Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamic volume punch through in a home entertainment system that includes a client device that receives programming signals coupled to an audio/video amplifier, and a television coupled to the audio/video amplifier. A remote control that communicates over a radio frequency interface with the client device “punches through” volume adjustment commands from a user to either the audio/video amplifier or to the television depending on the power state of the audio/video amplifier. The remote control receives the information indicating this power state from the client device that detects the power state of the audio/video amplifier through a bidirectional bus in a cable interface, for example, HDMI-CEC bus. The volume is “punched through” to the audio/video amplifier or to the television over a second communication link, for example an infrared optical interface.

Abstract: An interactive system is provided in which information is displayed in response to the entry of the digits of a channel number. The interactive system may be implemented on a television, a computer, or a radio system. The displayed information may be program listings information such as the channel designator or the program currently airing on the channel. The displayed information may also be a list of channels. The list of channels may be associated with the entered digits, may be component channels, or channels of the same type and may be sorted by various techniques such as numerically, by favorite channels, by type, etc. The interactive system may allow a user to specify a source identifier to channels from different sources and display the channels with the source identifier when they are entered.

Abstract: [Object] To provide an operation apparatus capable of achieving an improvement in operability. [Solving Means] This operation apparatus includes: a casing including two surfaces opposed in front and back directions as a first surface and a second surface; a first operation input unit that is provided in the first surface and includes a detector that performs a detection of an operation of a user with respect to a predetermined coordinate detection space on the first surface; a second operation input unit provided in the second surface; a determination unit that determines an attitude of the casing when an operation of the user with respect to the coordinate detection space of the detector is performed from a side of the second surface; and a converter that converts, when the attitude is determined, information detected by the detector into information of a coordinate system of the coordinate detection space seen through from the side of the second surface.

Abstract: Remote control based output selection techniques are described in which an output to a display device is selected based on identification of a remote control device that is manipulated by a user. In an implementation, each of a plurality of remote control devices is associated with a respective client device in an audio visual system. When a user manipulates one of the plurality of remote control devices, the manipulated remote control device is detected and a corresponding client device is determined. Then, an output to a display device is set to present audio visual data from the determined client device. In another implementation, when a manipulated remote control device is identified, a user interface for output on the display device is configured according to the identified remote control device and/or the functional capabilities of the identified remote control device.

Abstract: An optical pointing system includes a plurality of light sources, an image receiver, and an analyzing unit. The plurality of light sources are disposed on multiple locations of an object and configured to provide light having distinct wavelengths. The image receiver is configured to detect optical signals of the plurality of light sources, thereby generating a plurality of corresponding images. The analyzing unit is configured to calculate a relative position or angle of the image receiver with respect to the object according to the images.

Abstract: An apparatus interposed between a healthcare pillow speaker and an internally-unmodified commodity television where said apparatus powers the pillow speaker, enables the pillow speaker to control the television and drives the pillow speaker with said television audio content. The apparatus is designed to attain applicable healthcare safety approvals. The apparatus is designed to be compatible with standard healthcare equipment and to be placed within new and existing installations. The apparatus can selectively shut off the audio drivers to reduce noise. The apparatus generates its own audio content for the pillow speaker. The apparatus can enable, disable, set access timers, track and report on user access and equipment operational. The apparatus can internally configure limits and alternatives in how the television equipment will be controlled.

Abstract: A remote control for a digital video recorder includes an integrated display screen configured to display a recording list including programs scheduled to be recorded.

Abstract: A control device controls a television. The control device includes a touch module. The control device displays a menu containing a number of soft keys on a screen. The soft keys are activated to control the television to carry out corresponding functions. All positions on the menu are associated with all positions on the touch module correspondingly. As a result, a user can select desired soft keys to carry out corresponding functions by viewing the menu on the television and touching the touch module, rather than viewing the touch module.

