Abstract:
A remote control system and method for controlling and interacting with a variety of devices and systems is disclosed. The system comprises at least one command server which is operable to receive control commands from a handheld communications device and to generate and transmit command signals in response to the received control commands, the transmitted command signals interacting with one or more devices controlled by the system. In one embodiment, the handheld communications device is operable to exchange data with an account server that maintains data and configuration information for the system and the devices to be controlled by it over a first communications modality. The handheld communications device transfers control commands and other data with the command server via a second communications modality and the handheld communications device can transfer data between the account server and the command server as needed. The system can support multiple devices to be controlled, multiple command servers, which can each be associated with one or more devices to be controlled, and multiple handheld communications devices.
Abstract:
A hand-held electronic device having a remote control application user interface that functions to displays operational mode information to a user. The graphical user interface may be used, for example, to setup the remote control application to control appliances for one or more users in one or more rooms, to perform activities, and to access favorites. The remote control application is also adapted to be upgradeable. Furthermore, the remote control application provides for the sharing of operational mode information.
Abstract:
An agent apparatus to relay operation control information between at least one remote controller and at least one electrical apparatus, the agent apparatus includes a communication unit to receive operation control information, of the at least one electrical apparatus, transmitted from the remote controller and to transmit the operation control information to the at least one electrical apparatus, a controller to learn the received operation control information of the at least one of electrical apparatus to generate a macro and to control output of the generated macro, and a storage unit to store the operation control information of the at least one electrical apparatus and the generated macro.
Abstract:
When a command key of a controlling platform is activated, the platform performs an operation to initiate a playing of media content and also initiates the retrieval of information from an information source.
Abstract:
A method of programming a Universal Remote Control is described. A user is requested to execute a command sequence comprising more than one command from an original Remote Control for controlling a device (306). The commands from said sequence are captured and analyzed (308). The analyzed commands are matched with a code-set or branches of a code-tree data base (310). The command sequence is used for generating a macro for executing an activity including the device (316).
Abstract:
A method enables automated remote control of a remote device from a local device connected to the remote device over a network. The method includes executing a set of one or more commands on the remote device by invoking a macro on the local device. Invoking the macro causes the local device to send said the set of commands over the network to the remote device.
Abstract:
A remote controller includes a base unit having a transmission section configured to transmit a remote control signal, a plurality of function operation units connected to the base unit and configured to operate different functions, and a priority setting section configured to set priorities of the plurality of function operation units. When each of the plurality of function operation units is operated, the transmission section of the base unit sends transmission data, the transmission data including operation data and priority data that indicates the priorities of the plurality of function operation units set by the priority setting section.
Abstract:
A receiver interacts with a remote control to assist with one or more user-defined macros. In a first embodiment, the receiver may execute a macro recording program to record user input and create a macro based at least partially thereon. The receiver may associate the macro with a remote control selection element or a menu element of a menu operable to be displayed by the receiver on a display. The receiver may also transmit the macro to a storage medium. Subsequently, the user may trigger execution of the macro by the remote control or the receiver. In executing the macro, the remote control or the receiver may transmit instructions to entertainment system components or may signal the other to do so. In a second embodiment, the remote control may record the macro transmit it to the receiver for storage.
Abstract:
A controlling device, such as a universal remote control, that uses visual and/or audio cues, such as sounds, color, patterns, shapes, etc., to indicate a relationship between a function key and an intended target appliance for a command transmitted in response to activation of the function key.
Abstract:
A control device which controls an operation of a controlled device, includes: an operation information storage unit to store operation information about an acceptable operation; a control information acquisition unit to acquire control information about the controlled device; and an association table generation unit to generate an association table for storing the operation information stored in the operation information storage unit associated with the control information acquired by the control information acquisition unit.