Abstract: A visible light communication system comprising a first electronic device having a display part and a second electronic device 20 having a brightness sensor, visible light communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device occurring as a result of the brightness sensor detecting visible light (solid arrow) output from the display part.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus for controlling a plurality of remote controllable appliances includes a housing, an infrared signal receiving window and an infrared signal transmitting window defined in the housing. The remote apparatus determines the selected appliance and the selected function based upon a wireless signal carrying an identification transmitted by the mobile terminal, determines an infrared remote control code, and emits an infrared signal carrying the infrared remote control code. A light directing element received in the housing directs the infrared signal emitting by the infrared transmitting unit and the infrared remote control signal from the attached remote control to exit the housing through the infrared signal transmitting window, thereby controlling the selected appliance to execute the selected function.

Abstract: A relay device includes: a housing including: a first surface; and a second surface which is different from the first surface; a light signal receiving element operable to receive a light signal from outside, the light signal receiving element provided at the first surface of the housing; a light emission element operable to emit light responsive to the light signal received by the light signal receiving element; and a longitudinally elongated light guide member provided at the second surface of the housing, the light guide member to which the light emitted from the light emission element is incident, the light guide member including an emission part which causes the incident light to be emitted to outside from a lateral surface of the light guide member, the lateral surface which extends along a longitudinal direction of the light guide member.

Abstract: An infrared control method is configured to remotely control a plurality of terminals via a remote control of an electronic device. The electronic device includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit, a storage unit storing an ID code of each terminal. The method includes the following steps. Obtaining a remote signal from the remote control received via the first communication unit and decoding the obtained remote signal. In addition, an ID code of a currently controlled terminal is obtained from the storage unit and then a control signal recognizable by the currently controlled terminal according to the decoded remote signal and the ID code of the currently controlled terminal is generated. Then, the generated control signal is sent to the currently controlled terminal via the second communication unit to direct the determined terminal to take an action.

Abstract: A control device which controls the power of a plurality of apparatuses in a home network, and a method thereof are provided. The control device includes an input unit which receives a power off command, and a control unit which concurrently turns off apparatuses which are currently turned on among the plurality of apparatuses in response to the power off command received by the input unit. Therefore, it is possible for a user to concurrently turn off currently running apparatuses so user convenience can increase.

Abstract: The wireless relay system may include: at least one control target device installed in a home or an office; a smart device in which a specific App provided from an application market is downloaded and installed; and a wireless extender, which is connected with the at least one control target device through Infrared communication and connected with the smart device through Bluetooth communication or WiFi communication, matching control codes and specific codes requested by the specific App of the smart device and transmitting an IR signal corresponding to the control codes for controlling the at least one control target device.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards using an emitter such as an IR blaster to output control traffic (e.g., control codes that control operation of an appliance or toy) and data traffic. The timing of the output of the control code traffic and the data traffic is controlled so that the control code traffic and the data traffic are independent of one another in time. The control code traffic may be output in between outputting the data traffic, so that a user does not perceive a delay when attempting to control a device via interactive control code requests.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selecting at least one of a plurality of controllable devices (121-123), wherein each of the controllable devices (121-123) is adapted to transmit a distinguishable signal. The method comprising the steps of receiving (301) the signals from the plurality of controllable devices by means of a plurality of receiver modules comprised in a control device (110), wherein each receiver module separately detects a contribution of the signals; determining (302), using a correlation between the different signal contributions, a width and an angle of incidence for each of the signals; comparing (303-304) the width and the angle of incidence for each of the signals with a set of predetermined criteria; and selecting (305) at least one of the plurality of controllable devices best matching the set of predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A remote controller includes: an operation unit including plural operation keys; a radio communication unit that performs bidirectional communication with a controlled apparatus; an infrared communication unit that performs unidirectional communication with the controlled apparatus; and a control unit that is input with an operation signal from the operation unit and controls the radio communication unit and the infrared communication unit, wherein the control unit includes a measuring unit that measures power supply voltage, and the control unit controls the radio communication unit to transmit a control signal to the controlled apparatus when the power supply voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined value and controls the infrared communication unit to transmit the control signal to the controlled apparatus when the power supply voltage is lower than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A system including a plurality of actuation devices with each individual actuation device configured to be manipulatable, a control panel, a plurality of diffraction gratings located on a back side of the control panel, each respective diffraction grating is configured to be in communication with at least one actuation device so that the respective diffraction grating is moved from a first position to at least one other position when the at least one actuation device is manipulated, a lighting device configured to illuminate the plurality of diffraction gratings, an imaging device configured to capture an image of the plurality of diffraction gratings, and a processor configured to convert the image into a discrete value, the discrete value being evaluated to determine which of the at least one actuation device is manipulated, how the manipulation reflects operation of the control panel, or to provide a response indicative of the manipulation.

