Abstract: The present disclosure relates to techniques for interacting with an electronic device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to initiating action(s) using an interface configured to control operation of IoT devices. An example embodiment includes receiving, at a computing device, a communication including a unique identifier for a network device connected to a network, using the unique identifier to determine a resource bundle for the network device, the resource bundle defining an interface module for the network device, wherein the interface module is configured to display one or more interface elements usable to control the network device, and transmitting the resource bundle, wherein when the resource bundle is received, the resource bundle facilitates generating the interface module.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are remote controls with automated selection control. A remote control includes a microcontroller with a provisioned infrared remote library, which are programmed with control codes for a content device, a switch, an infrared light emitter, an indicator device, and a delay knob are connected to the microcontroller. The switch is associated with a selection function on the content device and with control codes. The microcontroller and the library, upon selection of a switch position at the switch, control the infrared light emitter to emit repetitive infrared control codes at the content device at a repetition rate responsive to a reaction time for switching the selection function at the content device, the repetitive infrared control codes automatically incrementing or decrementing the selection function at the content device. The delay knob sets the repetition rate. The indicator device indicates emissions from the infrared light emitter.

Abstract: Interpretive meta-instructions are used, at a connected vehicle access system (CVAS) device, to implement various RKE protocols by: receiving an RKE-protocol-specific meta-instruction that has been generated by a back-end server; generating an RKE telegram based on the RKE-protocol-specific meta-instruction; and transmitting the RKE telegram to a vehicle. The meta-instruction may include: a device configuration that specifies a set of RF parameters of a CVAS-device transceiver; a template telegram that contains a first set of data fields with data values from the back-end server and that contains a second set of data fields for which data values will be generated and inserted at the CVAS device; and localization-processing commands containing instructions for modifying the second set of data fields of the template telegram.

Abstract: A system for controlling thermal comfort in a space is provided with a variable mode of operation. The system may include a conditioner for conditioning air in the space, and a sensor for measuring a temperature in the space. A controller is provided for controlling the conditioner based on the temperature sensed by the sensor, and a fan for circulating air within the space is regulated based on the temperature sensed by the sensor. A related system for controlling a fan based on height is also provided, as is a system and method for easily and efficiently determining the height of a fan using a simple camera, such as one on a “smart” phone. A further aspect pertains to a controller, such as for example a portable handheld device, having a user interface adapted for suggesting an increase in a set point temperature of a thermostat based on the selected speed of the fan.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal wireless trainable transceiver unit with integrated bidirectional wireless interface functionality, and a method for same. Using a scan, push button or untrained channel mode, a user may enter into a wireless bidirectional interface mode of a trainable transceiver. The interface mode allows a user to select a sub-set of modes that include diagnostics, flash and vehicle interface. Each mode provides the trainable transceiver to communicate wirelessly in a bidirectional manner with another remote device.

Abstract: An integrated remote control system includes a user operation device for receiving a control object list and a control item list from a function device physically coupled thereto, and for outputting the received control object list and the received control item list for a user to select therefrom one or more of a control object and a control item, and a gateway connected to the user operation device through a wireless communication network, the gateway generating and outputting a control signal corresponding to one or more of the control object and the control item selected by the user.

Abstract: A system and method for using an universal remote control to access extended operational functions of a device. A consumer causes the universal remote control to transmit a code data value selected from the library to a target device while observing the effect of the transmitted code data value on the target device. When the target device responds in a manner desired by the consumer, the consumer may tag the code data value that caused the desired effect and assign the tagged code data value to a programmable key on the universal remote control.

Abstract: A device receives a request from a controlling device, such as a remote control, smart phone, or the like, where the request is intended to have one or more target devices perform one or more functional operations. The device responds to the request by applying the optimum methodology to propagate one or more commands to each intended target appliance to cause each intended target appliance to perform the intended one or more functional operations.

