US007562128B1
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Caris et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7.562,128 B1
`Jul. 14, 2009
`
`(54) STB CONNECTS REMOTE TO WEBSITE
`FOR CUSTOMZED CODE DOWNLOADS
`
`(75) Inventors: Franciscus Cornelis Caris, San Jose,
`CA (US); Frederik Ekkel, Cupertino,
`CA (US); Thomas James Dubil,
`Morgan Hill, CA (US)
`(73) Assignee: Philips Koninklijke Philips Electronics
`N.V., Eindhoven (NL)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 903 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/653,784
`(22) Filed:
`Sep. 1, 2000
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/519.546,
`filed on Mar. 6, 2000, now abandoned.
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G06F 15/177
`(2006.01)
`GO6F 2/OO
`(52) U.S. Cl. ....................................... 709/220; 709/221
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................. 709/220,
`709/221, 203, 217 218, 226 229, 250, 700/1:
`706/95; 455/304; 348/164, 172, 14.05, 734;
`340/825; 345/720, 40, 11; 379/74; 398/106;
`369724 25
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4.450,520 A * 5/1984 Hollaar et al. ................ T10/65
`5,228,077 A * 7/1993 Darbee ........
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`5,794.210 A * 8/1998 Goldhaber et al. ............ TO5/14
`
`(Continued)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`EP
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`O862304 A2
`
`9, 1998
`
`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`NetSupport Manager 5 offers affordable remote control, Hammond,
`Eric. InfoWorld v21 na6, p. 52,64, Nov. 15, 1999, ISSN 0 199-6649.*
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner—Zarni Maung
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A set top box (STB) is marketed together with a program
`mable remote. The remote has a dedicated button to connect
`the STB to a specific server on the Internet. The consumer can
`notify the server of his/her other CE equipment, which he/she
`desires to be controllable through the same remote as the one
`that came with the STB. The server downloads to the STB
`data representative of the relevant control codes. The STB is
`provided with means to program the remote with these codes.
`In return the server has obtained detailed and accurate infor
`mation about this consumer's equipment. A reliable customer
`base can thus be built for streamlining Help Desk operations.
`
`20 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`Hoift
`
`
`
`20
`
`
`
`INTERNET
`
`06
`
`DATABASE
`
`CUSTMER
`BASE
`
`202
`
`--- is
`
`Roku EX1008
`U.S. Patent No. 7,589,642
`
`

`

`US 7.562,128 B1
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`WO
`WO
`
`002843.6 A1
`OO39772
`
`5, 2000
`T 2000
`
`5,819,294 A 10, 1998 Chambers
`5,915,026 A
`6, 1999 Mankovitz
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`5.933,811 A * 8/1999 Angles et al. ................. TO5/14
`6,008,735 A * 12/1999 Chiloyan et al. ....... 340,825.22
`yel Freed, Les PC Magazine, Mar. 9, 2000, p. 64, ISSN
`3.
`6,075,527 A * 6/2000 Ichihashi et al. ............ 71.5/721
`-
`.
`A universal information appliance, Eustice, K.F., et al., IBM Journal,
`6,104,334 A * 8/2000 Allport ..........
`341,175
`vol. 38, No. 4, 199, ISBN 0018-8670/99, p. 575-601.*
`6,249,809 B1* 6/2001 Bro ...............
`709/217
`A Middleware Component Supporting Flexible User Interaction for
`6,314,572 B1 * 1 1/2001 LaRocca et al.
`... T25/60
`ck
`ck
`Networked Home Appliances, Nakajima, T., pp. 68-74.
`6,477,573 B1 * 1 1/2002 Lea ...............
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`Consumer Electronics, Technology 1997, Analysis & Forecast, IEEE
`6,490,726 B2 * 12/2002 Harrison et al.
`725,110
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`Product Review-The Lexison 500T Svstem Controller. Long. D
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`6/2003 Anderson et al. .............. 22 Apr 1996,13.
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`LOng, L.,
`2002/008O154 A1* 6/2002 Matthews et al. ........... 345/700
`pr. 1990, p. 1-5.
