Operator Initiated Patents (Class 340/4.31)
  • Patent number: 11507191
    Abstract: Techniques for remote control of applications are described. A method according to an aspect of the disclosure comprises receiving, from an input processing unit, one ore more commands for performing one or more operations of an application instance; identifying, through checking pairing information, the application instance paired with the input processing unit; and sending to the identified application instance, the received one or more commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Yan Jiang, Li Li, Chao Li, Yang Shu, Qi Ren, Erlei Xu, Niangjun Zhu, Hongjun Qiang
  • Patent number: 11390410
    Abstract: A printer includes: a body defining a media enclosure configured to receive a media supply; an indicator assembly supported by an outer wall of the body, the indicator assembly including a plurality of substantially contiguous illumination surfaces illuminated by respective ones of a set of lights supported within the body; a controller supported by the body, the controller configured to: (i) obtain an operational status of the printer, (ii) retrieve, from a mapping repository, a set of notification control parameters corresponding to the operational status, and (iii) control the set of lights according to the notification control parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Morgan Hassan Malone, Edward Anthony Hackett, Raymond E. Maynard, Michael F. St. Germain, Michael C. Wondolowski, Daniel V. Carroll, Ozgur Ozserin, James Roger Morley-Smith, Hannah Marie Legg, Roger Edward Guinee, Ellen Thomas
  • Patent number: 11316972
    Abstract: A method of management of a communication device in an aircraft may include transitioning the communication device from a normal mode to a disabled mode based on a calculated device sleep time based on data associated with transportation information of the device. One of these modes may be a state of the device in which a transceiver of the device is deactivated and the other mode may be a state of the device in which the transceiver is activated. Therefore, the device sleep time determines when the wireless device's transceiver may not be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: FedEx Corporate Services, Inc.
    Inventor: John David Putman
  • Patent number: 11202121
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for the detection of human presence in front of a plurality of sensors such as those of speakers and a device with a processor, such as a television. Data gathered from the plurality of sensors may be analyzed by the processor to determine if one or more humans are present proximate to the device. Based on the determined presence or absence of one or more humans, further actions including, inter alia, customizing a home theatre experience for the one or more humans, making content recommendations, or activating parental controls can be taken by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Neerbek, Rafal Krzysztof Malewski, Brian Thoft Moth Møller, Paul Nangeroni, Amalavoyal Narasimha Chari
  • Patent number: 10945582
    Abstract: A consumer appliance, as provided herein, may include a cabinet, a user interface attached to the cabinet, a motor mounted within the cabinet, and a control board in electrical communication with the user interface and the motor. The user interface may include one or more connected electrical elements. The control board may be configured to initiate an initial operation. The initial operation may include activating the control board and detecting the one or more connected electrical elements from a predetermined plurality of potential electrical elements. The initial operation may further include selecting an operating personality from a plurality of preset personalities based on detecting the one or more connected electrical elements. The initial operation may still further include directing the motor according to the selected operating personality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Morman, Steven Andrew Rice, Brett Alan Farris
  • Patent number: 10686933
    Abstract: A method of management of a communication device in an aircraft may include transitioning the communication device from a normal mode to a disabled mode based on a calculated device sleep time based on data associated with transportation information of the device. One of these modes may be a state of the device in which a transceiver of the device is deactivated and the other mode may be a state of the device in which the transceiver is activated. Therefore, the device sleep time determines when the wireless device's transceiver may not be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: FedEx Corporate Services, Inc.
