Abstract: An entertainment device is used to notify a user of a change in an audio visual entertainment system configuration in which at least one of a plurality devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual source and at least one of the plurality of devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual output destination for the entertainment device and/or to notify a user of a perceived problem in a configuration of a controlling device used to control functional operations of the audio visual entertainment system.

Abstract: A system for using a watermark embedded in an audio signal to remotely control a device. Various devices such as toys, computers, and appliances, equipped with an appropriate detector, detect the hidden signals, which can trigger an action, or change a state of the device. The watermarks can be used with a “time gate” device, where detection of the watermark opens a time interval within which a user is allowed to perform an action, such as pressing a button, typing in an answer, turning a key in a lock, etc.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) charging system is capable of charging an RF device on a display panel to increase charging efficiency. The RF device generates a response signal upon receiving an RF signal. The RF charging system includes an antenna set having a plurality of antennas, a switch unit, an RF module and a microcontroller unit (MCU). The MCU controls the switch unit to select one antenna from the antenna set. The antenna is able to receive the response signal and is used for transmitting the RF signal, thereby charging the RF device.

Abstract: A real-time method and system for locating a mobile object or person in a tracking environment while conserving electrical energy in a battery-operated tracking tag associated with the object or person are provided. The method includes modulating a first carrier signal with a first packet including a first set of identification data having a first length to obtain a first modulated signal. The first set of data identifies the tag associated with the object or person. The method also includes transmitting the first modulated signal containing the first packet. Transmission of the first modulated signal consumes a first amount of electrical energy. The first modulated signal has a first precision and a first range within the environment. The method further includes modulating a second carrier signal with a second packet including a second set of identification data reduced in length from and based on the first set of identification data.

Abstract: A system for wireless operation includes a receiver and a mobile remote control unit having an acceleration sensor and a control unit. The mobile remote control unit is operable to wirelessly transmit control signals to the receiver. The control unit is operable to receive and evaluate measurement signals of the acceleration sensor, determine a connection quality between the mobile remote control unit and the receiver, and block the transmission of at least some of the control signals when a decision criterion determined by the measurement signals of the acceleration sensor and the connection quality is exceeded.

Abstract: A hands-free dental or surgical light system (150) is disclosed which includes a master unit (152) worn by the doctor and one or more subservient units (154) to be worn by an assistant or assistants. Each of the units (152, 154) has a light (12) which can be at full brightness, dimmed or off. The master unit (152) has a transmitter (156) that communicates with a receiver (158) on the subservient unit (154) so that the light (12) on the subservient unit (154) does not accidentally cure a light sensitive material. For example, when in range the master unit (152) can control the subservient unit (154) to turn the light on the subservient unit (154) dim or off when the light 12 on the master unit (152) is dimmed, and dim the light on the subservient unit (154) when the light 12 on the master unit (152) is off. When the master unit (152) is out of range of the subservient unit (154), the subservient unit (154) can be operated without restriction.

Abstract: An electronic device includes: a main unit operable by remote control using a remote controller, wherein the main unit includes a display section having a display screen, a main unit operation section performing input operation, and a main unit control section which performs both control operation corresponding to the operation of the main unit operation section and control operation corresponding to the operation of the remote controller, and the main unit control section displays a first guide screen for guiding the operation of the main unit operation section on the display screen as a first guide operation when detecting that the main unit operation section has been operated, and displays a second guide screen for guiding the operation of the remote controller on the display screen as a second guide operation when detecting that the remote controller has been operated.

Abstract: A system for managing data originating from and destined for a motor vehicle, including: a first data communication unit permanently disposed on-board the vehicle; a second data communication unit disposed at a distance from the vehicle; and at least two devices for transmitting, receiving and storing data originating from and destined for the vehicle, the device communicating data with the first and second communication units, interfacing with a user of the vehicle and including a data storage. The second communication unit can be a computer terminal connected to a computer network, such as the Internet and/or an intranet, providing access to an interactive computer application, such as to transmit data originating from the vehicle and to receive the data destined for the data transmission, reception and storage devices and the vehicle. The storage devices can synchronize non-custom data that have become obsolete.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely controlling a device by using a remote control device and a soft remote control or device skin. The remote control device can be used to send commands to a soft remote control or device skin running as an application on a host device. The device skin incorporates soft control commands that can be used to remotely control an electronic device. The soft control commands are interpreted and forwarded by the host device to the electronic device.