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`Ming, vol. 38/01 of Masters Abstracts, ISBN 0-612-40941-4, 1998,
`p. 1-99.*
`Design and Implementation of Internet-TV, Tomari. Y., et al., IEEE
`ISBN 0.098-3063/97, 1997, p. 953-960.*
`* cited by examiner
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`
`
`WO
`WO
`WO
`
`99508O7
`OO17738 A1
`OO17789 A1
`
`10, 1999
`3, 2000
`3, 2000
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 14, 2009
`
`Sheet 1 of 2
`
`US 7.562,128 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`CE
`EQUIPMENT
`
`120
`
`DATABASE
`
`108
`
`CUSTONER
`BASE
`
`100
`
`FIG. 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 14, 2009
`
`Sheet 2 of 2
`
`US 7.562,128 B1
`
`
`
`a
`
`CE
`EQUIPMENT
`
`114
`
`120
`
`DATABASE
`
`108
`
`CUSTOVER
`BASE
`
`200
`
`FIG 2
`
`

`

`1.
`STB CONNECTS REMOTE TOWEBSITE
`FOR CUSTOMZED CODE DOWNLOADS
`
`US 7,562,128 B1
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
`application No. 09/519,546, filed Mar. 6, 2000 now aban
`doned.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention relates to a business model and network
`architecture Supporting the interests of network operators,
`manufacturers of IP-connected electronic equipment and
`end-users of the equipment.
`
`10
`
`BACKGROUND ART
`
`15
`
`Philips Electronics provides the SmartConnect (SM) ser
`Vice to end-users of CE equipment, especially equipment that
`is Internet-connected. An implementation of the SmartCon
`nect (SM) service uses a special button on a remote control
`device that enables the user to directly connect, e.g., via a set
`top box (STB), to a dedicated SmartConnect (SM) web site.
`The site provides Philips Electronics with direct contact to the
`individual end-user, enables warranty registration, alerts the
`user to additional accessory sales, and provides specific con
`tent, advice, services, etc., all Supported by the individual
`user's profile.
`Aspects of the SmartConnect (SM) service are discussed in
`published International Application WO0017789, corre
`sponding to U.S. Ser. No. 09/160,490, herein incorporated by
`reference, and in published International Application
`WO0028436, corresponding to U.S. Ser. No. 09/189,535,
`herein incorporated by reference.
`The SmartConnect (SM) service enables, e.g., customizing
`a technical functionality of network—(e.g., Internet-)
`enabled equipment of an end-user and Supplying customized
`content information. A profile of the end-user and informa
`tion about a technical feature for use with the equipment are
`stored at a server system. Based on the user-profile it is
`determined whether or not the user should be notified about
`the availability of this feature. If it has been decided that there
`is a match between the user profile as stored and the informa
`tion about this feature, the end-user gets notified via the
`network of the option to obtain the feature for being added to
`his/her equipment. In case the feature relates to new software,
`it can be downloaded via the network for preferably auto
`matic installation in the equipment. In case the feature com
`prises a hardware component, it can be shipped to the end
`user upon acceptance of the offer. A helpdesk is preferably
`provided through the network to help the end-user install the
`feature.