Abstract: A passenger services system of an aircraft includes a cabin services system of a passenger service unit in the aircraft. The passenger service unit is associated with a passenger seat of the aircraft. The passenger services system further includes an infrared transmitting unit associated with the passenger seat. The infrared transmitting unit is configured to send signals to control operation of the cabin services system. The passenger services system includes a control unit including an infrared receiver. The control unit is associated with the passenger service unit. The infrared receiver is configured to receive the signals from the infrared transmitting unit. The control unit is configured to control the operation of the cabin services system in response to receiving the signals.

Abstract: Embodiments include a convertible wireless remote control suitable for controlling a computer of a media management system offering an integrated multimedia experience. Embodiments control the media management system wirelessly with a small amount of buttons but are convertible to offer expanded and/or changed functionality to the user, as desired.

Abstract: A mobile terminal device for controlling an electronic appliance. The mobile terminal device includes a picture acquisition unit, an information identification unit, a control file acquisition unit and an infrared control unit. The picture acquisition unit is configured to acquire pictures of the electronic appliance. The information identification unit is configured to process the pictures and perform character recognition on the pictures to identify device information of the electronic appliance. The control file acquisition unit is configured to acquire a control file from a database of control files according to the device information identified by the information identification unit. The infrared control unit is configured to control an infrared emission unit to emit an infrared control signal according to the control file acquired by the control file acquisition unit.

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

Abstract: A method of controlling consumer devices using an infrared dongle coupled to a mobile device includes receiving power for the infrared dongle from the mobile device. The infrared dongle includes an infrared transmitter coupled to a microcontroller. One or more instructions are received in the microcontroller from the mobile device. The received one or more instructions are generated from codes stored in a memory of the mobile device. In response to the receiving, one or more infrared signals are transmitted via the infrared transmitter to at least one of the consumer devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light-based communication, and more particularly it relates to methods for configuration of at least one remote light-sensing device, to a central light-emitting unit and to a light-sensing device. According to the invention, spatial configuration of remote light-sensing devices (e.g. peripherals such as loudspeakers or light devices), will be achieved by transmission of embedded identifiers or configuration information in light emitted in a plurality of directions from a central light-emitting unit. With a different identifier or different configuration information for each direction of transmission, the directions can be distinguished from each other. The invention enables a user to place remote light-sensing devices in a desired spatial position and the central light-emitting unit will be able to determine location and spatial function, i.e. for example whether the peripheral is an audio device and/or a lighting device.

Abstract: Embodiments include a convertible wireless remote control suitable for controlling a computer of a media management system offering an integrated multimedia experience. Embodiments control the media management system wirelessly with a small amount of buttons but are convertible to offer expanded and/or changed functionality to the user, as desired.

Abstract: A codeset is described in a Public Codeset Communication Format (PCCF) as a format block including a plurality of fields having readily decipherable values, such as ASCII character values. One field is a mark/space information field that includes a sequence of mark time indicators and space time indicators for an operational signal of the codeset. A second field is a signal characteristic information field for the operational signal. Signal characteristic information may include carrier on/off information, repeat frame information, toggle control information, and last frame information. The PCCF is a codeset interchange format of general applicability.

Abstract: In some implementations a non-transitory storage device on a smartphone having a multi-sensory-recognition engine stored thereon is coupled to a microcontroller, a device-controller for an electrical device that is wirelessly coupled to the microcontroller, and at least one of a plurality of sensors is operably coupled to the microcontroller.

Abstract: The device control system includes: a device controller connected to a load device via a signal line; a wireless master connected to the signal line; and a wireless slave. The device controller outputs a first control signal indicative of an intended state of the load device when receiving a second control signal from the wireless slave via the wireless master or receiving via the signal line a third control signal sent in response to a state check signal. When receiving a state change notice sent in response to the first control signal, the device controller sends the state change notice to the wireless master. When receiving the state change notice, the wireless master sends the received state change notice to the wireless slave.

Abstract: An image projection system whereby a position of a pointer on a projected image can be easily controlled from a location separated from the main control means. The system comprises a projector, a computer for controlling the projector to display a pointer on a projected image in accordance with an operational signal from a terminal, and a remote controller for the projector. The remote controller comprises a pointing device and a transmitter for transmitting an operation signal as an infrared ray operational signal. The projector comprises a receiver which is an infrared (IR) optical receiver having directivity, and receives the infrared ray operational signal.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of a remote control for configuration of a universal remote control is provided. The system and method compare a received identifying signal from a first remote control to a database of known remote control signals and corresponding remote control programming codes. The system and method then select a corresponding remote control programming code for programming the universal remote control.