Abstract: An appliance may be monitored or controlled with an appliance assistant. The appliance assistant may include a sensor that measures data corresponding to power being consumed by the appliance and transmit information about the operational state of the appliance to a server computer. Users of the appliance may have mobile devices that may be configured to provide location information, such as a location or whether the mobile device is in the vicinity of the appliance. A server may receive information about the operational state of the appliance from the appliance assistant and location information from mobile devices. The server may determine to cause an action to be performed using this information, such as sending a notification or causing the appliance assistant to disconnect the appliance from a power source.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for programming a universal control system includes generating a list of devices associated with a network; based on configuration data and statistical data associated with a first set of devices included in the list of devices, generating programming for a first activity to be performed via the network, wherein first activity is associated with the first set of devices included in the list of devices, and the programming is associated with a device configuration for the first set of devices and includes commands for transmission to the first set of devices by the universal control system; and causing the programming for the first activity to be stored, wherein, when the first activity is selected, the device configuration for the first set of devices is implemented.

Abstract: A universal controlling device is provided with one or more buttons which, when activated in a set up mode, serves to initiate a rapid configuration of the universal controlling device to adapt the universal controlling device to communicate with an intended target appliance.

Abstract: A game apparatus is capable of controlling infrared radiation emitters for radiating infrared light. The game apparatus executes game processing using imaging information on the infrared light obtained from an input device. The input device takes an image of the infrared light radiated by the infrared radiation emitters, and also receives an input from a user. The game apparatus comprises pattern storage means; selection means; and radiation control means. The pattern storage means stores at least one signal pattern of an infrared signal usable by a control target device. The selection means selects at least one of the at least one signal pattern stored by the pattern storage means, using the input received by the input device. The radiation control means causes the infrared radiation emitters to output an infrared signal of the signal pattern selected by the selection means.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a signal generating unit that generates a first signal and a transmitting unit that wirelessly transmits the first signal generated by the signal generating unit. The first signal includes frequency information that is used in wireless communication between the mobile device and a tuner. The tuner includes a setting processing unit that sets a receiving frequency of an antenna and a demodulation frequency of a phase synchronization circuit. The setting processing unit sets the receiving frequency and the demodulation frequency on the basis of the frequency information included in the first signal from the mobile device.

Abstract: A trainable transceiver for controlling a device includes an antenna configured to receive power from a power source, at least one orientation sensor, and a control circuit coupled to the antenna and the at least one orientation sensor. The control circuit is configured to determine an orientation of the antenna based on data from the at least one orientation sensor. The control circuit is further is configured to control the amount of power received by the antenna based on the determined orientation of the antenna. The trainable transceiver is configured to be capable of controlling the device based on at least one signal characteristic stored in memory and determined based on a signal received from an original transmitter.

Abstract: A trainable transceiver for controlling a device includes an antenna array, at least one location sensor or connection to a location sensor, and a control circuit. The antenna array includes at least two antennas and is configured to direct a transmission. The control circuit is coupled to the antenna array and the at least one location sensor. The control circuit is configured to control the antenna array to direct the transmission along an antenna heading corresponding to a communication path between the trainable transceiver and the device, and wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the communication path based on (A) a location of the trainable transceiver determined by the control circuit based on information from the at least one location sensor and (B) a location of the device determined by the control circuit.

Abstract: A web server uses selection criteria for identifying an electronic consumer device to identify a codeset likely to be appropriate for communicating with the electronic consumer device and data indicative of at least one code of the identified codeset is provided to a remote control device whereupon the data indicative of the at least one code of the identified codeset is automatically activated by the remote control device.

Abstract: When a received remote control signal does not satisfy any one of a plurality of conditions for a qualified remote control signal stored in a signal condition storage part, an electric device determines that the remote control signal is not a qualified remote control signal, and when the received remote control signal satisfies any one of the conditions, stores the remote control signal as a qualified remote control signal in a signal storage part. Next, when the received remote control signal matches the qualified remote control signal stored in the signal storage part, control is performed such that the electric device performs a predetermined operation. The conditions for the qualified remote control signal include, for example, that a pulse count is within a range of a predetermined number, and that a pulse width is within a range of a predetermined length.