`SmartConnect (SM) is based on the insight that network
`enabled equipment is becoming a flexible repository into
`which the end-user can place new and exciting features over
`time, dependent on the user's needs or desires, context of use,
`advancement of technology, etc. Not all end-users are always
`interested in all possible features for creating enhanced func
`tionality of the equipment. Accordingly, a user-profile is
`established, either when the user registers his equipment with
`the notification service, or dynamically as a consequence of
`the user's interaction with the server system, or through a
`combination thereof. The profile is used to select technical
`features that are likely of interest to the user. In this manner,
`the user is kept abreast of the latest trends of interest to
`him/her. This approach implicitly supports virtual recycling
`as equipment needs to be designed for the purpose of being
`upgraded. The modular approach of adding or deleting tech
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`nical Software or hardware features as needed thus assists in
`slowing down the trend that products become obsolete fairly
`quickly, but without barring the manufacturer or aftermarket
`sales organizations from continuing doing business.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The inventors believe that the above SmartConnect (SM)
`concept can be made an attractive feature to Network Opera
`tors, especially where STBs are concerned, since the Net
`work Operators assume full control and responsibility of the
`equipment with respect to the end-users. To this end, the
`inventors propose to market a programmable, remote control
`device together with IP-connected consumer electronics (CE)
`equipment, e.g., a set-top box. This remote has a SmartCon
`nect (SM) button for connection via the set-top box to the
`SmartConnect (SM) service site on the Web. The SmartCon
`nect (SM) server has a database of control codes for most of
`the commercially available equipment that can be controlled
`via a remote. The server can also contain information regard
`ing the remote's user-interface (UIs) to the equipment, e.g.,
`button names, graphical user interface panels for a touch
`screen remote, and other features that Support user-interac
`tion with the remote. The user provides to the server infor
`mation about further equipment he/she has available and
`would like to be controllable through a single remote. The
`database is queried based on the user's input. When the proper
`code sets and accompanying UI data have been found, the
`codes and UI data are downloaded to the user's STB. Prefer
`ably, the server or STB enables the user to configure the code
`and data, e.g., for causing a single action at the remote to
`execute multiple activities of the user's appliances. This con
`figuration can be formed prior to the transfer of the code and
`UI data to the remote. The STB enables programming its
`remote with the downloaded codes and/or UI data, e.g.,
`through an IR or RF transmitter/blaster or a serial cable con
`necting the STB to a serial port of the remote for unidirec
`tional communication with the STB, or through any other
`Suitable means and procedures.
`As an alternative to a dedicate hard button on the remote,
`the user can also access the server via selection in a menu
`displayed on a display monitor, e.g., the display monitor of
`TV set or another apparatus driven by the STB, or the LCD
`touch screen of a universal programmable remote such as the
`PRONTOTM of Philips Electronics.
`As to the server containing data regarding the remote's UI.
`this relates to, e.g., the specific location of each of the
`remote's hard buttons or softkeys, or their names, so as to be
`able to associate a specific code with a button. When the
`remote has an LCD touch screen, such as the PRONTOTM of
`Philips Electronics, the UI data can also relate to, e.g., one or
`more panels of softkeys, and/or to the desired distribution of
`the softkeys among the panels. Preferably, the softkeys are
`clustered in a semantically logical manner so as to enhance
`user-friendliness of the remote in operational use.
`Preferably, the consumer is allowed to affect or manipulate
`the data prior to the data being programmed into the remote
`control device. This can be achieved, e.g., through a menu
`displayed via the STB, wherein the consumer is requested to
`specify whether or not he/she desires certain operations with
`respect to the data. The menu can be displayed on, e.g., the
`TV's monitor or a display of a touch screen based handheld.
`The server is capable of making Suggestions regarding these
`operations because of this consumer's profile. For example,
`the menu offers the option to program a single action on the
`remote to cause the execution of multiple activities of specific
`appliances among the CE equipment. This operation are pref
`
`

`

`US 7,562,128 B1
`
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`erably performed prior to programming the code and UI data
`into the remote control, either at the server or at the STB if the
`latter has the proper Software application.
`In this configuration stage, the server may display via the
`STB a graphical representation of the remote to be pro
`grammed and highlight one or more specific ones of the
`remote keys to illustrate to the consumer what is happening.
`The invention also relates to a method of creating a cus
`tomer base. The method comprises enabling a user of CE
`equipment to specify to a server on a data network informa
`tion about the equipment. The method further comprises
`enabling to program a remote via the data network according
`to the information, and storing the information in the cus
`tomer base. The remote can be a pre-programmed one for use
`with a set top box, the method being used for subsidizing the
`STB. The remote can be the one supplied with the STB. The
`method can also comprise enabling to use the customer base
`to provide a customized service to the user. The invention also
`relates to a method of providing a customized service to a user
`of CE equipment using a user profile based on the user having
`specified to a server on a data network information about the
`equipment for enabling to program a remote via the data
`network
`The invention is based on the following insight. When the
`end-user installs the STB at home and switches it on, it works
`directly out of the box and with the remote that came with it.
