Abstract: A load control system may include control devices for controlling electrical loads. The control devices may include load control devices, such as a lighting device for controlling an amount of power provided to a lighting load, and controller devices, such as a remote control device configured to transmit digital messages for controlling the lighting load via the load control device. The remote control device may communicate with the lighting devices via a hub device. The remote control device may detect a user interface event, such as a button press or a rotation of the remote control device. The remote control device or the hub device may determine whether to transmit digital messages as unicast messages or multicast messages based on the type of user interface event detected. The remote control device, or other master device, may synchronize and/or toggle an on/off state of lighting devices in the load control system.

Abstract: A load control system may include control devices for controlling electrical loads. The control devices may include load control devices, such as a lighting device for controlling an amount of power provided to a lighting load, and controller devices, such as a remote control device configured to transmit digital messages for controlling the lighting load via the load control device. The remote control device may communicate with the lighting devices via a hub device. The remote control device may detect a user interface event, such as a button press or a rotation of the remote control device. The remote control device or the hub device may determine whether to transmit digital messages as unicast messages or multicast messages based on the type of user interface event detected. The remote control device, or other master device, may synchronize and/or toggle an on/off state of lighting devices in the load control system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that distributes media guidance application operations between multiple devices based on one or more criteria associated with those devices. For example, the media guidance application may determine the plurality of operations performed by a target device and distribute the plurality of operations among devices near that target device.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting video asset information to a viewer to assist the view in selecting a video asset for viewing is described. The video assets can be available from a plurality of different video asset sources, such as VOD (video on demand), PVR (personal video recorders) and broadcast (including over the air, cable, and satellite). Images from the video assets are displayed in a uniform manner, along with information about the video assets. The information includes data in a metadata category. The view can select one of the video assets for viewing, but also can navigate using metadata categories such as genre, actors, director etc. Moreover, the system and method includes an on-screen remote control that can be utilized in conjunction with a physical input device for navigation and viewing one or more video assets. This allows a much easier and natural navigating and selection process for viewers.

Abstract: A load control system may include control devices for controlling electrical loads. The control devices may include load control devices, such as a lighting device for controlling an amount of power provided to a lighting load, and controller devices, such as a remote control device configured to transmit digital messages for controlling the lighting load via the load control device. The remote control device may communicate with the lighting devices via a hub device. The remote control device may detect a user interface event, such as a button press or a rotation of the remote control device. The remote control device or the hub device may determine whether to transmit digital messages as unicast messages or multicast messages based on the type of user interface event detected. The remote control device, or other master device, may synchronize and/or toggle an on/off state of lighting devices in the load control system.

Abstract: A load control system may include control devices for controlling electrical loads. The control devices may include load control devices, such as a lighting device for controlling an amount of power provided to a lighting load, and controller devices, such as a remote control device configured to transmit digital messages for controlling the lighting load via the load control device. The remote control device may communicate with the lighting devices via a hub device. The remote control device may detect a user interface event, such as a button press or a rotation of the remote control device. The remote control device or the hub device may determine whether to transmit digital messages as unicast messages or multicast messages based on the type of user interface event detected. The remote control device, or other master device, may synchronize and/or toggle an on/off state of lighting devices in the load control system.

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 system and method for upgrading remote control application resident on a device. To this end, a markup language file is created. The markup language file has a representation of information used to setup the remote control application to communicate with an appliance. The markup language file may be executed, on the device or an intermediate client with which the device is synchronized, to upload the representation of the information to a remote server. At the remote server, the uploaded information is used to automatically display user-selectable, downloadable data files relevant to the control of the 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 appliance. The information uploaded to the server may also be used to generate demographic data regarding consumer preferences.

Abstract: Data transmission apparatus and method thereof, and data reception apparatus and method thereof. Input data is encoded into a plurality of visual codes according to a visual code type. The visual code type includes a sequential type requiring sequential transmission and a nonsequential type not requiring sequential transmission. The sequential visual code includes start code, data code, and end code, and is displayed sequentially. The nonsequential visual code is displayed nonsequentially.

Abstract: A method for configuring a transmitter device to transmit a recognized transmission to a receiving device is provided. The method includes transmitting a first transmission and transmitting a second transmission after the first transmission. The method further includes receiving, during the second transmission, a user input signal from an interface for receiving signals from one or more user interface elements. The method further includes storing an attribute associated with the second transmission in a memory device in response to the user input signal.