Abstract: The invention provides a remote controlling system for controlling a plurality of electronic equipments disposed within a situation, such as a home, a classroom, an office . . . etc. By use of the remote controlling system, a user can conveniently control the electronic equipments in the situation through a user interface or an external communication network such as a radio telecommunication network.

Abstract: A haptic system including a compliant member which limits the direction of motion of an interface surface providing haptic feedback to motion along a single axis. The compliant member allows for easy assembly, reduced ports, lighter weight and improved longevity and performance. The compliant member typically has a longitudinal extent that is greater than its lateral extent and height, and its height is greater than its lateral extent.

Abstract: A haptic system including a plurality of mechanical buttons driven by a single haptic feedback driver. The mechanical buttons are integrated within the haptic surface and are configured to move with the haptic interface relative to said base. The haptic surface may include a touch screen interface.

Abstract: An apparatus in one embodiment is operable to receive, from a remote control device associated with a video display device, biometric input of a user. Responsive to a match of the biometric input with stored biometric data of the user, the user is authenticated. The remote control device and/or the video display device are then configured based on user settings associated with the stored biometric data of the user. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: Distributed execution of residential device control is disclosed. A system state definition is received for a plurality of residential devices. A set of instructions for the plurality of residential devices is composed based at least in part on the system state definition. For each of the plurality of residential devices, the set of instructions is filtered to identify a subset of instructions for a residential device. At least a portion of the set of instructions is distributed to the residential device, so that the identified subset of instructions for the residential device can be executed by the residential device.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of a contactless sensing system for controlling operation of a remote device. The sensing system can comprise an actuator and a sensing device, which is responsive to a field the actuator emits. An end user can move the actuator relative to the sensing device to generate an output that reflects a device command that modifies operation of the remote device. In one example, the sensing device comprises an array of sensing elements. The field causes a change in operating parameters in the sensing elements, which the sensing device can identify and associate with the device command. The sensing device can also recognize combinations of one or more of the sensing elements that exhibit changes in the operating parameters to provide a robust control mechanism for the remote device.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, electronic mixing is provided between multiple instruction channels from multiple users of a single controlled object such that each user can have partial control over the object at the same time. The percentage of partial control is adjusted between users according to any combination of the number of users, preset or user set percentages, randomness, or computer generation.

Abstract: An information processing device that transmits and receives data to and from a device to which external devices are connected and that processes a signal transmitted from a remote control including buttons to which codes are allocated, the codes being different for each of the external devices, includes a storing unit configured to store, for each of the external devices, a table representing a relationship between the codes and the buttons; a generating unit configured to generate data of a graphical user interface in which a picture of the remote control and button names corresponding to the codes are located; and a control unit configured to perform, if a button included in the remote control to be used for issuing a command to change the button names has been operated, control such that the codes are changed while the table is referred to and that the button names are changed.

Abstract: A remote control method and medium, a control device and a controlled device of a remote control system. The control device of the remote control system includes an identification information storage unit for storing identification information of the control device and attribute information on a single control function of one or more controlled devices controlled by the control device, a signal generation unit for generating a signal including the identification information and the attribute information, a switch unit for receiving a user's input and activating the signal generation unit, a modulation unit for modulating the generated signal into an omni-directional signal, a transmission unit for broadcasting the modulated signal to the one or more controlled devices, and an attachment unit, positioned on a back face of the control device, for attaching the control device thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of remote control which can enable real time operation of a device in home from a terminal device at remote location through a network are provided. A first server communicates with a terminal device through the Internet and generates device control data for controlling the device. A second server communicates with the device in a predetermined manner to acquire and store a specific address of the device, generates transmission data for transmission of the received device control data from the first server to the device based on the specific address, and transmits the transmission data to the device. This allows real time control of the device from the terminal device through the network to be realized.

Abstract: An image acquisition system includes an image acquisition device and a commanding device configured as a member separate from an image acquisition device proper to transmit a command for controlling the image acquisition device to the image acquisition device proper.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of detecting information transmitted by a light source in a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor by detecting a frequency of light pulses produced by the light source. In some embodiments, the method includes capturing on the CMOS image sensor with a rolling shutter an image in which different portions of the CMOS image sensor are exposed at different points in time; detecting visible distortions that include alternating stripes in the image; measuring a width of the alternating stripes present in the image; and selecting a symbol based on the width of the alternating stripes present in the image to recover information encoded in the frequency of light pulses produced by the light source captured in the image.