`Typically, the remote supplied with the set-top box is user
`programmable. In order to use this remote for all other CE
`equipment in the home this dedicated remote needs to be
`programmed. Conventionally, in order to program a remote,
`the user has to look into the remote's manual (in the case of a
`TiVo box those pages are in the on-screen Setup Menu), has to
`scan the list of controllable equipment for which the remote is
`Suitable and has to find the proper brand, type, and version.
`Then, the user has to read, for example, the numerical codes
`associated with the relevant equipment and enter them into
`the remote. A scenario wherein the user has to collect the
`information and then manually enter it into the remote is
`believed to be a user-unfriendly way of configuring the
`remote. Studies indicate that most users will not go through
`an extensive programming exercise and, therefore, will keep
`on using different remotes for different pieces of equipment.
`Much can go wrong in this manual configuration process for
`the remote, and the studies show that a significant percentage
`of all calls made to the manufacturer's Help Desk and, in case
`of STBs, the calls made to the Network Operator's Help
`Desk, are related to this programming issue. As a result sig
`nificant costs are involved for the manufacturer and the Net
`work Operator to provide customer support. The invention,
`now, makes the programmable remote of the set-top box an
`attractive feature to both the consumer and the Network
`Operators. In the invention, the user presses a dedicated but
`ton, in this example the SmartConnect (SM) button, on the
`remote and is thereupon presented with a dedicated web-site,
`here the SmartConnect (SM) web-site, through the IP-con
`nected equipment, here the STB. After a sign-in process and
`an introduction to SmartConnect (SM) services, the user is
`requested to answer questions about the equipment he/she has
`available in the home and that he/she wants to become con
`trollable through the remote. This could be combined with an
`on-line Warranty registration process. The information about
`the equipment and the user is communicated to the Smart
`Connect (SM) server. Next, the SmartConnect (SM) server's
`database is scanned for the proper codes and/or relevant UI
`data. After the proper codes and UI data have been found, and
`after the user has added his/her customization as mentioned
`above, the user is prompted to place the remote within range
`
`4
`of an IR or RF blaster, connected to or integrated within the
`STB, whereupon, via the web-site, the data for the proper
`codes and UI features is downloaded and programmed into
`the remote. Upon completion of this process, the SmartCon
`nect (SM) remote is the most convenient one to be used. As
`the programming is an automated process from the consum
`er's point of view, the Network Operator's Call Center will
`not have to intervene in the programming or customizing
`phase of the remote.
`The above scenario according to the invention provides an
`incentive to the user to Submit accurate and detailed informa
`tion to the SmartConnect (SM) server about the equipment for
`which the remote is to be programmed. If the user does not
`specify the equipment correctly, either the proper codes and/
`or UI data do not exist in the database or the ones downloaded
`do not match the intended equipment. Therefore, there is an
`incentive for the consumer to provide accurate information.
`This information, now, enables to create a truthful profile of
`the user, based on which the SmartConnect (SM) portal and
`its related services can be customized for this particular user.
`The profile thus created is valuable to the service provider
`and network operators, as it enables to customize Support
`based on an accurate inventory of the equipment on the con
`Sumer's home network. For example, the consumer may need
`Support in order to correctly connect the proper video input/
`outputs on the STB to a TV monitor or HDD-based video
`recorder. As the Help Desk has available this customer's
`profile, a much more precise and less time-consuming walk
`through can be provided via the telephone. The invention
`represents a tool for implementing a substantial reduction in
`overhead at the Call Center or Help Desk.
`The user profile obtained through the procedure of pro
`gramming or updating the STB’s remote can be made avail
`able to other parties, e.g., for targeted e-commerce, for
`example based on demographics, or for customized content.