Abstract: Provided are a video display device and a video display method, by which a user can easily select a program to be watched even if a numerical keypad is not provided in a remote control device. A display portion displays a video of a program. While the video of the program is displayed on the full screen of the display portion, an operation detection portion detects a rotational operation of a dial provided in a remote control device. When the rotational operation is detected by the operation detection portion, a control portion functions so that while the video of the program is displayed on the display portion, a program list including a plurality of program items associated with different programs is displayed on the display portion.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus, control method thereof, remote control apparatus that controls the electronic apparatus, and control method thereof. The remote control apparatus includes a communication unit which communicates with the electronic apparatus; a user input unit which receives a user button selection indicating an input button; a sensing unit which senses movement of the remote control apparatus; and a control unit which controls the communication unit to transmit information about the user button selection to perform a function corresponding to the input button if the remote control apparatus is in a button input mode, and to transmit information about the movement of the remote control apparatus to the electronic apparatus to control the electronic apparatus by the movement if the remote control apparatus is in a motion recognition mode. Accordingly, controlling a game or a multimedia content is easier, and the user is provided with a new and interesting experience.

Abstract: A method for operating a remote controller for remotely controlling a device, and which includes wirelessly receiving, by a receiving unit of the remote controller, information indicating that the currently connected external device is a first device, the information received from a second device that is different than the first device; determining, by a control unit of the remote controller, a type of the first device based on the received information; determining, by the control unit, keys on the remote controller to operate the first device; displaying, by a touch panel of the remote controller, the keys on the remote controller to operate the first device; receiving, by a user input unit of the remote controller, an input signal indicating a selection of at least one of the keys to operate the first device; and transmitting, by a transmitting unit of the remote controller, a remote control signal as a Radio Frequency (RF) signal, wherein the keys displayed on the remote controller to operate the first dev

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a switching circuit and a display. The switching circuit may be configured to present an output signal in response to a plurality of input signals. The output signal may be generated in response to an active one of the input signals. A user prompt may appear prior to switching to the active one of the input signals. The user prompt may allow a user to confirm or reject switching to the active input. The display circuit may be configured to display information from the output signal.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a reproduction controller and a transmitter. The reproduction controller is configured to reproduce a first type of information of a first content. The first content includes a plurality of types of information. The transmitter is configured to transmit an instruction to reproduce a second type of information of the first content to other electronic device.

Abstract: A user is provided with an indication of a button's functionality on a viewing device before the button is actually selected. The user receives haptic/tactile feedback to let the user know that they are about to select a button and that its functionality indicator is shown on the viewing device. Thus, the haptic or tactile feedback in combination with on-screen display elements is utilized in a remote control device to eliminate the need for shifting focus away from a viewing device.

Abstract: In order to provide a remote control system that is easy to use, a first displaying unit displays a remote controller side display information. Since a first operation unit is used to select the remote controller side display information and then drag towards an image display apparatus, a display position of the remote controller side display information on the display surface of the first displaying unit is visually moved towards an image display apparatus. In accordance with the movement operation of the remote controller side display information, operational information associated with the remote controller side display information is transmitted from a first communicator to a second communicator.

Abstract: A display device includes a matrix of pixel elements and a matrix of photo-detecting elements. The display device also includes an interface port accessible from the outside of the display device and configured to output a representation of a position of an invisible light spot on the display screen generated from an invisible light beam projected thereon with a spreading angle less than 20 degrees. The position of the invisible light spot is determined based on measurement from the photodetectors in the matrix of photo-detecting elements.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a dynamic remote control system detecting a change in an on-screen context of content being presented by a presentation device and dynamically changing a function and/or an appearance of a button included in a persistent number pad arrangement on a remote control device associated with the presentation device in response to the change in the on-screen context. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: To a video display device, a remote control transmitter for remotely operating the video display device is attached. When at least one of predetermined keys provided in the remote control transmitter of an external device is operated, the video display device switches, according to the setting of an “input target”, the validness and the invalidness of an remote operation on the at least one of predetermined keys of the external device which outputs a video stream to the video display device.

Abstract: A portable digital television (DTV) comprises a processor, a channel and volume changing button arrangement, and a navigational button arrangement. Either or both button arrangements can be used in at least a bi-modal operation. In a first mode of operation, the button arrangements provide their normal functions, and in the second mode of operation, the button arrangements provide an interactive application interface to the user. Preferably, one of the two button arrangements is selected for the bi-modal operation. The selected button arrangement is associated with at least an optical element for lighting the button arrangement. The controller operates the optical element such that the selected button arrangement has one color in one mode of operation and has a different color in the other mode of operation.