Abstract: To realize a system for simplifying a user's operation to instruct a main device to operate as desired, using a remote control device such as a remote controller or the like. An operation device has an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration in one or more directions of the operation device. A main device has an operation control section for causing the main device to begin a predetermined operation according to an acceleration pattern detected by the acceleration sensor.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a remote controller includes first operation keys, a first illumination module, second operation keys, a second illumination module, a cover, an open-close detector, and a controller. The first illumination module illuminates the first operation keys. The second operation keys are arranged in different location than the first operation keys. The second illumination module illuminates the second operation keys. The cover is capable of covering the second operation keys. The open-close detector detects whether the cover is open or closed. The controller controls the first illumination module and the second illumination module individually to turn on or off according to whether the cover is open or closed detected by the open-close detector.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator remote control transmitter kit comprises a transmitter (200) and, if desired, a user discernable listing (402) of a plurality of different remote control signal instruction protocols. This transmitter can be configured and arranged to automatically incrementally configure the transmitter using a series of protocols with each assertion of a user input (203) and also to cause the test configured transmitter to transmit a test transmission (701) to permit the user to ascertain whether a corresponding movable barrier operator responds positively. This listing can present the protocols in an order that matches a sequential order (401) by which the transmitter controller (201) will incrementally configure and test the transmitter. User discernable instructions (601) can provide advice to a user with respect to using the list (402) to quickly advance through the listing (401 to begin the compatibly testing with a particular selected candidate protocol.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate remotely controlling a wireless lighting module. The wireless lighting module can include a power source such as a battery, a solar cell, and the like as well as an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs can be controlled based upon a received input (e.g., communicated by way of a radio frequency signal, an infrared signal, . . . ). For example, the input can be obtained from a remote control, a sensor, a differing wireless lighting module, an radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, and so forth. The input can be utilized to switch one or more LEDs on or off, change the intensity or color of illumination, modulate illumination, alter the direction of illumination, etc.

Abstract: An electronic equipment providing an electronic manual and a control method of the electronic equipment are provided. The electronic equipment includes an image processor, a remote control signal receiver, and a controller. The image processor processes an image of an electronic manual. The remote control signal receiver receives a remote control signal from a remote control including information about a shortcut key of the remote control. The controller determines whether an electronic manual mode is running when the remote control signal corresponding to the shortcut key is received, and when it is determined that the electronic manual mode is running, controls the image processor to display an image of the electronic manual corresponding to a function of the shortcut key.

Abstract: A portable apparatus of the present invention functions as a transmitter and/or a receiver in electric field communication in which communication is performed through a human body by converting an information signal into an electric field signal; is substantially hexahedron-shaped and provided with sides and an display surface allowing information to be viewed; and includes an outer electrode for electric field communication provided on the display surface and a human-body-side electrode for electric field communication provided on at least one of the sides.

Abstract: An in-vehicle device controller includes: an in-vehicle unit for controlling an in-vehicle device; and a portable device. The in-vehicle unit includes a request signal transmitter for transmitting a request signal including random information to the portable device. The portable device transmits a response signal in response to the request signal at multiple frequencies according to a switching pattern corresponding to a part of the random information. The in-vehicle unit further includes: a frequency specifying device for specifying the switching pattern based on the part of the random information; and a reception determination device for executing a reception determination process of the response signal based on a specified switching pattern. The in-vehicle device identifies the portable device according to the reception determination process, and controls the in-vehicle device according to an identification of the portable device.

Abstract: A method of providing security and maintenance of a group of devices using a group of tags. Each of the tags is attached to a device and includes a radio frequency transceiver for intercommunicating using ultra-wide band signals. Using the intercommunication, distance between two of the tags is determined and an alarm is triggered when the distance is greater than a previously defined threshold distance. The distance is preferably determined by measuring a round trip delay time between the transmission of a transmitted signal to the other tag and reception of a response signal in response to the transmitted signal from the other tag. The distance is preferably determined by measuring a time delay between transmitting a unicast ultra-wide band message and receiving a unicast response message. The intercommunication preferably uses ultra-wide band signals which relay information regarding completeness of the group between the tags of the group.

Abstract: An electronic device, a device for controlling the electronic device, and a control method for controlling the electronic device are provided. The electronic device including: a first communication unit which is connected to, and communicates with, another electronic device; a second communication unit which communicates with a control device used to input a user command; and a controller which pairs with the control device for communication, the controller performs an operation based on the user command received from the control device; receives control device information from the control device; transmits the control device information to an other electronic device; receives electronic device information from an other electronic device, and transmits the electronic device information to the control device for communication between the control device and an other electronic device. With this configuration, users may pair and use network devices without difficulty.