    Inventor: John David Putman
  • Patent number: 10684765
    Abstract: A method comprises receiving an indication of a bending force in excess of a first predetermined threshold being applied to a communications device, and responding to receipt of the indication of the bending force in excess of the first predetermined threshold by causing a message to be transmitted from the communications device to a remote receiver, or responding to subsequent receipt of an indication that the bending force has subsequently fallen below a second predetermined threshold by causing a message to be transmitted from the communication device to a remote receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Johan Kildal, Jyrki Veikko Leskelä, Mika Allan Salmela, Jarmo Antero Nikula, Aki Happonen
  • Patent number: 10511947
    Abstract: A remote control apparatus is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Je-hwan Seo, Chae-young Lim, Young-hoon Moon, Jong-ha Woo, Kyung-ik Cho, Min-sup Kim, Min-ji Kim, Jin Seol, Ki-hyun Song, Suk-hoon Yoon, Hyun-kyu Yun, Jong-keun Lee, Woong-no Jung
  • Patent number: 10453331
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device control method and apparatus, belonging to the field of smart home technology. The method includes: displaying a control key interface including a custom key; and when selection of the custom key is detected, sending a custom control message to a remote control device so that the remote control device transmits at least two control signals according to the custom control message to control at least one home device to perform at least two operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Benchang Su, Sitai Gao, Enxing Hou
  • Patent number: 10126809
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a plurality of modules coupled to a charge storage node. A method for operating the electronic device includes starting up the electronic device and entering a demonstration mode. During the demonstration mode, a demonstration is performed for a predetermined amount of time by enabling a subset of the plurality of modules. At the expiration of the predetermined amount of time, the electronic device is shut down. If the electronic device is operating in normal operating mode, the charge level of the charge storage cell can be monitored such that when it falls below a minimum charge threshold, the electronic device is shut down. The minimum charge threshold can be based on a number of demonstrations to be performed on a remaining capacity of the charge storage cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Dirk Wendel, Carl Culshaw, Michael A. Staudenmaier
  • Patent number: 9997062
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a systems and methods for a remote-control device to limit changes from one mode to a plurality of different modes. In response to a particular button press, sequence of button activations, time-dependent button presses and/or other type of input being entered on the remote-control device indicative of a command to limit mode changes, remote-control device prevents changing from one mode to a plurality of different modes until another command or input is received to allow such mode changes. The plurality of modes which the remote-control device is prevented changing to or changing from may be selectable by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Alexander David Woodard
  • Patent number: 9807446
    Abstract: A remote control for a television is provided that can include at least one hotkey having an assigned function that depends on at least one of a currently selected silo and panel displayed by the television.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignees: Hisense International Co., Ltd., Jamdeo Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Sanjiv Sirpal, Mohammed Selim
  • Patent number: 9761115
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to selectively configure alarms prior to commencement of a silent mode of operation. In the context of a method, an indication of at least a start time for a silent mode of operation of a device is received. Responsive to the indication of at least the start time for the silent mode of operation, one or more alarms are identified. Each alarm has an activation mode and an activation time during the silent mode of operation of the device. Responsive to identifying one or more alarms and prior to commencing the silent mode of operation, the method also causes a prompt to be presented regarding a potential change to at least one of the activation mode or the activation time for at least one alarm that was identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventor: Liang Zhang
  • Patent number: 9432500
    Abstract: A method of management of a communication device in an aircraft may include transitioning the communication device from a normal mode to a disabled mode based on a calculated device sleep time based on data associated with transportation information of the device. One of these modes may be a state of the device in which a transceiver of the device is deactivated and the other mode may be a state of the device in which the transceiver is activated. Therefore, the device sleep time determines when the wireless device's transceiver may not be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: FEDEX CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: John David Putman
  • Patent number: 9191914
    Abstract: System and methods for providing a user experience are described, including a method comprising determining a location of a user and automatically selecting an interface device of a plurality of interface devices based upon the location of a user. The selected interface device can be configured to transmit audio, transmit video, receive audio, receive video, or a combination thereof. The method can also comprise automatically configuring a user experience provided via the selected interface device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Kennedy, David Andrew Ohare, Michelle Tomes, Paolo Barolat-Romana, Richard Vetter, Manoj Chaudhari, Thiru Srinivasan, Nicholas Adam Pinckernell, Jonathan Alan Leech, Edward David Monnerat, Mehul Patel
  • Publication number: 20150130587
