Abstract:
One embodiment of the present invention provides a universal remote control, which includes a display screen and a user input mechanism. The universal remote control also includes a processing unit that is configured to display information on the display screen and to accept selection data from the user input mechanism. The universal remote control additionally includes a wireless communication mechanism that is configured to provide communications between the processing unit and an appliance or computer program running on a computer system. The appliance provides information to be displayed on the display screen, and information entered through the user input mechanism is communicated to the appliance. Since the appliance provides the information to be displayed on the display screen and also interprets the entries on the input mechanism, the universal remote control needs no special knowledge about the appliance.
Abstract:
The illumination device disclosed in the present specification has a light source, a touchless sensor for detecting proximity and movement of an object without contact, and a control unit for controlling the driving of the light source on the basis of an output of the touchless sensor.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses are provided that may be implemented in and/or with a mobile device to allow gesture based remote control of one or more controllable devices.
Abstract:
The system and method provide for a small, low-power device, e.g., a Bluetooth® device, in a carryable or wearable form, that allows a controlled device to respond to the presence of the user. The device may be worn on one's person and allow other devices, by means of Bluetooth® pairing and protocols, to detect the presence of a user. The controller or controlling device may emit a signal in the vicinity of the user to allow the controlled device to know whether or not the controlling device is present, and the signal may be a pulse of data that is transmitted every few seconds. The pulse of data between the transmitter and the receiver may be encrypted to be used for higher-security applications as a means of dual-factor authentication. The presence of the user may be employed to control a device, e.g., to control access to a computer, to unlock/lock doors, to turn lights on and off, and so on.
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:
An apparatus for controlling a multimedia device and a method for providing a graphic user interface are disclosed. In the apparatus, a network interface transmits and receives data to and from the at least one multimedia device. A display displays a screen. A controller controls to display at least one place selection menu indicating a place in which the at least one multimedia device is located on the screen, display, upon selection of the at least one place selection menu, at least one player selection menu indicating a player located in the place, on the screen, and display at least one source selection menu indicating a source capable of outputting contents to the player on the screen, upon selection of the at least one player selection menu.
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:
A device for controlling one or more electrical apparatuses comprising a processor/transceiver control unit connected to each electrical apparatus and having at least one microprocessor wired to a transceiver and a clock circuit that keeps real-time onboard, the microprocessor storing an operating protocol according to which the control unit controls power to the electrical apparatus at real-time as kept by the clock circuit. The control unit's microprocessor may be further configured to read and store a nominal voltage for the electrical apparatuses and to compare the nominal voltage to the electrical apparatuses' operating voltage so as to monitor and report on their operation.
Abstract:
A system, methods, devices and computer program products for controlling the operation of at least one electronic appliance, e.g. a TV, a music system, a lighting system, a kitchen appliance or an alarm system, located within a local area. The system has a mobile terminal located within the local area, the mobile terminal being configured to transmit a short-range radio signal to one or more short-range devices located within the local area. Each short-range device of the plurality of short-range devices located within the local area is configured to receive a short-range radio signal from the mobile terminal, perform a signal measurement of signal delay, signal strength, or both signal delay and signal strength of said short-range radio signal received from the mobile terminal, and transmit information about said measurement to an electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus is configured to subsequently receive this information about the signal measurements from the plurality of short-range devices. In response thereto, the electronic apparatus is operable to determine the location of the mobile terminal, and control the operation of the at least one electronic appliance in dependence of the determined location of the mobile terminal.
Abstract:
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a gateway comprising a controller to transmit a first RF signal to a remote control device, wherein the first radio-frequency signal is received by a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with the remote control device, receive at each of a plurality of receivers operably coupled to the gateway a second RF signal from the RFID tag of the remote control device in response to the first RF signal, determine an approximate location of the remote control device based on at least a portion of the second RF signals received by the plurality of receivers, and transmit a signal to a set-top-box, wherein the signal comprises the approximate location of the remote control device, and wherein the set-top-box displays the approximate location of the remote control device.. Other embodiments are disclosed.