Abstract: A communication medium with fewer limitations on the directivity or available communication range, such as an IP network, is used to perform a remote control operation. Since two-way communication can be carried out between a remote controller and a device to be operated, it is possible to provide more reliable communication by means of a delivery confirmation, to handle a GUI-based complex command scheme, and to provide large-volume data transmission, such as moving-image streaming, using relatively broad bands. A television receiver to be operated by the remote controller distributes moving-image data, such as a child view, to an IP remote controller through an IP network so that the data can be viewed on the IP remote controller.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a remote control for an electronic display apparatus, includes an operation panel disposed on a surface of the remote control, and a circuit board located inside the remote control. The circuit board includes a control module and a signal emitting module. The operation panel includes a key group. The key group includes an enter key, an inner ring direction key, and an outer ring direction key. The control module is connected to the key group for recognizing different press operations. If the press operation is on the inner ring direction key, a signal for moving a cursor displayed on a display device of the electronic display apparatus one item is emitted through the signal emitting module. If the press operation is on the outer ring direction key, a signal for moving a cursor displayed on the display device of the electronic display apparatus at least two items is emitted through the signal emitting module.

Abstract: An operational terminal device may include a control unit to control display on a display screen of at least one operation button to control a display control device, based on button information associated with the operation button and received from the display control device.

Abstract: A method to provide an entertainment service in connection with a telecommunication service includes transmitting by a remote control apparatus transmits a first control command to operate an electronic device providing an entertainment service to an electronic device while a user uses a telecommunication service, and transmitting a second control command associated with the telecommunication service transmitted from a telecommunication device to the electronic device. Therefore, a user enjoying an entertainment service can more conveniently use a telecommunication service.

Abstract: Digital television channels are preemptively cached based on a modeling of a user to reduce delays while switching channels. A current television channel is selected using a first tuner. A future television channel selection of the user is then predicted based on a modeling of the user. The recorded content of the predicted future television channel is preemptively cached using a second tuner. A buffer of the recorded content of the predicted future television channel is displayed when the user switches from the current television channel to the predicted future television channel. The modeling of the user is updated and stored in storage.

Abstract: There is disclosed one or more methods, devices, systems and components therefor to remotely control a media system. A second electronic device may be configured, with remote control codes for at least one component of the media system, by a first electronic device connected to the media system. The first electronic device is connected to the media system via a media interface and is configured to determine the remote control codes from an identification of at least one component of the system. The media interface may be a high definition media interface (HDMI) to identify the connected components. The first and second electronic devices are configured to communicate the codes to configure the second electronic device. The automatic code communication may be responsive to a Bluetooth connection. The first electronic device and second electronic device may each comprise a tablet or a smartphone.

Abstract: To a video display device, a remote control transmitter for remotely operating the video display device is attached. When at least one of predetermined keys provided in the remote control transmitter of an external device is operated, the video display device switches, according to the setting of an “input target”, the validness and the invalidness of an remote operation on the at least one of predetermined keys of the external device which outputs a video stream to the video display device.

Abstract: A remote controller and method of controlling a peripheral device using the remote controller to control a multimedia player are provided. The remote controller including: a key input part which includes a plurality of keys; a Bluetooth® receiver configured to receive a Bluetooth® signal from a multimedia player; an infrared ray generator configured to convert the received Bluetooth® signal into an infrared signal in order to control a peripheral device; and a plurality of infrared ray transmitters configured to output the infrared signal from the infrared ray generator in all directions, and a method of controlling a peripheral device using the remote controller for a multimedia player.

Abstract: A video processing apparatus is provided that is controlled such that the display position of a cursor for a pointing type remote controller does not change when input is switched in a configuration where the video processing apparatus is connected to an external video apparatus. When input video data is switched, a controller transmits position information regarding the display position of a cursor image to the external video apparatus via a communication unit. The controller receives cursor image data generated by the external video apparatus from the external video apparatus and causes a cursor image, based on the cursor image data, to be displayed on a display unit, such that a cursor image after the input video data is switched is displayed at a position corresponding to the display position of a cursor image that has been displayed before the input video data is switched.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling home network devices is provided. The apparatus includes a display unit that displays a list of items corresponding to a plurality controlled devices arranged in a predetermined space, a receiving unit that receives a first image containing the controlled devices, the list, and information on light reflected from a controlled device of the controlled devices and the device list, and a control unit that maps the controlled devices and the items in the list according to the light information detected from the received image.