Abstract: A remote control including a base defined an opening is provide. The base includes a circuit board, an infrared emitted tube, a transparent touch screen panel locating corresponding to the opening; a light guide plate adhered to the touch screen panel; a plurality of LEDs fixed to one end of the light guide plate; and alphanumeric characters of keys set between the light guide plate and the touch screen panel.

Abstract: A system for automatically activating a function of a mobile device with a remote device is described. The system includes a first device having an illumination component for generating illumination having a signature. A second mobile device includes a display and a light sensor. A function of the second mobile device is activated in response to the light sensor receiving the illumination having the signature.

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

Abstract: A method of controlling consumer devices using an infrared dongle coupled to a mobile device includes receiving power for the infrared dongle from the mobile device. The infrared dongle includes an infrared transmitter coupled to a microcontroller. One or more instructions are received in the microcontroller from the mobile device. The received one or more instructions are generated from codes stored in a memory of the mobile device. In response to the receiving, one or more infrared signals are transmitted via the infrared transmitter to at least one of the consumer devices.

Abstract: Provided is a remote operation system capable of coordinating the operations of a plurality of devices without harming the familiar, intuitive behavior style of remote control operation. The remote operation system is provided with: a remote operation device which captures images of each of a plurality of devices connected to a network and specifies the devices to be operated, and which transmits operation scenario information on the coordinated operations performed among the plurality of devices to be operated, the coordinated operations being determined by the combination of the types of the specified devices to be operated; and a network control unit which outputs operation commands for executing operations specified by the operation scenario information received, to the devices specified by the operation scenario information received, when the network accommodating the plurality of devices is constructed and the operation scenario information is transmitted from the remote operation device.

Abstract: A power supply connector remote control device is provided. The power supply connector remote control device comprises a network signal-receiving module, an infrared transmission module and a power-converting module. The network signal-receiving module receives a control signal from a first network. The infrared transmission module transmits an infrared control signal to a corresponding electronic device according to the control signal to control the corresponding electronic device. The power-converting module is electrically connected to a power socket to provide power to the network signal-receiving module and the infrared transmission module.

Abstract: A guiding device for guiding a mobile robotic vacuum cleaner to a charging base is composed of a central sensor, a left sensor, and a right sensor. The mobile robotic vacuum cleaner is composed of a main processor and a driving system. The charging base includes an optical emitter for emitting optical signals toward a predetermined direction. The central sensor, the right sensor, and the left sensor are electrically connected with the main processor and mounted to a charging sensor set zone. In this way, the main processor can judge whether the mobile robotic device correctly moves toward the charging base according to the signals detected by the sensors and then adjustably control the moving direction of the mobile robotic vacuum cleaner via the driving system to guide the mobile robotic vacuum cleaner to accurately move toward the charging base.

Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus, systems, and methods including an apparatus comprising a remote operable to receive a non-radio frequency beacon signal, the non-radio frequency beacon signal transmitted within and contained substantially within an approximate line-of-sight transmission space, the non-radio frequency beacon signal including at least one channel information portion, wherein the channel information portion includes information indicating a radio frequency, the remote operable to establish bi-directional communications using the radio frequency designated by the at least one channel information portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to detect infrared (IR) signals at a media device. Exemplary embodiments include a media device configured to receive media content; at least one IR detector residing in the media device, and configured to receive a portion of IR signals emitted from a remote control; and a cover lens disposed in a portion of an enclosure of the media device. The cover lens has a first cover lens portion configured to receive the IR signals emitted from the remote control and is configured to transmit a first portion of the received IR signal to the IR detector when the media device is horizontally oriented, and has a second cover lens portion configured to receive the IR signal emitted from the remote control and is configured to transmit a second portion of the received IR signal to the IR detector when the media device is vertically oriented.

Abstract: A portable electronic device with an IrDA transmitter LED is used to transmit both IrDA signals and remote control infrared signals. The device transmits remote control infrared signals with reduced power consumption. During a relatively longer remote control signal pulse, an inductor saturates and stores energy when a drive current flows from a power supply, through the inductor and then through the LED. An energy-transferring circuit transfers a portion of the energy stored in the inductor to the power supply. Energy is transferred when the drive current is cut and the voltage across the inductor surges, which causes an overflow current to flow through a diode in the energy-transferring circuit and to the power supply. The inductor is a planar coil of traces on a printed circuit board and therefore costs less to manufacture than does a toroidal coil of wires.