Abstract: A system and method for upgrading a remote control application resident on a device. Information identifying a controllable appliance is caused to be uploaded to a remote server device and the uploaded information is used to automatically display user-selectable, downloadable data files relevant to the control of the controllable appliance. Downloaded data files, which may include command codes and/or graphical user interface elements, may be used within the device to upgrade the ability of the remote control application to communicate with the controllable appliance. The information uploaded to the server may also be used to generate demographic data regarding consumer preferences.

Abstract: Controls, devices, systems, and methods for remotely reversing ceiling fan rotation directions based on seasonal appearing indicia controls, and remotely selecting ceiling fan turn off times when the user falls asleep. Cooler weather indicia for a remote control reverse switch can include snowflake symbol and/or the types of seasonal weather indicators such as for winter time use. Warmer weather indicia for a remote control reverse switch can include a sun symbol and/or other types of seasonal weather conditions, such as for summer time. Sleep timer controls, such as buttons for 2 hours, 4 hours and 8 hours, allows the user to preset when the fan is to be turned off after the user decides to go to sleep.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which has a media player, a local user interface, the local user interface being a primary presentation resource for the media player, a wireless communication interface, a media output port for connection to a remote media presentation device as a secondary presentation resource for the media player, and a controller. The controller is configured for receiving a wireless signal via the wireless communication interface from a remote control device designed for controlling an external device other than the apparatus. The controller is also configured for processing the received wireless signal to determine an action of the media player, and causing the media player to perform the determined action and output a result of the action to the media output port for presentation on the remote media presentation device if connected.

Abstract: A universal controlling device is provided with one or more buttons which, when activated in a set up mode, serves to initiate a rapid configuration of the controlling device to utilize one of a group of pre-selected command data sets.

Abstract: Systems, methods, software, and data structures that provide dynamic lighting are described herein. The light sources, or other position-dependent devices may be paired to a device controller using near field communications (NFC) or other extremely short range radio technology, to share both pairing information and position information in a unified process.

Abstract: A Wi-Fi/radio frequency (RF) converting device includes a Wi-Fi transceiver, a multiplexing converting module, and a RF transceiver. The Wi-Fi transceiver receives a Wi-Fi control signal from a control signal generator. The multiplexing converting module receives the Wi-Fi control signal from the Wi-Fi transceiver and converts the Wi-Fi control signal into a RF control signal. The RF transceiver receives the RF control signal from the multiplexing converting module and sends the RF control signal to a plurality of electric elements. An RF extension device may be provided to share the signal transmission between the electric elements and the Wi-Fi/RF converting device.

Abstract: A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance.

Abstract: Control circuitry controls the operations of a central processing unit, CPU, which is associated with a nominal clock frequency. The CPU is further coupled to an I/O range and configured to deliver input to an application. The control circuitry controls the CPU to poll the I/O range for input to the application. The control circuitry also monitors whether or not each poll results in input to the application and adjusts a clock frequency at which the CPU operates to a clock frequency lower than the nominal clock frequency if a pre-defined number of polls resulting in no input is detected. Methods and a central computer server of an automated exchange system are also provided.

Abstract: A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal wireless trainable transceiver unit with integrated bidirectional wireless interface functionality, and a method for same. Using a scan, push button or untrained channel mode, a user may enter into a wireless bidirectional interface mode of a trainable transceiver. The interface mode allows a user to select a sub-set of modes that include diagnostics, flash and vehicle interface. Each mode provides the trainable transceiver to communicate wirelessly in a bidirectional manner with another remote device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for programming a universal remote control. The method includes receiving a transmitted signal of unknown modulation technique from a native remote control and characterizing the received signal in parameters of a pre-determined modulation technique.

Abstract: A control device is provided. The control device includes a user interface unit in which information of a broadcast receiver controlled through unidirectional wireless communication is entered, a searching unit which searches an infrared (IR) code set corresponding the broadcast receiver based on the entered information, a managing unit which registers the broadcast receiver as a controllable broadcast receiver within a home network based on the searched IR code set, and a first communication interface unit which, if a control signal for the registered broadcast receiver is received, transmits an IR code corresponding to the control signal from the IR code set corresponding to the registered broadcast receiver to the registered broadcasting receiver.