Abstract: A screen time control device includes a source interface for receiving a video signal, a processor connected to the video source interface for overlaying the video signal with a translucent signal to produce an overlaid video signal, and a device interface connected to the processor for receiving the overlaid video signal and providing the overlaid video signal to the display device. The processor substitutes the translucent signal in the overlaid video signal with a parental signal, where the parental signal can be a substantially opaque overlay signal that masks an image on the screen of the display device to prohibit viewing of the screen, a textual message, or a combination of both.

Abstract: A handheld wireless device for controlling an electronic device. Ambient noise is automatically detected using a microphone and user preference parameters (e.g., volume) are adjusted, compensating for the detected noise. Plurality of signals are sent and received, operable to determine the location of the remote control, thereby operable to automatically tune various user preference parameters (e.g., surround sound). The remote control may be used as a telephone. When receiving a call, the caller information may be displayed using a popup window (e.g., on a television set). A call may be answered and the program may be paused/recorded/muted. The electronic device is automatically configured by identifying the user. A reader may read information on a payment card in a contactless manner. In one embodiment a radio frequency signal is used to reduce interference with LCD wavelength. The remote control may respond to a user command in order to be located.

Abstract: A consumer electronics (CE) device includes at least one processor and at least one computer readable storage medium accessible to the processor. The medium is programmed with instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute logic including detecting the position of the CE device and sending a command to at least one apparatus at a location distanced from the CE device to establish at least one configuration of the apparatus. The command is sent responsive to a determination that the CE device is passing a predefined distance from a location.

Abstract: An automatic search system and method is disclosed which automatically displays a search menu on a TV in response to opening a remote control having an internal concealed keyboard. Since a text entry keyboard is known to be in use a streamlined search menu may be displayed without an on screen keyboard. A separate on screen keyboard search menu may be activated in a different mode by using the remote in a closed configuration.

Abstract: System and method for displaying guide data on a remote control. In one embodiment, guide data may be received in a first format by the remote control. The guide data may be converted from the first format to a second format based in part on a predefined user preference. A portion of the guide data may be displayed in accordance with the second format on a display of the remote control such that guide data is displayed according to a first scale.

Abstract: A legacy device bridge for use in a network, such as a wired or wireless residential network, is provided. The legacy device bridge performs protocol conversion to enable a network-attached entity that uses a packet-based communication protocol to communicate with and control legacy devices, such as consumer electronics, that rely exclusively on infrared (IR) or serial communication protocols. The legacy device bridge also performs a virtualization function that allows legacy devices to be advertised to the network as devices that comply with a packet-based discovery and control protocol, and to be controlled as such. The legacy device bridge is also adapted to probe, deduce and publish information relating to the state of a legacy device to other entities on the network.

Abstract: A control device signals user inputs to an audio-video display. The control device may be configured as a pillow speaker and include a speaker for reproducing audio from the audio-video display. The control device is coupled to the audio-video display by wiring. Shared signals in the wiring are used to provide power to operate the control device and are used to signal the user inputs to the audio-video display. A touch panel is used to sense user inputs. The touch panel may be transparent with an underlay containing indicia of user-selectable commands located below the touch panel. The arrangement and selection of commands available to the user may be modified by changing the underlay.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes: an image processor; a display unit; a remote controller which includes a touch input unit to detect motion of a user; a remote control signal receiver which receives a remote control signal from the remote controller corresponding to the motion of a user; and a controller which displays the content information window as if the content information window enters from an outside of a display area to an inside of the display area in accordance with the motion that a user moves from an outside of an area of the touch input unit to an inside of the area, or stops displaying the content information window as if the content information window exits from the inside of the display area to the outside of the display area in accordance with the motion that a user moves from the inside of the area of the touch input unit to the outside of the touch input unit.

Abstract: Randomly initiating the playing of media stored on a media source device while it is in power saving mode is provided. Information is received at an electronic controller device pertaining to a user selected option to play on a media player the media stored on the media source device. The user selected option initiates randomly playing the media stored on the media source device with power saving capabilities. In response to receiving the information, the electronic controller device sends a first command to wake up the media source device from a power saving mode, sends a second command to power on audio video equipment, and sends sending a third command to power on the media player.

