Abstract:
The remote control device (10) has a microprocessor (38) including a CPU (44) and a memory (42); a keypad (20) including a set of keys (25) coupled to the microprocessor (38); lamp driver circuitry (62) coupled to the microprocessor (38); circuitry for generating IR signals coupled to the IR lamp driver circuitry (62); code data for executing command functions for a plurality of devices of different manufacturers stored in the memory (42); a Key Reassignment table in the memory (42) containing key identity, device ID, mode data and command function data; and a program stored in the memory (42) for reassigning a different function for the same or different device to a key (25) on the keypad (20) upon the inputting of a predetermined keystroke sequence on the keypad (20).
Abstract:
Both an on screen display and a physical programmable remote control have buttons whose functionality may be dynamically reassigned in accordance with a user's navigation through menu levels, states or across different services. The physical programmable remote control, in conjunction with a TV or other video display, provides an intuitive, heads up experience for the user and eliminates the need for multiple physical remote controls. User profiles and zones may be used to customize a user's remote control functionality based on preferences, access controls, location and the like.
Abstract:
A control unit (101), such as a remote control device, includes a profile selector (104). The profile selector (104), which may be a single profile selector button integrated into the side or top of a remote control, allows quick and simple selection of an operating mode or user profile. The control unit (101) includes an indicator (107) that provides indicia of the currently selected mode or profile. Examples of indicators include multicolored lights and display devices. Where multicolored lights are used as the indicator (107), actuation of the profile selector (104) causes the indicator (107) to change from a first color to a second color.
Abstract:
Activity-based or experienced-based operations are created and defined during an initialization or setup session for one or more system component, with minimum or no user interaction. The system components include legacy and/or non-legacy devices, which are configured and managed within a controlled environment, such as a home or business peer-to-peer or client-server network. During an initialization or setup session, relevant device information and device metadata are collected via a conventional or discovery protocol interface. For a legacy device that is not automatically discoverable, a user adds the legacy device to the controlled environment by inputting the device information. The device information can also be automatically collected from an accessible database. Once the device information has been collected, the system components are configured to support one or more activity-based or experienced-based operations.
Abstract:
In a method of enabling the configuration of a user interface of a remote control system (1) for controlling a plurality of CE devices (2-5), configuration data is generated to enable the remote control system (1) to present simultaneously a plurality of user interface elements (10,20-25) for activation by a user to execute at least one command on a CE device (2-5). A data processing system (1) receives information defining links between associated ones of a plurality of the CE devices (2-5). The data processing system (1) accesses a database including data defining user interface elements and associated remote control commands for each of the CE devices separately. The information defining links is used to generate automatically configuration data instructing the remote control system to present simultaneously a combination of user interface elements for activation by a user, defined for different ones of a group of linked CE devices.
Abstract:
A remote control transmission monitoring system. The system monitors remote control transmissions for the purpose of updating state tables for one or more remotely controllable appliances. The state tables may then be queried for the purpose of determining the present state of an appliance whereby the transmission of a command that would place an appliance in an unintended state may be avoided.
Abstract:
A remote control apparatus includes a hand-held housing, an antenna, a user interface, a wireless data interface, a display device, and a processing unit. The user interface includes input selection elements accessible to a user. The wireless data interface is located within the hand-held housing and coupled to the antenna. The wireless data interface communicates using a wireless data protocol to a residential gateway system. The processing unit may control the display device, manage the wireless data interface, and process speech input for transmission over the wireless data interface.
Abstract:
A remote control device is which key use is monitored is shown in Figure 1. A command key (10), representative of an appliance function, may be correlated to a target appliance (12) that is determined, as a function of the monitored key use, to be the most likely intended recipient of a command to perform that appliance function. An activity key may also be programmed so as to perform a series of actions that are representative of a sequence of monitored key uses.
Abstract:
A remote control device is which key use is monitored. A command key, representative of an appliance function, may be correlated to a target appliance that is determined, as a function of the monitored key use, to be the most likely intended recipient of a command to perform that appliance function. An activity key may also be programmed so as to perform a series of actions that are representative of a sequence of monitored key uses.