Abstract: An electric appliance remote control apparatus includes a wireless module, a memory unit, a connection unit, a controlling module, a power supply unit, and a power input end. The wireless module can receive a remote control signal and convert the remote control signal into an enabling signal. The controlling module controls ON/OFF of power from the power supply unit to the connection unit according to the enabling signal. In a method using the electric appliance remote control apparatus, the connection unit is connected to an electric appliance. Monitoring programs corresponding to the electric appliance remote control apparatus are downloaded by and installed in a handheld device and provide an operation interface on a screen of the handheld device. The remote control signal is sent to the wireless module through the operation interface of the handheld device to control or monitor the electric appliance through the electric appliance remote control apparatus.

Abstract: Each device identification apparatus includes a circuit for generating a delay time and transmits a device identification code signal at a different delay time in response to a device selecting signal from a remote controller, thereby making it possible to prevent interference. Further, an infrared light amount detecting circuit is provided in a device identification apparatus or a remote controller, and an electronic device to which a device identification apparatus having a higher intensity of infrared is attached is displayed on the remote controller so that the electronic device is easily selected.

Abstract: A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a remote-controlled device is disclosed. Programming codes for the remote-controlled device may be transferred from an original remote control using a programming interface. The transfer may be performed directly with the URC. The transfer may also be performed using consumer-premises equipment of a multimedia content distribution network. The URC may be configured to use at least one of the programming codes to remotely control the remote-controlled device.

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 universal remote control device (10) is programmed by determining layout properties of an existing remote control device (12) that must be replaced by the universal remote control device (10). Information identifying at least part of said layout properties is input into a selection system (14, 18). A command set for the universal remote control device (10) is selected dependent on said information. The universal remote control device (10) is programmed to implement the selected command set.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote control device, a far-end device, a multimedia system and a control method thereof. Said remote control device comprising: a communication unit for establishing a connection with a far-end device and performing communication; an operating unit for operating a specific program in said far-end device by the operation of the user; and a mode change unit for switching a operating mode in said remote control device according to feedback information associated with the specific program which is fed back by said far-end device in response to the operation in said operating unit. Through the remote control device, the far-end device, the multimedia system and the control method thereof, it may be operated in any device possessing communication function in despite of the hardware and system configuration of said device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus teach a plurality of keys to an authorization device in a vehicle. The keys that are in a reception range of a transmission unit of the authorization device receive a test signal from the authorization device. The respective key ascertains a key-specific time window from at least one signal parameter of the test signal that is dependent on the physical location of the key, during which the respective key transmits a response signal that can be received by the transmission unit and recorded by the authorization device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, computer program product, and system for preventing an inadvertent configuration of an electrical device provided with an infrared interface (30). The method, computer program product, and system include activation of one or more infrared buttons (31, 32, 33, or 34) provided on the infrared interface (30) in order to configure the electrical device. The method, computer program product, and system include a display (40) that indicates an infrared button sequence), wherein said button sequence is entered before the configuration occurs and includes activation of at least a first infrared button (31, 32, 33, or 34) and at least a second infrared button (31, 32, 33, or 34).

Abstract: A remote controller is arranged for selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources. The remote controller has an omnidirectional transmitter and is arranged to instruct, by means of the omnidirectional transmitter, the light sources to transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source. Further, the remote controller has a directional signal receiver, and is arranged to receive the directional signals from the light sources, and signal comparison circuitry connected with the directional signal receiver. The remote controller is arranged to select one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the remote controller comprises a transmission indicator, which is arranged to generate an indication signal, indicative of a successful omnidirectional transmission, and it is arranged to initiate the selection of one of the light sources by means of the indication signal.

Abstract: A method of selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources by means of a remote controller includes the remote controller: instructing, by omnidirectional transmission, the light sources to each transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source; —receiving the directional signals from the light sources; and selecting one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the method includes: generating, remotely of the light sources, codes to be transmitted by the light sources; and—the remote controller instructing each one of the light sources which one of the remotely determined codes to transmit.