Abstract: The portable electronic device (1) allows functions and/or data of a vehicle to be controlled and managed. In order to do this, the portable device comprises, in a casing having an upper part (10) fixed, for example, in a removable manner on a lower part (11), means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals for short range personalised communication with the vehicle. It further comprises a microprocessor unit for processing functions and/or data of the device and of the vehicle, at least one display screen (3) having a portion which is visible from outside the casing for displaying different menus or data of the device or of the vehicle, and manual control means (5, 6) for controlling the execution of functions of the microprocessor unit. A power source, such as a battery, is provided in the casing for supplying electric power to all the electronic components of the 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: A short-distance wireless signal extension method for extending the transmission range of a short-distance wireless remote control is provided. In the short-distance wireless signal extension method, a short-distance wireless signal is received. An n-times sampling is performed on the short-distance wireless signal to generate a sampled short-distance wireless signal, wherein n is a real number greater than or equal to 2. The sampled short-distance wireless signal is transmitted through a wireless transmission technique or a wired transmission technique.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for controlling a controller without physically touching the controller. A hand or other object interacts with a field surrounding the controller, altering the field. A change in characteristic of the altered field causes a corresponding movement of the controller that, in turn, corresponds to an amount of change in a parameter of a target device being controlled by the controller. The parameter of the target device is controlled by the controller while a user has no physical contact with the controller.

Abstract: According to one general aspect, a method according to the present application includes remotely controlling wirelessly networked devices via a mobile unit. The method includes receiving, at a mobile unit and from a user, an input, analyzing the input to identify a networked device associated with the input, determining whether the networked device is presently accessible via a wireless network; determining whether to establish a connection with the networked device based on whether the networked device is determined to be presently accessible via the wireless network. The method also includes establishing a connection with the networked device if it is determined that the networked device is accessible via the wireless network and enabling the user to interact with the networked device through the mobile unit to remotely control the networked device.

Abstract: A system for using a watermark embedded in an audio signal to remotely control a device. Various devices such as toys, computers, and appliances, equipped with an appropriate detector, detect the hidden signals, which can trigger an action, or change a state of the device. The watermarks can be used with a “time gate” device, where detection of the watermark opens a time interval within which a user is allowed to perform an action, such as pressing a button, typing in an answer, turning a key in a lock, etc.

Abstract: A system for using a watermark embedded in an audio signal to remotely control a device. Various devices such as toys, computers, and appliances, equipped with an appropriate detector, detect the hidden signals, which can trigger an action, or change a state of the device. The watermarks can be used with a “time gate” device, where detection of the watermark opens a time interval within which a user is allowed to perform an action, such as pressing a button, typing in an answer, turning a key in a lock, etc.

Abstract: A system and method related to weapon mounted auxiliary devices that can be operated by wireless remote control, and a remote controller by which an operator can operate the auxiliary devices remotely by wireless control. This includes all means of remote control of the auxiliary devices to include but not be limited to radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR) energy, all other wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, and acoustic, pressure, or sound waves. Control of the auxiliary devices can range from simple activation to wireless control of all auxiliary device controls and adjustments. This can also include a single remote control device that can operate one or more weapon mounted auxiliary devices.

Abstract: A remote control device for communicating between a computer system and a plurality of electronic devices. The remote control device includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, a RF receiver, an optical transmitter, a memory unit, and a processor in data communication with the memory unit, the RF transmitter, the RF receiver, and the optical transmitter. The processor includes a first component that instructs the optical transmitter to emit at least one signal in response to information received by the RF receiver from a computer.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for controlling a RC device via a secure radio link. In one embodiment of the invention, spread spectrum modulation may be employed which may provide a digital radio frequency (RF) link between a controller and a RC device. A controller may be coupled with a transmitter module and a radio controlled device may be coupled with a receiver module in accordance with the present invention to provide an add-on upgrade capability. The method and system for controlling a RC device may also include error detection and correction, interpolation of lost packets, failsafe technology and force-feedback telemetric technology to further enhance the user experience with radio controlled devices.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional controller (150) controls the multiple parameters of a lighting system (250). A track-ball (100) that provides three axes of rotation (101-103), for example, is used to control each of three lighting parameters, such as chrominance, luminance, and saturation. In like manner, intensity, direction, and diffusion control may be controlled by a device with three degrees of freedom/control. Force-feedback (120) is optionally provided to indicate divergence from established presets (220) or recommended operating conditions. Switches (130) and other control elements are also provided to store or recall pre-set parameters (220), override scheduled lighting settings, and so on.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a display for displaying data stored on said electronic device; input means; sensing means for sensing the three-dimensional position of the input means relative to said device; and control means for controlling the data displayed on said display in dependence on the three-dimensional position of the input means relative to said device. The input means includes a source of electromagnetic radiation for directing an infrared conical beam onto the display. The sensing means can sense the elliptical eccentricity of the electromagnetic radiation incident on the display to determine the angle at which it strikes the display, and can sense the area of the electromagnetic radiation incident on the display to determine the distance of the input means from the display.