`The user-profile information is also relevant to the control
`code and UI feature database of the SmartConnect (SM)
`server as it reflects which codes are useful and are requested
`most frequently. This again can be used by manufacturers and
`other suppliers of remote control devices in order to bundle
`the codes and UI aspects in most-frequently used clusters is a
`pre-programmed remote.
`Preferably, the STB or other IP-connected equipment is
`equipped with an IR or RF transmitter in the front bezel and
`with a range long enough to reach a user on the couch (typi
`cally 10 feet from the display screen) to minimize the user's
`efforts required.
`The invention enables the SmartConnect (SM) server to
`collect valuable information about the user and his/her CE
`equipment, as already disclosed in published patent applica
`tions WO0017789 and WO0028436, mentioned above. This
`information can be provided to, e.g., the Network Operators
`in order for them to handle calls from end-users to the Call
`Center much more effectively, if still necessary, as the opera
`tor exactly knows what equipment the user has available.
`In the above Scenario, the programming feature is based on
`the SmartConnect (SM) button on the remote that comes with
`the set-top box. When the user has programmed the remote as
`described the SmartConnect (SM) button will stay active and
`pressing it will connect the user again with the SmartConnect
`(SM) portal. The remote may be provided with additional
`dedicated buttons for direct connection to other services,
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`US 7,562,128 B1
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`5
`which in turn allows a business model for selling real estate on
`the remote in a subsidized model that reduces the initial costs
`for the end-user.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`
`5
`
`6
`grammed into remote control device 102 via appliance 104.
`The downloaded data can be stored locally at STB 104 or is
`directly forwarded to remote 102.
`Remote 102 is programmed, for example, via an IR or RF
`blaster 122 connected to STB 104. In this scenario, remote
`102 is positioned close to blaster 122 and with an input 124
`facing blaster 122. Remote 102 is equipped with circuitry (not
`shown) to receive and process an incoming stream of data
`from blaster 122. The data comprises the control codes and UI
`data requested from server 108. In addition, the data can
`contain the user-customizations including the single-key/
`multiple-activity feature mentioned earlier. The data also
`enables the circuitry to identify which button or input on
`remote 102 is to be associated with the code for operational
`use. For example, the data comprises identifying labels per
`code so as to enable the circuitry to identify each specific
`code, and to store it at remote 102 as assigned to the appro
`priate button or input. A proprietary communication protocol
`may be used that is tailored to the configuration of remote
`102.
`AS Variations on the theme above, appliance 104 is mar
`keted in various versions that differ from each other in soft
`ware controlled functionalities, or appliance 104 can be
`upgraded through software. For example, appliance 104
`allows the user to connect to certain web sites with condi
`tional access upon a Subscription or only if the user has
`supplied to server 108 detailed information about his/her CE
`equipment. Access to special on-line sales services or on-line
`information brokers fall within Such categories. Access to a
`personal information repository on server 108, e.g., for
`emails or recorded TV programs, also falls within Such cat
`egory. Enhancing the functionality of appliance 104, e.g., by
`providing access to these sites, is governed by appliance 104
`in response to receiving specific IR or RF code from remote
`102, possibly in combination with the unique ID number of
`appliance 104. This specific IR or RF code can again be
`programmed into remote 102 upon being downloaded from
`server 108 in the manner described above.
`As explained above, this interaction model enables to cre
`ate a customer base 126 based on accurate information
`obtained from the consumers. This information can be used to
`provide targeted or customized advertisements or services via
`STB 104, but also to obtain valuable demographic informa
`tion. Note that remote 102 is preferably re-programmable so
`as to be upgradeable when the consumer replaces pieces of
`his/her equipment or obtains a new apparatus.
`Call Centers, not only from the Network Operator, but also
`from manufacturers or other suppliers from CE equipment for
`use on home networks, can be given access to the user profiles
`of this customer base 126 so as to be able to supply more
`accurate help in case the consumer encounters a problem with
`the equipment.
`FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative system 200 according to the
`invention. System 200 comprises in this example a remote
`control device 202 that is a pre-programmed. That is, remote
`202 uses a fixed protocol to communicate with STB 104 for
`control of apparatus 114 via STB 104. STB 104 uses a wired
`or wireless link with apparatus 114. In order to use this
`configuration with any kind of controllable apparatus 114, the
`user connects STB 104 to server 108 on the Internet 106 in
`response to the user activating a dedicated hardbutton 118 (or
`softkey 118 if remote 202 has an LCD touchscreen function
`ality such as the PRONTOTM) on remote 202. The user then
`specifies to server 108 what apparatus 114 he/she would like
`to control via remote 202, as in the examplementioned in the
`description of FIG.1. Server 108 then downloads to STB 104
`data representative of a control code for control of apparatus
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`The invention is explained in further detail, by way of
`example and with reference to the accompanying drawing,
`wherein FIGS. 1 and 2 are block diagrams of systems in the
`invention.
`Throughout the drawing, same reference numerals indicate
`similar or corresponding functionalities.
`
`DETAILED EMBODIMENTS
`
`As an example, consider the following scenario. ASTB is
`marketed together with a programmable remote. The remote
`has a dedicated button to connect the STB to a specific server
`on the Internet. The user can notify the server of his/her other
`CE equipment, which he/she desires to be controllable by the
`same remote as the one that came with the STB. The server
`downloads to the STB data representative of the relevant
`control code and/or UI aspects. The STB is provided with
`means to program the remote with this code and UI.
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 in the invention.
`System 100 comprises a remote control device 102, and an
`appliance 104 that is connected to the Internet 106. Device
`102 comprises a traditional remote control device with hard
`buttons or a touch screen, LCD-based remote control device.
`System 100 further has a server 108. Appliance 104 in this
`example comprises a STB, that got purchased by the con
`Sumer in combination with remote 102 for operating STB 104
`via, e.g., IR (infrared) transmitter 110 and receiver 112.
`Remote 102 is programmable in order to adopt control codes
`for other IR- or RF-controllable equipment, e.g., appliance
`114, that the consumer has installed or will install in his/her
`home 116.
`As mentioned above, the invention relates to a method of
`enabling a consumer to program remote control device 102.
`which is associated with appliance 104 that is Internet-con
`nectable. The method comprises enabling connecting appli
`ance 104, here an STB, to server 108 on the Internet 106 in
`response to the consumer controlling remote control device
`102. Preferably, remote 102 has a dedicated button 118 for
`allowing the consumer to connect STB 104 via the Internet
`106 to a specific server 108. The IR or RF code transmitted by
`remote 102 upon the consumer activating button 118 is inter
`preted by STB 104 as a request to send a message to server
`108. Server 108 presents a web site on a TV display monitor
`(not shown) connected to STB 104 that guides the consumer
`to providing certain information. The consumer interacts via
`STB 104 with server 108 through a user-input means (not
`shown), e.g., a wireless keyboard, a remote control or another
`user-input means to Supply to server 108 alphanumeric infor
`mation, e.g., brand, type, serial number, about his/her further
`equipment, e.g., appliance 114, for which he/she desires
`remote 102 to be programmed with the relevant control codes
`and/or UI aspects. Server 108 has a database 120 that relates
`types, versions and brands of apparatus to their individual
`command control code sets and UI aspects. Server 108 runs a
`query based on the information Supplied by the consumer.
`Upon a match between the information Supplied and database
`120, server 108 preferably prompts the consumer to confirm
`his/her entries as to the specifics of the further equipment and
`the specific regarding the UI desired. Upon a confirmation by
`the consumer, server 108 downloads to appliance 104 data
`representative of a control code and/or UI for being pro
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`US 7,562,128 B1
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`114, the control being established via STB 102 in operational
`use. The data gets programmed into a look-up table 204 that
`associates an input received from remote 202 with an output
`as programmed. The output is now the data for the control
`command required for control of apparatus 114 via STB 104.
`Within the above description, the Internet is used as an
`example of a data network. It is clear that a data network other
`than the Internet can be used as well.