    Abstract: A multi-mode control device is provided for controlling a load device. A high-power interface of the control device can be electrically coupled to a high-power module for providing current to the load device. An occupancy sensor can receive a first current from the high-power module via the high-power interface, and a trigger detection device can receive a second current that is less than the first current from a low-power module via a low-power interface. The processor can switch the control device from a high-power mode for powering the occupancy sensor to a low-power mode by causing a reduction in the current provided to the occupancy sensor and causing current to be provided to the trigger detection device. The trigger detection device can detect a trigger in the low-power mode. The processor can cause the control device to operate in the high-power mode based on the trigger's detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen Haight Lydecker, Glen Andrew Kruse, Richard L. Westrick, JR., Ryan Alexis Zaveruha
  • Patent number: 9026141
    Abstract: A controlling device such as a remote control has programming for transmitting a signal response to a plurality of control environments, each environment including a signaling device. Each signaling device in receipt of the signal request sends a signal response having a unique ID which is chosen to be characteristically attenuated by the surroundings of the environment. Because the controlling device can only be in one environment at a given time, and given the attenuation characteristics of the signal response from each signaling device, only one signal response will be received by the controlling device in each environment. Location definitions associated with the received unique ID may be used by programming in the controlling device to recall saved devices states, commands sets, macros, and even to dynamically generate commands based on the location information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan de Clercq, Christopher A. Chambers, Wayne Scott, Allen Yuh, Paul D. Arling, Robert Lilleness
  • Patent number: 9024733
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Johan Agnes Emiel Wouters
  • Patent number: 8994509
    Abstract: Method for connecting wireless electric actuating devices (2) to a medical appliance (1) via a wireless communication channel, having the steps of initiating the connection operation for a wireless electric actuating device (2) to a medical appliance (1) and performing a connection procedure, in which the actuating device (2) is assigned to the medical appliance (1), characterized in that the initiation of the connection operation is carried out from the medical appliance (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventor: Joachim Gottlich
  • Patent number: 8994517
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijkle Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Cornelis Talstra, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, George Frederic Yianni, James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Patent number: 8981912
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijkle Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Cornelis Talstra, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, George Frederic Yianni
  • Patent number: 8964127
    Abstract: A method is provided for a user-sensing remote control system including a TV and a remote control. The method includes obtaining sensing data from a plurality of sensors in the remote control related to a user of the remote control, pre-processing the sensing data, and determining a user identity space containing a plurality of possible user identities of the user using a predetermined statistical algorithm. The method also includes determining whether there is a dominant possible user identity; when it is determined that there is no dominant possible user identity, selecting one or more possible user identities from the user identity space and updating the user identity space until there is a dominant possible user identity; and when it is determined that there is a dominant possible user identity, presenting the dominant possible user identity as the identity of the user to other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: TCL Research America Inc.
    Inventor: Haohong Wang
  • Patent number: 8942726
    Abstract: A controlling device such as a remote control has programming for transmitting a signal response to a plurality of control environments, each environment including a signaling device. Each signaling device in receipt of the signal request sends a signal response having a unique ID which is chosen to be characteristically attenuated by the surroundings of the environment. Because the controlling device can only be in one environment at a given time, and given the attenuation characteristics of the signal response from each signaling device, only one signal response will be received by the controlling device in each environment. Location definitions associated with the received unique ID may be used by programming in the controlling device to recall saved devices states, commands sets, macros, and even to dynamically generate commands based on the location information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan de Clercq, Christopher A. Chambers, Wayne Scott, Allen Yuh, Paul D. Arling, Robert Lilleness
  • Patent number: 8922334
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Nathan Hale, David A. Innes
  • Patent number: 8897897
    Abstract: A companion remote control system is usable with smart devices for controlling a plurality of controlled components. An overall control system includes: a companion remote configured for remote communication, and providing command options for a user desiring to interact with a controlled component; a software application configured for running on smart devices, which typically includes a graphical interface for the user to select desired controlled component from plurality of controlled components; and a control processor capable of communicating with companion remote, smart device and controlled components. The control processor is programmed to correlate user commands received from companion remote to appropriate instructions for a specific controlled component selection received from smart device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Remote Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John Michael Demskie
  • Patent number: 8884736