Abstract: A state-based remote control system for providing efficient and simple operation of a plurality of electronic devices as a coordinated system based upon an overall task. The state-based remote control system includes a housing, a keypad in communication with an electronic system contained within the housing, and a communication device in communication with the electronic system for communicating with external electronic devices. The electronic system monitors the buttons selected by a user to determine the state of all external electronic devices that are to be controlled. When the user selects a task (e.g. watch television), the electronic system automatically determines the actions required to achieve the desired task based upon the current state of the external electronic devices. After the task has been fulfilled, the electronic system updates the data to reflect the modified state of the external electronic devices.

Abstract: Power consumption of an appliance under remote control is minimized. The appliance receives a wireless energy burst having a wireless magnetic resonating power coupling characteristic transmitted by a remote control device. The appliance is powered up from a powered-down state to a standby mode if the appliance is in the powered-down state when the wireless energy burst is received and the energy burst is of sufficient energy to activate a switched mode power supply of the appliance.

Abstract: A method for controlling appliances includes a wearing step, a swinging step and a controlling step. The control device is attached to a movable part of a user's body and the user swings the movable part to generate and send a control signal to the appliance so as to activate and control the appliance. The method is also helpful for rehabilitation to disable people.

Abstract: Upon receiving a keystroke indicator signal from a remote control device, a key code generator device identifies a codeset usable to communicate with a selected consumer device. The keystroke indicator signal contains an indication of a pressed key, which corresponds to a function of the selected consumer device. Using the identified codeset and the key indication, the key code generator device generates a key code and modulates that key code onto a radio frequency carrier signal, thereby generating a first key code signal. The remote control device receives the first key code signal from the key code generator device and modulates the key code onto an infrared frequency carrier signal, thereby generating a second key code signal. The remote control device relays the key code to the selected consumer device in the second key code signal. The key code causes the selected consumer device to perform the desired function.

Abstract: An integrated remote controller and a method of selecting a device controlled thereby are disclosed. The present invention is implemented such that it can store position data of devices to be controlled by the integrated remote controller; recognize devices around the integrated remote controller and displaying the devices; determine as to whether an angular velocity of the integrated remote controller is varied, if the recognized devices are plural; if the angular velocity is varied, sense movement direction of the integrated remote controller based on the angular velocity to search for a device to be controlled by a user; and display a control menu of the device to be controlled by the user.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) is configured to deliver a localized haptic feedback response (101) to a user. The electronic device (100) includes a device housing (107) and an interface assembly having a display lens (202) or other user interface surface and a motion generation device (212) affixed to the interface assembly. A compliance member (204) is disposed between the device housing (107) and the interface assembly. The compliance member (204) suspends the interface assembly from the device housing (107) and permits the interface assembly to physically move relative to the device housing (107) in response to actuation of the motion generation device (212), thereby delivering a localized tactile response to a user.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a body control module for controlling at least one body control system. The body control module has a microcontroller. A garage door opener module is adapted to be mounted within a vehicle. The garage door module provides an actuating signal for a garage door opener. A keypad is adapted to be mounted on the vehicle and accessible from outside of the vehicle. The keypad provides input to the microcontroller for controlling the garage door opener module.

Abstract: A method for extending a reception range of a vehicle remote control system includes: receiving, at a repeater, a first radio frequency (RF) signal having inbound data packets indicating a vehicle function to be performed from a remote transmitter; generating, at the repeater, a second RF signal by placing outbound data packets indicating the vehicle function to be performed between the inbound data packets until reception of the first RF signal is complete; and transmitting, from the repeater, the second RF signal to a reception module of a vehicle remote control system.