Abstract: A combined electrical power conditioner and IR controller that provides a single point for communications with a Remote and connects with the various components of a video or audio system which is configured to respond to IR signals. The apparatus receives and routes IR signals either serially or in parallel to the system components through IR capable cables. The apparatus may be equipped with an RF to IR converter for an RF capable remote controller.

Abstract: The invention is directed to decreasing the power consumption of a remote control signal receiving circuit. A receiving circuit includes a timing signal generation circuit generating a timing signal, a power supply circuit intermittently operating a light receiving element receiving a remote control signal by supplying power to the light receiving element when the timing signal is at a first level and by halting supplying power to the light receiving element when the timing signal is at a second level, a sampling signal generation circuit generating a sampling signal during the operation of the light receiving element corresponding to the timing signal, a sampling circuit sampling an output signal from the light receiving element corresponding to the sampling signal, and a detection circuit detecting the output signal sent from the light receiving element and sampled by the sampling circuit.

Abstract: A system for use in issuing commands to a plurality of appliances each of a specific one of a plurality of different appliance types includes a smart device adapted to transmit command communications and a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers each adapted to transmit a command to a one of the plurality of appliances of a specific one of the plurality of different appliance types in response to receipt of a command communication originating from the smart device.

Abstract: Infrared control signals are communicated between an infrared remote control unit (16) and an infrared controlled device (18) via network gateways (14). A sub-network of a backbone network (10) is automatically set up prior to transmission of messages. The sub-network comprises a selection of devices coupled to a backbone network (10). The setting up of the sub-network comprises automatically sending out a request from the first one of the network gateways (14) to detect network gateways (14) that indicate ability to transmit infrared control messages prior to transmission of the message and storing information defining the sub-network in the first one of the network gateways dependent to a response to the request.

Abstract: The present invention provides an audio signal to infrared conversion device, comprising: a voltage-multiplying circuit rectifier/filter module, a waveform amplifier module, a microprocessor, an IR signal emitter module, and an IR signal receiver module. The voltage-multiplying circuit rectifier/filter module is coupled to a headset plug; the waveform amplifier module is also coupled to the headset plug, wherein the voltage-multiplying circuit rectifier/filter module is coupled to either one of a left channel connection part and a right channel connection part of the headset plug, and the waveform amplifier module is coupled to the other one of them. The microprocessor is coupled to the voltage-multiplying circuit rectifier/filter module and the waveform amplifier module. The IR signal emitter module is coupled to the microprocessor. The IR signal receiver module is coupled to the microprocessor and the IR signal emitter module.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a signal of light may be emitted from an illumination source of a first transceiver. A second transceiver may detect a signal of light from the first transceiver that exceeds a threshold luminosity; and activate, in response to the detecting of the signal of light that exceeds the threshold luminosity, an illumination source of the second transceiver to illuminate. An intensity of the illumination source of the first transceiver may then be reduced in response to the activating of the illumination source of the second transceiver to illuminate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing device controls are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving validation information regarding validity of a plurality of command codes and identifying one or more code indices based upon the received validation information. If the one or more of the code indices is a full function match, the one or more of the code indices can be transmitted to the control device. If the one or more of the code indices is a partial function match, supplemental validation information can be requested regarding validity of one or more second command codes.

Abstract: Lighting systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed, which employ optical transmission of two-dimensional control signals to manipulate lighting elements. The lighting apparatus can include a projector with an IR LED array to wirelessly transmit pixel information onto a target space. The pixel information controls lighting elements within the target space. The two-dimensional control signals can includes subareas corresponding to lighting elements in a control array. The lighting elements can be lights producing light of desired wavelengths including infrared and/or visible wavelengths. LEDs can be used as light sources in exemplary embodiments.

Abstract: A display apparatus, an electronic device, an interactive system, and controlling methods thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes: a storage unit which stores peripheral device control information in which a remote control signal for controlling a peripheral device of the display apparatus matches with a control signal corresponding to a user voice; a voice collector which the user voice; a communicator which transmits the collected user voice to the display apparatus and receives the control signal corresponding to the user voice from the display apparatus; an infrared ray (IR) transmitter which transmits the remote control signal for controlling the peripheral device; and a controller which, if the control signal is received from the display apparatus, controls the IR transmitter to transmit a remote control signal corresponding to the received control signal among remote control signals stored in the storage unit, to the peripheral device.