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 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 remote control having a touch-sensitive control panel and a transmission unit for transmitting encoded signals which are produced on the basis of a direction of movement of contact with successive regions of the control panel, regardless of the location at which contact is made with the control panel. It is also possible to produce encoded signals on the basis of a movement by the remote control in combination with a motion sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a remote-controlled device is disclosed. A user may be instructed to operate a control element of an original remote control (ORC) of the remote-controlled device. The ORC may be operated directly with the URC, which may so receive a programming code from the ORC. The programming code may be used by the URC to determine an identity of the remote-controlled device and/or the ORC. Based on the identity, the URC may obtain corresponding 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: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for controlling an electronic device. A query is received at a remote control interface. A response to the query is determined. A random response interval of time is determined according to a collision avoidance mechanism. When the random response interval of time expires, then the response to the query is sent.

Abstract: Data transmission apparatus and method thereof, and data reception apparatus and method thereof. Input data is encoded into a plurality of visual codes according to a visual code type. The visual code type includes a sequential type requiring sequential transmission and a nonsequential type not requiring sequential transmission. The sequential visual code includes start code, data code, and end code, and is displayed sequentially. The nonsequential visual code is displayed nonsequentially.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a remote control and a host. The remote control is for generating different wireless signals. The host communicates with the remote control. The host includes a processor, a control panel, and a receiving unit. The control panel is for generating different key signals. The control panel includes a key for generating a locking signal and an unlocking signal. The receiving unit is for transferring the different key signals from the control panel to control the processor, and further for transferring the different wireless signals from the remote control to control the processor. The processor disables the receiving unit according to the locking signal and enables the receiving unit according to the unlocking signal.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a first identification signal, where the first identification signal corresponds to a first control. The method also includes determining an active device function to which the first control corresponds, where the active device function is a first function of a first device when the first device is active and where the active device function is a second function of a second device when the second device is active. The method also includes triggering emission of an audible signal identifying the active device function.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the elimination of interference of an IR signal emitted from an IR blaster by the IR signal emitted from a remote control unit. In a preferred embodiment in which an AV device coupled to a television receives IR signals repeated and transmitted by the television over an IR blaster cable, a right hand polarizer lens is positioned on the front of the remote control unit in front of the IR emitter and a left hand polarizer lens is positioned on the AV device in front of its IR detector. In operation, the IR beam emitted from the remote control unit is right hand polarized and is blocked by the left hand polarizer lens. The IR beam emitted from the IR blaster is randomly polarized and passes through the left hand polarizer lens with only a slight attenuation.

Abstract: When a television receiver is connected to a DVD player via an HDMI cable, HDMI authentication is carried out. EDID data is then acquired from the television receiver and a manufacturer name is determined. When the manufacturer name is determined to be, for example, “company A”, a table indicating a correspondence relationship of manufacturer names and remote control codes is referred to and remote control codes corresponding to the determined company A are selected. The selected remote control codes are then transmitted after selection of remote control codes of the company A is carried out. Remote control codes corresponding to the manufacturer name of the company A received from the DVD player are then stored in a memory in a manner corresponding to operation key numbers allocated in advance to a plurality of operation keys at a remote control unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to export tuning data collected in a receiving device are disclosed. An example method of collecting audience measurement data comprises collecting tuning data within a receiving device, and modulating an LED associated with the receiving device to export the collected tuning data from the receiving device.

Abstract: Data transmission apparatus and method thereof, and data reception apparatus and method thereof. Input data is encoded into a plurality of visual codes according to a visual code type. The visual code type includes a sequential type requiring sequential transmission and a nonsequential type not requiring sequential transmission. The sequential visual code includes start code, data code, and end code, and is displayed sequentially. The nonsequential visual code is displayed nonsequentially.

Abstract: A control system with a simplified control device (10) for direct selection of electronic media operations, and for programmed navigation through the content without using dedicated navigation functions of a media player. The simplified control device (10) includes a limited number of keys, comprising direct-select keys (20-26) and navigation keys (30-36), which transmit programmable number key signals rather than dedicated key signals. Direct-select keys (20-26) are visually associated with icons displayed by the medial player by shape, color, and/or the like. The icons are dynamically associated with portions of content and/or software instructions stored on a medium, such as a DVD. Activating a direct-select key (20-26) cause the media player to access the associated content and/or instructions.

