Abstract: An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of an appliance. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The appliance owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the appliance. Once the desired settings have been made, they are downloaded to the appliance either directly from the server or the appliance owner's computer or indirectly using a portable transfer device.

Abstract: A portable telephone 14 is connected to wire network 11 via a base station 13. To wire network 11 information server 12 for providing various information such as telecast programs and so on is connected. For example, data showing telecast programs are downloaded to portable telephone 14, and the G-code of any telecast program desired to record is extracted and transmitted to video tape recorder 171. There is no need to limit to a case wherein controlling information is transmitted in response to a request from the side of portable telephone 14 to various kinds of information servers 12, and it is possible for the side of information server 12 to appropriately supply the portable telephone with controlling information when any change is made to the controlling information to thereby control a relevant electronic appliance.

Abstract: A wireless telecommunications system uses location or position information to initiate actions on behalf of travelers. As position information of a wireless mobile unit is received, it is compared to stored position information of a remote location, such as a home. As the traveler approaches his home, and gets within a certain distance of home, a signal is then sent to a controller within his home to perform an action or instruct the performance of an action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switching system which can control a corresponding load by means of manipulating a manual switch and a remote control switch, and optionally turn on/off any load among a plurality of loads via a telephone line even though a user is at any distant places beyond the remote control of loads. The switching system of the present invention recognizes an allowed subscriber by inputting a predetermined password, and confirms an turning-on/off state of loads connected to a switching set unit via a voice to then control turning-ON/OFF of the corresponding load via button manipulation of a telephone set. Accordingly, the switching system can perform manual switching control or remote switching control using a remote controller, and also carry out switching control with regard to any load via the telephone line even under a poor condition of remote control, thereby conveniently confirming and manipulating a state of loads regardless of places.

Abstract: A video enable answering machine having many new features including customized video announcement messages, caller ID based video announcement messages, and time based video announcement messages.

Abstract: A system provides for the coordination of caller ID devices connected to a common telephone line and additionally may provide control of a number of electronic appliances within a home or building. Within a home or building, caller ID devices as well as a number of electronic appliances receive electrical energy through the electronic power lines. Each of the caller ID devices includes a processor which allows the transmission of control signals over the power lines in order that all caller ID devices on the same telephone line can be synchronized. This system can be further expanded to include a home controller which, via the power lines controls the operation of the electronic appliances. The home controller is connected to the common telephone line, and may download information and generate the appropriate command signals to control remotely located appliances.

Abstract: An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of an appliance. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The appliance owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the appliance. Once the desired settings have been made, they are downloaded to the appliance either directly from the server or the appliance owner's computer or indirectly using a portable transfer device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telephone remote control timer having a control circuit board inside a housing thereof. The control circuit board contains an AC power source circuit, a stabilized rectification circuit, a ringing circuit, a signal receiving circuit, a holding circuit, a microprocessor, a timing circuit and a reset circuit. The timing data can be transmitted to the microprocessor of the present invention through a telephone line for a convenient timing control in starting or stopping the power supply.

Abstract: An in-home network which includes a telephone line and a plurality of consumer electronic devices coupled to the telephone line. Each of the consumer electronic devices is assigned a unique address, such that each of the consumer electronics devices is individually addressable via the telephone line. The consumer electronic devices communicate using a packet-based protocol, wherein each of the consumer electronic devices transmits analog signal bursts on telephone line. Each of the consumer electronic devices can include a wireless signal receiver, such that a first consumer electronic device can receive control information from a remote control, and then control the operation of a second consumer electronic device by transmitting the control information to the second consumer electronic device via the telephone line.

Abstract: An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of an appliance. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The appliance owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the appliance. Once the desired settings have been made, they are downloaded to the appliance either directly from the server or the appliance owner's computer or indirectly using a portable transfer device.

Abstract: A control system enables telephone calls to be answered remotely using a remote control unit also adapted to remotely control an electronic device such as VCR. A processor based station may communicate with a remote control unit using both infrared and radio frequency protocols to enable remote telephone communications and remote control of electronic devices.

Abstract: An earphone system includes a remote control unit for transmitting a first control signal, and an earphone section operatively connected to a terminal equipment and said remote control unit. The earphone section includes a connector to be operatively connected to the terminal equipment, an earphone speaker section for outputting an audio output from an audio output signal, and a microphone for inputting an audio input to produce an audio input signal. A remote control signal processing section receives the control signal from the remote control unit. A remote control modulating and demodulating section is connected to the earphone section via a first cord and is connected to the connector via a second cord. The remote control modulating and demodulating section passes the audio input signal to the terminal equipment via the connector and the audio output signal from the terminal equipment via the connector to the earphone speaker section.

Abstract: A telephone operates as a time server for synchronizing an appliance or peripheral by accessing a time service over telephone lines to obtain an accurate geographic time for the telephone, and by transmitting a synchronizing pulse to the appliance at a predetermined time to set the time function of the appliance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for generating codes for controlling appliances from a remote controller.