Abstract: Implementing remote garage door opener functions includes providing, via a computer processor, a graphical user interface on a display device and prompting a user via the graphical user interface to program a garage door opener unit that is in communicative range of a transceiver. The functions also include receiving a response, from the user via an input control of the display device, indicating an acceptance by the user to program the garage door opener unit. Upon determining via the transceiver that the garage door opener unit is in programming mode, the functions include transmitting a request to the transceiver over a vehicle network to initiate synchronization between the vehicle and the garage door opener unit and receiving, from the garage door opener unit upon completion of the synchronization, an acknowledgement of successful synchronization.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for selecting a remote controlled device to be controlled from among a plurality of remote controllable devices. The system includes an electronic device having a registration interface configured to register device data corresponding to the plurality of remote controllable devices, a position locator configured to determine position data corresponding to a position of the electronic device, and an orientation interface configured to receive orientation data corresponding to an orientation of a user. A controller is configured to select the remote controlled device based on the device data, the position data, and the orientation data. The plurality of remote controllable devices each may include a respective data source configured to provide the device data, and a headset may be configured to generate the orientation data.

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 system and method for using an universal remote control to access extended operational functions of a device. A consumer causes the universal remote control to transmit a code data value selected from the library to a target device while observing the effect of the transmitted code data value on the target device. When the target device responds in a manner desired by the consumer, the consumer may tag the code data value that caused the desired effect and assign the tagged code data value to a programmable key on the universal remote control.

Abstract: A system and method wherein geographic data is used to configure a controlling device to control operations of a target device and/or to configure the controlling device to control tuning operations of a target device. The system additionally provides for the harmonization of controlling device configurations made on the controlling device and/or a remote computer.

Abstract: A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a remote-controlled device is disclosed. After initiating a serial programming mode on the URC, a user may be instructed to operate a plurality of control elements of an original remote control (ORC) of the remote-controlled device in a predetermined sequence. As a result of operating the ORC control elements, a plurality of programming codes for the remote-controlled device may be received by the URC. Alternatively, the ORC may be requested to transmit a plurality of programming codes for the remote-controlled device. The URC may be configured to use at least one of the programming codes to remotely control the remote-controlled device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical remote control system, and a method for controlling a light source of the system. The system includes: a light source including a plurality of lighting units, the light source generating at least one light beam; an image sensor receiving an image including the light beam; and a processor determining a number or positions of the lighting units which are activated according to an area of the light beam in the image.

Abstract: Apparatuses for remote operation of a first object by a second object is disclosed that one or more sensors configured to be placed on the second object and to obtain ranging information; and a processing system configured to determine one or more movements of the second object from the ranging information; and generate one or more control signals related to the one or more movements for manipulating the first object.

Abstract: A remote controller generates control signals according to the speed of movement sensed by a three-axis accelerometer and the direction of movement sensed by a gyroscope and transmits the control signals to a remotely controlled device communicating with the remote controller when the remote controller is in a first work mode, generates control signals according to touch sensing signals from a touch pad and transmits the control signals to the remotely controlled device when the remote controller is in a second work mode, and further generates control signals according to variations in the capacitance of the capacitive type pressure transducer unit and transmits the control signals to the remotely controlled device when the remote controller is in a third work mode.

Abstract: A remote control and method of programming a remote control for controlling components in an entertainment system are disclosed. The remote control may operate in multiple modes including a limited mode that prevents the remote control from sending predetermined commands to one or more components, even when instructed to do so by the user. In addition, the remote control may issue one or more commands to each component in response to a single user input.

Abstract: A method and system for configuring a universal remote control (URC) to control a remote-controlled device includes establishing a communication link between the URC and the remote-controlled device in response to detecting a gesture motion of the URC. Device information may be received from the remote-controlled device and used by the URC to program the URC to control the remote-controlled device. The URC may be configured to control a plurality of remote-controlled devices. The communication link may be a near field wireless communication link.