    Abstract: Processing communications to and from multiple communications systems based on user preferences and based on presence information for one or more users of the communications systems is provided. A user who operates multiple communications systems may set preferences with each of the systems individually or through a centralized communications management system to control call processing to each of the systems based on prescribed user preferences and based on presence information for the user. In addition, communications applications associated with one or more communications systems may be automatically activated or functionally modified based on user preferences and/or user presence information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas David Gravino, Radhakrishnan Gopinath, Michael Lee Poffenberger
  • Publication number: 20140266743
    Abstract: A blood-donation system and methods of usage are disclosed. The system includes a blood-donating chair configured to interoperate with various blood-processing apparatuses. The system further combines into a self-contained system all devices, communications pathways and power supplies for various powered devices employed during a blood-collecting session. The system may further interoperate with other blood-donation systems allowing for continuous monitoring of multiple blood-collecting sessions at a single user interface. According to another embodiment, in addition to interoperability, the system is further configured for upgradability, in which, various donor-station devices may be mounted and remounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventor: Gary R. Stacey
  • Patent number: 8816813
    Abstract: A system comprising a wireless audio headset hub (1), at least two peripheral electronic devices (3, 4, 5) which are wirelessly connected to and controlled via the headset (1). The system further comprises a wireless handheld terminal (2), which is wirelessly connected to the headset (1) and comprising a terminal user interface (7) for receiving user input. The headset (1) and the terminal (2) are adapted so that a user by means of the terminal user interface (7) can control each of the peripheral electronic devices (3, 4, 5) via the headset (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventor: Claus Tondering
  • Patent number: 8786411
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for programming a remote control is provided. Control data that identifies one or more mode codes is stored in a computing device that is operationally connected to a detector. A user presses a button on a source remote control to cause an input signal to be transmitted from the source remote control to be received by the detector. The detector decodes the input signal, and consults the control data to determine a particular IR code that is associated with the source remote control. The computing device may then display information identifying a particular mode code on a display to allow the user to manually program a target remote control with the particular mode code. Alternately, the computing device may transmit the particular mode code to the target remote control to allow the target remote control to automatically configure itself with the particular mode code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Tivo Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Seidel, David E. Bruce
  • Patent number: 8736427
    Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a remote controller with a device are provided. The systems and methods generally relate to receiving a request from a remote controller to pair the remote controller to a device at several devices and determining at each of the several devices the strength of the wireless pairing request signal received by that device. If a device determines that its received signal is the strongest, the device may be paired with the remote controller. If instead a device determines that its received signal is not the strongest, it may ignore subsequent communications received from the remote controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Vincent King
  • Patent number: 8710953
    Abstract: A network- and/or client-side device configuration system facilitates automatic configuration of portable electronic devices. Predetermined configuration parameters for a particular portable electronic device are generated and stored. A computer-readable visual symbol such as an optical graphic code (for example, a tag, barcode, or matrix code) is generated by a network-side service and transmitted to an authorized user of the particular portable electronic device. The portable electronic device reproduces the visual symbol and transmits a message (which may or may not include the reproduced visual symbol) to the (same or different) network-side service. The network-side service authenticates the portable electronic device, and authorizes the portable electronic device to access and use the predetermined configuration parameters to automatically configure itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Padmanand Warrier
  • Patent number: 8669842
    Abstract: Provided is a technology for controlling a contents player based on a grasping power information of a hand by measuring a change of the bundle shape of a tendons in an inside muscle of wrist, in which the device and method for controlling the contents player comprises a sensing unit that generates a grasping power information; a control state managing unit that manages a control state of the contents player; and a control order generating unit that generates a control order controlling the contents player based on the control state and the grasping power information, and transmits the control order, in which the control state can be changed or can be generates in response to the grasping power information, and the sensing unit can be existed in both hands, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jeong-Mook Lim, Dong-Woo Lee, Yong-Ki Son, Bae-Sun Kim
  • Patent number: 8665060
    Abstract: A storage device is capable of switching its wireless sharing mode while sensing occurrence of a flip-over on itself. With the aid of the storage device, a user may easily and intuitively activate an operation of sharing information with other external storage devices or determine a degree of sharing the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Transcend Information, Inc.