`Incorporated herein by reference are the following patent
`documents:
`U.S. Ser. No. 09/519,546 filed Mar. 6, 2000 for Erik Ekkel
`et al., for PERSONALIZING CE EQUIPMENT CON
`FIGURATION AT SERVER VIA WEB-ENABLED
`DEVICE. This document relates to facilitating the con
`figuring of CE equipment by the end user by means of
`delegating the configuring to an application server on the
`Internet. The consumer enters his/her preferences in a
`specific interactive Web page through a suitable user
`interface of an Internet-enabled device, such as a PC or
`set-top box or digital cellphone. The application server
`generates the control data based on the preferences
`entered and downloads the control data to the CE equip
`ment itself or to the Internet-enabled device;
`U.S. Ser. No. 09/521,051 filed Mar. 8, 2000 for Geert
`Bruynsteen for BUSINESS MODEL FOR LEASING
`STORAGE SPACE ON ADIGITAL RECORDER. This
`document relates to adjusting via a data network the
`available amount of storage space of a fixed HDD (Hard
`Disk Drive) on a CE appliance. The consumer can
`upgrade the appliance via a third party service that
`remotely controls the HDD's settings.
`U.S. Ser. No. 09/283,545 filed Apr. 1, 1999 for Eugene
`Shteyn for TIME- AND LOCATION-DRIVEN PER
`SONALIZED TV. This document relates to a server
`system that enables a Subscriber to select a specific
`broadcast program for recording and a specific location
`and time frame for play-out of the recorded program.
`U.S. Ser. No. 09/349,676 filed Jul. 8, 1999 for Kristin
`Ondeck for AFTER-SALES CUSTOMIZATION
`SPECIFIED BY RETAILERACTS AS INCENTIVE.
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`This document relates to a machine-implemented
`method of doing business that enables to stimulate com
`mercial activities. According to the methoda customeris
`enabled to notify a specific party, e.g., a manufacturer,
`importer, or distributor, or a specialized service pro
`vider, of a specific commercial activity wherein he or she
`is or was involved. Upon being notified, the party
`enables customizing, via a data network Such as the
`Internet, the equipment of the customer as associated
`with the commercial activity. For example, the specific
`activity relates to sales of merchandise via a retailer, and
`the customer notifies the specific party of the purchase of
`the merchandise from the retailer. When the party has
`been notified, it enables customizing Internet-enabled or
`upgradeable electronic equipment of the customer, via
`the Internet, as associated with the specific retailer from
`whom the merchandise was purchased. For example, the
`merchandise is related to the Internet (software applica
`tion or hardware device) and the customer has purchased
`it to make it part of his/her Internet-enabled equipment.
`The merchandise is enabled to be customized via the
`Internet, preferably according to specifications from the
`retailer, and also according to input as to, e.g., the
`intended usage, Supplied by the customer at the time
`when the specific party was notified.
`U.S. Ser. No. 09/271,200 filed Mar. 17, 1999 for Jan van Ee
`for FULLY FUNCTIONAL REMOTE CONTROL
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`EDITOR AND EMULATOR. This document relates to
`a universal programmable remote control device with
`programmability functions that enable the end-user to
`customize the device through editing or programming
`the device's control functionalities. The programming
`can be achieved via a PC. The control configuration
`created via an editor on the PC can be downloaded into
`the device. The PC has emulator software to test the
`configuration before downloading. The emulator Soft
`ware and the remote's control software are made iden
`tical as a consequence of a Software layer that abstracts
`from the remote's hardware. The emulator for the end
`user is thus obtained as an almost free byproduct of the
`Software development phase at the manufacturer.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,294 issued to Paul Chambers for
`AUTOMATIC CONFIGURATION MECHANISM
`FOR UNIVERSAL REMOTE. This patent relates to a
`programmable remote controller that is programmed
`via, e.g., a PC. In this example, the PC has an onboard
`database for sets of codes used by a variety of commer
`cially available remote controllers. The data base con
`tains sets of compressed codes. In order to program the
`remote, the user lets the PC find a match between a
`single pulse-code transmitted by a specific known con
`troller on the one