Abstract: Transmitter device including a modulator apparatus for the generation of a modulated digital signal in a remote control system. The modulated signal is defined by at least one characteristic quantity correlated to an information to transmit. The modulator apparatus is characterized by including a finite states machine for generating a modulating digital signal to combine with a carrier signal and obtain the modulated signal. The finite states machine generates the modulating signal on the basis of digital data corresponding to said at least one characteristic quantity.

Abstract: A remote control includes a screen configured to display a plurality of soft buttons in a first order. The remote control further includes a memory configured to store use information for the plurality of soft buttons. The use information includes a number of button presses for each of the plurality of soft buttons. The remote control further includes a processor configured to determine whether one of the plurality of soft buttons is pressed a great number of times than a second of the plurality of soft buttons, and to change the display of the plurality of soft buttons to a second order where the one of the plurality of soft buttons is displayed in the second order at a higher position than in the first order.

Abstract: A method for compressing information is provided that includes receiving a plurality of bits associated with a communications flow and determining if a match exists between the plurality of bits and a selected one of a plurality of bit patterns. A header bit segment that corresponds to the selected bit pattern may be communicated in place of the plurality of bits associated with the communications flow.

Abstract: In certain embodiments consistent with the invention, a method of associating a controlled device with a remote controller device involves providing a controlled device with a near field communication (NFC) module; providing a remote controller device with a near field communication (NFC) module; bringing the remote controller device into close enough proximity to the controlled device to establish an NFC communication link; communicating secret data between the remote controller device and the controlled device to establish an association between the remote controller device and the controlled device so that commands from the remote controller device to the controlled device will be accepted. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A portable communication device is provided and includes a display. At least one remote control soft button is presented at the display and an electronic device control command is associated with each remote control soft button. Further, the electronic device control command is enabled in response to a code received at the portable communication device from a service provider. The portable communication device also includes a keypad that can be used to select the remote control soft button. Further, the electronic device control command is selected from the group consisting of: play, stop, pause, volume up, volume down, record, channel up, channel down, fast forward, and rewind. Additionally, the portable communication device includes a text input field and a send button that are presented at the display. The portable communication device selectively can control a selected remote electronic device using the at least one electronic device control command.

Abstract: A remote control unit, an electronic device and a method for controlling an electronic device using the same are provided. The remote control unit includes: a key input part including a menu key for allowing an electronic device to enter a setup mode, a numeric key rotatably provided to display different numerals depending on degree of rotation, and a confirm key for transmitting a control signal corresponding to the numeral of the numeric key; a memory for storing a control code for controlling the electronic device; a microcomputer for reading out and transmitting the control code stored in the memory depending on a signal inputted from the key input part; and an infrared transmitter for transmitting the control code in a form of an infrared signal depending on a control of the microcomputer.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a computing device of a computer system includes a remote control module, and a wireless receiving unit disposed on a computing device. The computing device includes an input/output control unit connected electrically to a central processing unit. The remote control module includes a microprocessor, and a connecting interface, a plurality of key units, and a wireless transmitting unit connected electrically to the microprocessor. Each of the key units is depressible to generate a control signal which is transmitted to the microprocessor. The microprocessor transmits the control signal to the input/output control unit through the connecting interface or the wireless transmitting and receiving units according to whether the connecting interface is connected to or disconnected from the input/output control unit so as to communicate with the computing device, thereby protecting the computer system and permitting power management.

Abstract: In a method for configuring at least one mobile operating unit of at least one control, wherein the at least one operating unit is detachably connectable to the at least one control, wherein the at least one operating unit has a display, a memory, and an input device, the configuration information, required for configuring the at least one operating unit, is transmitted from the at least one control to the at least one operating unit at the time of connecting the at least one operating unit to the at least one control. The configuration information is then utilized in the at least one operating unit. The configuration information saved in the memory can be overwritten by new configuration information received from the control.