    Inventors: Yang-Fei Wu, Ming-Hong Hsiao
  • Patent number: 8648691
    Abstract: An electronic device and a method for changing housing colors thereof are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Ziqiang Zuo, Shuqi Wang, Lingling Yao
  • Publication number: 20140009256
    Abstract: Systems and methods for recognizing 3-D human motions are described. In some embodiments, the present disclosure contemplates a variety of methods and systems for recognizing a 3-D motion on 2-D planes. The 3-D human motions may include, but is not limited to, kinematic based gestures, such as clapping, spell casting, security gestures, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Net Power and Light, Inc.
    Inventor: Gleb Dubovik
  • Patent number: 8587415
    Abstract: A wall switch motion sensor detects motion using a lens and an infrared detector, and in response performs a function (for example, turns on a light). The motion sensor is also adapted to respond to IR remote control signals of the type customarily used to control electronic consumer devices in the home. In one example, a user uses an ordinary remote control device to transmit a sequence of IR control signals and dead times toward the motion sensor. The detector in the motion sensor detects each IR control signal as an increased amount of IR energy, whereas it detects a dead time as a period of less IR energy. If the periodicity of the sequence is appropriate, then the wall switch motion sensor determines that the sequence is an instruction. In one example, the instruction is to turn on/off the light controlled by the wall switch motion sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: IXYS CH GmbH
    Inventor: Christopher W. Followell
  • Publication number: 20130271259
    Abstract: A home appliance has a control field (A) for selecting and setting a program and program option. The control field includes: a plurality of program indicators (2.1-2.5) each having an associated program symbol (2.1a-2.5a), a plurality of program option indicators (4.1-4.5, 6.1-6.4, 8.1-8.4) each having an associated program option symbol (4.1a-4.5a, 6.1a-6.4a, 8.1a-8.4a), a user-operable program selector (2), and a plurality of user-operable program option selectors (4, 6, 8). The program selector (2) and the program option selectors (4, 6, 8) are arranged in an inner region (II) of the control field (A). The program indicators (2.1-2.5) and program option indicators (4.1-4.5, 6.1-6.4, 8.1-8.4) are arranged in a first region (III) at least partially surrounding the inner region (II). The program symbols and the program option symbols are arranged in a second region (IV) at least partially surrounding the first region (III). At least one program symbol (2.1a-2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Jerome Brasseur, Davide Bignu
  • Patent number: 8531287
    Abstract: Provided is a method for operating a wireless terminal. In the method, an event is detected through a user interface. Location information is detected through a wireless channel in response to the event detection. The detected event information and the detected location information are outputted to the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Hyung Jin Kim, Seong Chul Cho, Gweon Do Jo, Daeho Kim
  • Publication number: 20130200993
    Abstract: A storage device is capable of switching its wireless sharing mode while sensing occurrence of a flip-over on itself. With the aid of the storage device, a user may easily and intuitively activate an operation of sharing information with other external storage devices or determine a degree of sharing the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Yang-Fei Wu, Ming-Hong Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20130176102
    Abstract: Disclosed is a remote control device which comprises a keyless housing having a first surface. A touch-enabled interface configured to receive input gestures is disposed on the first surface. The remote control device further includes a transmitter configured to transmit the input gestures to a client device. The input gestures are translatable into commands for navigating a user interface presented on the client device, with the navigating of the user interface presented on the client device providing visual feedback of the input gestures input on the touch-enabled interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Gilles Serge BianRosa, Olivier Chalouhi
  • Publication number: 20130147702
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, computer program and user interface wherein the method comprises: detecting a user input at a first apparatus; determining that the user input was also detectable by a second apparatus; and causing a function to be performed where at least part of the function is performed by the first apparatus and at least part of the function is performed by the second apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Viljakaisa Aaltonen, Teemu Tuomas Ahmaniemi, Juha Henrik Arrasvuori, Jan Peter Erik Eskolin, Tero Simo llari Jokela, Johan Kildal, Andres Lucero, Pii Susanna Paasovaara, Erika Reponen, Janne Vainio
  • Publication number: 20130082818
    Abstract: Methods of controlling the transfer of data between devices are described in which the manner of control is determined by a movement experienced by at least one of the devices. The method involves detecting a triggering movement and determining a characteristic of this movement. The transfer of data is then controlled based on the characteristic which has been identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Microsoft Corporation
  • Patent number: 8410970
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Van Vleck, Steven M. Belz, Gregory Edwards, James Pratt
  • Patent number: 8358194
