a signal indicating which program is currently being viewed or recorded and a signal indicating the class of program being viewed or recorded are received at the point of reception of a television program signal. The program guide signal is used to cause a program guide to be displayed on a television screen. A viewer selects one or more programs to be recorded or viewed from the displayed guide and selects a set of classifications that are to be permitted. While the received program indicating signal indicates that the current program is one of the selected programs and the received classifying signal indicates that the current program is of a permitted classification, recording or viewing of the program is enabled. A further extension of the invention causes the program identifying signal to be recorded on a video recording along with the program so that on replay the recording can visually be identified.

Abstract: A vending machine adapted to reproduce audio and video messages relating to the products being dispensed. The video portion of the message is produced by a video synthesizer which displays objects which are animated in response to the audio message. For example, a human-like face can be synthesised, the lips of which move in response to speech being replayed. The vending machine can also be a music juke-box.

Abstract: A classification code, recorded repeatedly along with program material, is recovered on playing a video recording, and used to inhibit replay if the recovered code matches any of a set of codes specified by the user. The codes which cause replay to be inhibited can be set by the user after entering a personal identity number. The user can optionally request that a code be recorded when recording a program. Signals are optionally provided so that an auxiliary device, such as a second video player, can be controlled in response to codes recovered. One application is to prevent children viewing certain video recordings without parental permission.