Abstract: An illuminable user interface includes a plurality of input elements, a source of light energy, and a fiber optic filament mat provided with irregularities arranged in one or more controlled patterns to thereby form one or more visible images when the fiber optic filament mat is illuminated by the source of light energy. The one or more visible images are positioned relative to the input elements to convey information concerning the input elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote control, a system for programming the remote control, and methods of programming or using the remote control. The remote control is configured to be selectively set up or programmed using a display screen and corresponding function buttons on the remote control. The set up process allows a user to only set up the remote control features of interest to for that particular user. In addition, the remote control includes a module that may be accessed directly by the remote control or via a computer where the module guides the user through the set up process. Thus, the user does not need to set up any feature of the remote control that is not applicable to that user.

Abstract: A system provides an audible signal to the user of the system before a control or function is activated by the user. In one embodiment, a remote control can be used with an apparatus, such as a set-top box. When the user places an object near a control of the remote control, a control or function associated with the control may be announced to the user before activating the control. The system can include an apparatus configured to be operated at least in part from a remote control that includes a plurality of controls including a first control. The apparatus includes a control module configured to receive an identification signal from the remote control, wherein the identification signal corresponds to the control, determine a state of the apparatus, determine a function to which the control corresponds, and send another identification signal to an audio system.

Abstract: A remote control system includes a display device providing a graphic user interface and a touch screen for inputting a control command. A macro editing is realized through the graphic user interface and the touch screen and steps provided for the macro are arranged in rows and columns.

Abstract: A remote controller apparatus has a controller body, which is provided with annularly disposed display devices displaying as images operating buttons for the purpose of executing functions of a remotely controlled apparatus, and which is further provided with a display device at the center of the annularly disposed display devices. Operating switches are provided below each of the display devices, a transparent shuttle ring is disposed over the annularly disposed display devices, and a transparent center button is provided over the display device at the center. The shuttle ring is caused to rotate, and if necessary operating buttons displayed by each of the display devices are switched to other operating buttons.

Abstract: A remote control system for a vehicle. The system has a fob with a microphone for receiving audible commands and a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting the commands at a radio frequency via a fob antenna. A receiver for positioning in the vehicle has an antenna for receiving the commands at the radio frequency, a demodulator for recovering the commands, a processor for decoding the recovered commands according to vehicle configuration information, and a network interface for controlling a vehicle system in accordance with the recovered commands and the vehicle configuration information.

Abstract: A remote controller includes: a switch for selecting one of a plurality of options in one dimension out of control items laid out in a plurality of dimensions, an item selector for selecting one of a plurality of options in another dimension out of the control items laid out in the plurality of dimensions. The remote controller transmits a remote control code in accordance with an output of the switch and an output of the item selector. The device to be controlled by the remote controller is provided with a display for showing the control items in accordance with a signal from the remote controller. Every time the first remote control code is transmitted, the display displays control items selectable by the item selecting means for a certain period of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote control system capable of controlling a number of devices on a network by one remote controller. A remote controller (10) requires a controlled device (20) defined as an object to be controlled to send display information. Thus, the display information stored in a ROM (21) of the controlled device (20) in advance is read and transmitted to the remote controller (10). The display information is described in a language such as HTLM, JAVA or the like. A browser on the remote controller (10) side displays a screen indicative of functions corresponding to a plurality of function keys (11) on a liquid crystal display (12). Thus, the function is selected based on the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display (12), and the function key (11) corresponding to the function is depressed, thereby making it possible to control the controlled device (20).

Abstract: A system and method for facilitation and encouragement of user interaction and functionality with a multimedia program via an entertainment system and remote control device. The entertainment system and remote control device are in two-way communication to accomplish various interactivity functions and features. The remote control includes one or more selectively illuminated buttons under the control of the entertainment system, such that when the entertainment system displays a prompt to the user requiring a response, the entertainment system may send a signal to the remote control selectively illuminating the button(s) to indicate to the user that the button(s) may be operated to make a response to the prompt.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a remote control to command the operation of appliances, to capture demographic data, and to provide services, such as automated warranty registration, instructions, viewing guides, etc., relevant to the appliances is provided. The system includes a database and associated server that are located remotely from the remote control and accessible via a network connection. Command codes, graphical user interface elements, and services are accessed and downloaded to the remote control, as appropriate, using data supplied to the server that identifies the appliances and/or functional capabilities of the appliances. This data can be supplied by the appliances directly or can be obtained from other sources such as barcode labels, network devices, etc.

