Abstract:
A remote controller includes a microphone, a data transmitter which transmits data corresponding to a button, and a voice transmitter which transmits voice input acquired from the microphone. The voice transmitter transmits voice based on the press of a predetermined button, and the data transmitter transmits data. An electronic device includes a voice receiver, data receiver, and processor. The processor acquires data from the data receiver. The processor determines based on data whether the voice receiver has received voice, and acquires the voice.
Abstract:
A Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone comprises a network interface that communicates with a medium. A control module communicates with the network interface and controls operation of the VOIP phone. A coder/decoder module communicates with the control module. A microphone outputs audio signals to the coder/decoder module. An audio output device receives audio signals from the coder/decoder module. An input/output interface receives user input. The control module and the network interface transmit the user input as packets to a network appliance to adjust an operating parameter of the network appliance.
Abstract:
A gate control and communication system of the invention including a base unit located within a premises, a gate receiver unit positioned next to a remotely located gate, and a gate control unit located next to the gate. The base unit provides for voice communications with an individual at the gate and for issuing of commands to control the gate. The gate receiver unit includes a switching device which, in response to commands directs the opening and closing of the gate. The gate control unit includes a call button for initiating voice communication with the base unit and a keypad for entering an identification code or password.
Abstract:
A universal remote control interacts with a user to assist in training to one or more appliances. If the appliance is activated by a rolling code activation signal, a sequence of different rolling code activation signals is transmitted until the user indicates a successful transmission. If the appliance is activated by a fixed code activation signal, a fixed code word is used to generate and transmit each of a sequence of different fixed code activation signals until the user indicates a successful transmission. At least one of the sequences of activation signals inserts a preset amount of time after each activation signal transmission. If user input is not received within the preset amount of time, the next activation signal in the sequence is transmitted.
Abstract:
A remote control system for a vehicle. The system has a fob with a microphone for receiving audible commands and a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting the commands at a radio frequency via a fob antenna. A receiver for positioning in the vehicle has an antenna for receiving the commands at the radio frequency, a demodulator for recovering the commands, a processor for decoding the recovered commands according to vehicle configuration information, and a network interface for controlling a vehicle system in accordance with the recovered commands and the vehicle configuration information.
Abstract:
Vehicle-based programmable appliance control systems and methods include a user control module and a transmitter module which are remotely located from one another. A wired connection, such as a vehicle wiring harness, directly interconnects the modules. The wired connection has two ends and is assigned solely to the modules as the user control module is connected to one end of the wired connection and the transmitter module is connected to the other end of the wired connection. The user control module includes a user control and the transmitter module includes a radio frequency transmitter. The user control module transmits a user activation signal based on assertion of the user control to the transmitter module for receipt by the transmitter via the wired connection. The transmitter transmits a radio frequency appliance activation signal based on the received user activation signal in order to activate an appliance.
Abstract:
A “reduced button count” remote control device controls a set of external electronic devices that, collectively, comprise an entertainment system such as a home theater. The remote control device is operable in conjunction with a processor-based subsystem that is programmable to respond to a spoken command phrase for selectively altering an operational state of one or more of the external electronic devices to cause the entertainment system to enter a given activity. The remote control device includes a set of buttons supported within a housing, the set of buttons consisting essentially of a push-to-talk button, a first subset of buttons dedicated to providing up and down volume and channel control, a second subset of buttons dedicated to providing motion control, and a third subset buttons dedicated to providing menu selection control. Preferably, each of the buttons has a fixed, given function irrespective of the particular command phrases or the given system activities. After the push-to-talk button is selected to engage the processor-based subsystem to recognize a spoken command phrase to cause the entertainment system to enter the activity mode, the first subset of buttons is used to provide any required up and down volume and channel control, the second subset of buttons is used to provide any required motion control, and the third subset of buttons is used to provide any required menu selection control.
Abstract:
A wireless control system for wireless control of a remote electronic system comprises a trainable transmitter circuit, a receiver circuit, and a control circuit. The trainable transmitter circuit is configured to transmit a wireless control signal having control data which will control the remote electronic system. The receiver circuit is configured to receive a wireless status signal including status data for the remote electronic system sent in response to the wireless control signal. The control circuit is coupled to the trainable transmitter circuit and the receiver circuit and configured to transmit the wireless control signal through the trainable transmitter circuit and to receive the wireless status signal through the receiver circuit.
Abstract:
An improved universal remote control unit (URC) for controlling electronic appliance units. The URC unit has the typical remote controller module for controlling appliances such as TV, stereo, VCR or DVD. Additionally, the URC has a scratch pad memory for storing telephone numbers and web site information entered through the URC unit's alphanumeric keys. When activated, the key pad entries are stored in the memory, instead of being used to control the appliance. The URC unit further has a digital recorder module that can be implemented with a microphone, a voice recorder chip and a speaker, all integrated with the URC unit. The digital recorder module can even use the battery that is typically used by the URC unit. The URC unit further has a display screen to display the information stored in and recalled from the memory.
Abstract:
A signal transmission system comprising a signal conduction matrix formed into a shape that allows transmission of a signal through the matrix using at least one surface signal router, at least one signal source operatively connected to a surface of the matrix and that generates a signal that propagates through matrix, and at least one signal receiver operatively connected to a surface of the matrix and that receives the signal from the signal source. The signal may be coded, modulated, frequency-converted, or amplified. The surface signal router can be a reflective coating, an indentation, a pressure fit structure, or at least one inclined cut on the surface of the matrix. A frequency-selective filter can be used to allow selective detection by a target signal receiver. The invention is also directed to various method of transmitting a signal using a signal conduction matrix.