    Abstract: A remote control system (1) is described, in particular for regulating and controlling industrial drives, comprising at least one transmitting remote control (10) and at least one receiver (20) cooperating with the drive, such transmitting remote control (10) containing at least one inclination sensor (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sist & Matica S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giacomo Baravalle
  • Publication number: 20130015945
    Abstract: A function setting method for a control panel of an exercise equipment combines buttons of the control panel with a light source, which makes it easy for the user to tell which button needs to be pressed when the user is setting functions since the button that needs to be pressed has a turned-on backlight, namely, it turns on the button that needs to be pressed to guide the user to press, so as to reduce the possibility of pressing the wrong button and enable the user to use the control panel in a dim environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: P & F BROTHER INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Wei-Chun Chang
  • Patent number: 8344848
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and appropriate devices for safely, unequivocally and exclusively, temporarily assigning the command authority of an operator (1) to a controllable technical system (60) using a mobile control device (2) which is technically suitable for periodically controlling a plurality of controllable technical systems (60), which is equipped as standard with safety switch elements (38, 39) such as an emergency stop switch, ok key and operating mode selection switches and for a data coupling with the controllable technical system (60) in spite of having only normal transmission means (6) or network technologies without any particular features specific to safety function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Keba AG
    Inventors: Manfred Möschl, Manfred Schininger
  • Publication number: 20120326835
    Abstract: A media player device includes a first, a second, and a third interface, and a processor. The first interface communicates with a residential gateway via a wide area network and/or a local area network, and the residential gateway is coupled to a plurality of electronic devices. The second interface communicates directly with at least one of the plurality of electronic devices. The third interface communicates with one or more electronic devices of the plurality of electronic devices via the local area network. The processor is configured to selectively transmit a request via the second interface when the media player device is proximate to the first electronic device, via the third interface when the media player device is not proximate to the first electronic device and is within range of the local area network, and via the first interface when the media player device is outside the range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Roger A. Cockrell, Steven Michael Wollmershauser, Thomas S. Webster, Brian Wilson, Alison Raphael
  • Publication number: 20120295549
    Abstract: A portable device is provided for allowing a user operating the portable device to communicate with a remotely located entity. An object or a device connected to an object emits a signal containing an electronic address of the remotely located entity. The portable device includes a button and a wireless receiver. The button facilitates communication between the portable device and the remotely located entity. The wireless receiver receives and automatically captures the signal emitted by the object or the device connected to the object without selection of any buttons on the portable device. The portable device automatically establishes communication with the remotely located entity upon selection by the user of the button. Selection of the button causes the portable device to automatically contact the electronic address contained within the emitted signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Benjamin SLOTZNICK
  • Publication number: 20120286924
    Abstract: A mobile terminal 1A is configured to communicate with a remote control server 4A that transmits a remote control signal to operate an operation object apparatus via a particular local area network NW2 or a wide area communication network NW1. A permission/rejection information storage part 102 stores whether execution of remote control operation based on the operation instruction information is permitted or rejected when each operation instruction information has gone through any communication network. When receiving the input of operation instruction information, a communication network discrimination part 106 discriminates with which communication network communication has established. An operation permission/rejection decision part 107 decides permission/rejection of execution of the operation instruction information according to the results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: GLAMO, INC
    Inventor: Isao GOTO
  • Publication number: 20120229662
    Abstract: A remote pendant for a metrology machine. The pendant comprises a non-configurable user interface which is an extension of the main computer monitor wherein the screens shown on a monitor of the pendant are created by application and/or control software running on the computer control of the machine. The remote pendant further comprises camera and/or webcam features as well as voice recording capabilities. With the remote pendant, the machine operator can view messages appearing on the main computer screen and respond to any prompts via a touch screen on the pendant thereby eliminating the need to return to the machine operator station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: GLEASON METROLOGY SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kishore Lankalapalli, Mike Tanner, Justin Shultz, Larry D. Lucous, Robert Keith Strong