Abstract: A control device includes buttons that depict the logos of various entities, stations, web sites, or the like. For example, a television remote control device includes buttons that depict logos of various television stations or networks. The television remote control device may also include a multi-channel button that may be personalized or programmed to cycle through a group of stations, such as “sister” stations belonging to the same network, with successive selections of the multi-channel button. The control device also provides for voice activation.

Abstract: A universal remote control comprising a keyboard having a plurality of pushbuttons including a macro pushbutton and a library of codes and data for use in transmitting operating commands to a plurality of different home appliances of different manufacturers. Instructions within the remote control are used to match the universal remote control to a plurality of different home appliances of different manufacturers such that selected codes and data from the library are used to transmit operating commands to the matched home appliances in response to activation of selected pushbuttons of the keyboard. The instructions are also used to assign to the macro pushbutton a subset of the selected codes and data from the library whereafter activation of the macro pushbutton causes the universal remote control to use the subset of selected codes and data from the library to transmit operating commands to one or more of the matched home appliances.

Abstract: A remote controller is capable of transmitting different control signals for controlling an anti-theft device on an automobile, and includes a controller circuit disposed in a casing, and a function key set and a function display unit mounted on the casing and connected electrically to the controller circuit. The controller circuit includes a processor unit and a transmitter circuit connected electrically to and controlled by the processor unit so as to transmit the control signals wirelessly. The function key set includes a function select key operable so as to control selection of the control signals by the processor unit. The function display unit is controlled by the processor unit to provide a visual indication corresponding to a currently selected one of the control signals.

Abstract: An extended functionality remote control (EFRC) provides a hardware/software implementation of an integrated interface for remote control emulation. A PDA or other portable computing device is used as a platform for the EFRC application software and peripheral hardware. The EFRC also merges information services into remote controls. Implementation of these information services takes the form of, e.g., electronic program guides (EPGs) merged with the functioning of remote controls. In addition to the portable computing device, the hardware portion of the invention according to a preferred embodiment includes a keypad and an infrared transmitter subsystem which are managed by a microcontroller. The microcontroller also exchanges data with application software of the computing device via a serial communications link.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel universal remote control system. Specifically, the remote control system according to the present invention provides the following features: bidirectional communications between the remote control and at least one of the audio/video devices; dual communication mode; automatic communication mode selection; loading and processing electronic program guide in the remote control; soft graphical user interface in the remote control; expanding the television set functions by the remote control; calibration handshake between the remote control and the audio/video device; updating the remote control; lost beacon signal in the remote control; handwriting recognition mechanism, and voice recognition mechanism in the remote control.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus and a method for identifying a reference code stored in a remote control apparatus. The remote control apparatus stores a reference code associated with a particular electronic device to be controlled and allows the user to determine the stored reference code by entering a code identification mode. In the code identification mode, the user selects a sequence of keys on the keypad and observes an indicator, such as an LED, after each key selection. The indicator is activated by a control unit when the number selected corresponds to the first digit in the reference code. The user then selects another sequence of keys on the keypad and observes the indicator after each key selection to identify the next digit in the reference code. The user repeats these steps to sequentially identify all of the digits in the reference code.

Abstract: A keyboard scan code snooper device comprises a microcontroller, a display, and an oscillator. The scan code snooper may be attached to the data and clock lines of a keyboard serial interface connecting a keyboard with a computer in a pass through configuration. The firmware in the microcontroller processes the snooped data transmission from the keyboard to the computer and vice versa, and generates signals appropriate to drive the display.

Abstract: A remote control uses IR (infrared) commands to control various consumer appliances made by various manufactures. The remote control is low-cost, consumer-friendly, programmable, has its own graphical display so it does not interfere with a TV or other viewing screen, and is capable of interacting with the internet or other data source to provide a rich set of functionality.

Abstract: A building security system includes an alarm controller for learning a unique remote transmitter code to define a learned transmitter capable of switching the controller between armed and disarmed states. The controller performs learned code verification to generate an indication relating to whether a new remote transmitter has been learned by the controller. In one embodiment, the learned code verification is based upon the alarm controller being recently entered into the learning mode. According to another embodiment, the learned code verification is based upon a number of learned remote transmitters, a change in that number, or a change in the identity of a learned code. The indication may be provided at the building or remote therefrom by any of a light, a visual display, a speech message generator, and an audible signal generator, for example.