Abstract: A remote determines an acknowledgement is not received for a command transmitted to a first device, broadcasts a discovery message, receives a response from a second device that received the discovery message and a proximity signal from the remote, and configures itself to control the second device. The remote may also transmit an acknowledgement to the second device. The second device may notify the first device. In various implementations, configuration information in the response may include pairing information and the remote may unpair itself from the first device and pair with the second device. In some implementations, the remote may include a table for controlling devices and the remote may utilize an entry in the table for the second device instead of the first device. In various implementations, the remote may receive responses to the discovery message from multiple devices and may select one to configure itself to control.

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.

Abstract: A portable digital television (DTV) comprises a processor and a navigational button arrangement. The processor of the portable DTV controls the navigational button arrangement to have at least a bi-modal operation. In one mode of operation, the navigational button arrangement provides a navigational interface to a user and, in another mode of operation, the navigational button arrangement provides an interactive application interface to the user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing access to program channels, e.g., high definition programs and program channels which corresponding to a standard definition program and/or program channels are described. In accordance with the invention, a high definition auto tune function is supported. When enabled, in one exemplary embodiment, if a user selects a standard program definition channel, a check is automatically made to determine if a corresponding high definition program channel is available. The corresponding high definition program channel is a channel which provides the same program as on the selected standard definition channel but in high definition. When the auto tune function is enabled and a corresponding high definition channel is available, the device, e.g., set to box or tuner implementing the auto tune feature of the present invention, automatically tunes to the high definition channel instead of the standard definition channel.

Abstract: A motion-sensing remote control is described. In an embodiment, a television remote control can include various sensors that sense a motion of the device. The television remote control also includes an integrated circuit that receives a motion signal corresponding to the motion from the sensors and converts the motion signal into a remote control command. The television remote control further includes a light source that is activated by the integrated circuit to communicate the remote control command to a television client device to initiate a device action. In another embodiment, a television remote control can include various sensors that sense a motion of the device. The television remote control can also include computer-executable instructions that execute on a processor to translate the motion into a remote control command, and initiate communication of the remote control command to a television client device to initiate a device action.

Abstract: A method for setting a remote controller which controls a remote controller is provided. The method includes identifying a user by fingerprint recognition, and setting the remote controller to provide functions corresponding to the identified user.

Abstract: A television is manipulated by a control device. The control device transmits position information mapped with a position on the control device in response to an operation. The television includes a screen to display a number of icons associated with a plurality of functions. Positions on the screen are mapped with positions on the control device correspondingly. A control method is applied to the television to cause the television to detect whether the position information is received from the control device; generate a cursor and calculate a position on the screen based on the position information; and display the cursor on the calculated position on the screen to select the icon located on the calculated position.

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

Abstract: In a personal interactive overhead projection IFE system, an overhead projector associated with a passenger's seat projects video onto a passive substrate attached to the seat. The passive substrate may be a tray table or a dedicated video projection screen. The passenger sitting in the seat controls the projected video by positioning his or her finger or making hand gestures proximate the passive substrate. An overhead camera records the hand actions. An overhead processor interprets the hand actions and controls the projected video based on the hand actions. The system provides highly desirable personal and interactive features while obviating the need for seatback video display units or passenger control units.

Abstract: [Object] To provide an operation apparatus capable of achieving an improvement in operability. [Solving Means] This operation apparatus includes: a casing including two surfaces opposed in front and back directions as a first surface and a second surface; a first operation input unit that is provided in the first surface and includes a detector that performs a detection of an operation of a user with respect to a predetermined coordinate detection space on the first surface; a second operation input unit provided in the second surface; a determination unit that determines an attitude of the casing when an operation of the user with respect to the coordinate detection space of the detector is performed from a side of the second surface; and a converter that converts, when the attitude is determined, information detected by the detector into information of a coordinate system of the coordinate detection space seen through from the side of the second surface.

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: Provided are a remote controller and a method of controlling the remote controller, wherein the remote controller is operable to be in one of a first operating mode or a second operating mode, and which is connectable to a docking station, the remote controller including: an internal display screen, which displays at least one digital image; and a controller which may be operable to change between the first and second operating modes, wherein if the remote controller is connected to the docking station and if the remote controller is in the second operating mode, the controller controls the remote controller to change to the first operating mode to provide predetermined multimedia content.