Abstract: An electronic device may include wireless circuitry such as infrared sources that control external equipment such as televisions and set-top boxes. An infrared source may be mounted within an electronic device housing in a visually inconspicuous location such as in a connector port. A button may be provided with transparent structures that allow infrared light to pass through the button. A removable accessory port may be provided with an infrared transmitter accessory that allows an electronic device to serve as a remote control device. Portions of an electronic device housing may be provided with thin housing walls or holes that are too small to be noticeable to the naked eye to serve as windows for infrared light. An audio port may serve as an infrared light window. Gasket structures, bezel structures, and the edges of displays and other planar glass members may be used in transmitting infrared light.

Abstract: Methods and systems for remotely controlling a device are provided. A first input is received from a user at a portable device. The first input specifies a first time and a first mode associated with the device. At the first time, a first command is remotely sent from the portable device to the device to activate the device in the first mode.

Abstract: A lighting system (100) comprising a central lighting device (111), at least one satellite lighting device (121, 131), and a controller (141) for adjusting light settings, is provided. The controller is arranged for transmitting, in response to a user request (140), an association request over a first communication link (142). The central lighting device is arranged for receiving the association request and re-transmitting the association request over a second communication link by means of coded light (112). The satellite lighting device is arranged for transmitting, in response to receiving the association request, its identifier to the central lighting device. The identifier is only transmitted if an association process is enabled. The association process is enabled, in response to a user request, during a limited time period. The central lighting device is further arranged for associating, in response to receiving the identifier, the satellite lighting device with the central lighting device.

Abstract: A remotely controllable lighting device includes a control circuit, a light source, and an infrared receiver. After any remote controller is set as a designated remote controller, the designated remote controller can be used to control the remotely controllable lighting device. Alternatively, after any remote controller performs a controlled mode enabling operation, the remote controller can be used to control the remotely controllable lighting device. After one remote controller directly emits the infrared signal to the infrared receiver and the control circuit simultaneously performs a stipulated learning operation, the remote controller is set as the designated remote controller. Moreover, before the stipulated learning operation is performed, an action of announcing the stipulated learning operation is not done.

Abstract: A signal processing circuit includes an infrared signal processing circuit, a button signal processing circuit, and an MCU. The infrared signal processing circuit includes an infrared receiver. The button signal processing circuit includes a first button and at least one second button. The MCU includes a power input port, an infrared signal detecting port, and at least one button signal detecting port. A first terminal of the infrared receiver and a first terminal of the first button are connected to the infrared signal detecting port. A first terminal of the at least one second button is connected to the power input port via a first resistor, and further connected to the at least one button signal detecting port, a second terminal of the first button and a second terminal of the at least one second button are grounded. Thus a more effective infrared detector is available.

Abstract: Remote control signal detection systems and methods are operable to compensate detected infrared energy to identify an infrared energy communication signal emitted by a remote control. An exemplary embodiment detects first infrared energy, wherein the infrared energy communication signal is absent in the first infrared energy; determines compensation based on the first infrared energy; detects second infrared energy, wherein the infrared energy communication signal is present in the second infrared energy; and compensates the second infrared energy based on the determined compensation.

Abstract: A state control system comprises a portable terminal and a control apparatus. The portable terminal sends a signal including identification information to an external. The control apparatus controls a controlled object in either one of a locked state and an unlocked state based on the signal sent from the portable terminal. The portable terminal sends a first signal, in a case where a event detector has not detected the event, and sends a second signal having a data length longer than a data length of the first signal, in a case where the event detector has detected the event. The control apparatus controls a controlled object to the unlocked state in a case where the controlled object is in the locked state and the controlled apparatus receives the second signal.

Abstract: An infrared remotely controlled circuit employed in an electronic device which includes a display panel and a host machine. The infrared remotely controlled circuitry includes a first remotely controlled circuit, a second remotely controlled circuit, and a microprogrammed control unit (MCU). The first remotely controlled circuit includes a first infrared receiver for mounting in the display panel and a first diode with the cathode connected to a first port of the first infrared receiver. The second remotely controlled circuit includes a second infrared receiver for mounting in the host machine and a second diode with the cathode connected to a first port of the second infrared receiver. The MCU is connected to the anode of the first diode to form a first signal input port and the anode of the second diode to form a second signal input port.

Abstract: A universal remote controller having a radio frequency (RF) control mode for generating RF signals for controlling an RF based home automation system and having an infrared (IR) control mode for controlling an infrared based electronic device using IR control signals. Control information input via a user interface is used to generate the IR control signals in the IR mode of operation and is used to generate the RF signals in the RF mode of operation. A control unit controls overall operation of the universal remote controller including the generation of IR signals to control electronic devices with the IR signals. A home automation module is connected to the control unit via a communication interface to generate RF signals to control the RF based home automation system. A display displays feedback information to the user regarding operations for controlling the home automation system.