Remote Control Of Receiver Patents (Class 455/352)
  • Patent number: 7428404
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a communication apparatus to be operative in combination with first and second external devices for respectively producing first and second information, comprising: first information receiving means for receiving the first information from the first external device; communication performing means for performing a communication with the second external device by receiving the second information from the second external device and producing an exchange information to be transmitted to the second external device and; controlling means for controlling the communication performing means by assuming two different operational states including a first operational state to allow the communication performing means to be operable to perform the communication with the second external device and a second operational state to allow the communication performing means to be inoperable to perform the communication with the second external device, the controlling means being adapted to selectively assume th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyoko Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 7383056
    Abstract: A processing apparatus is mounted on a to-be-equipped body, transmits/receives signals to/from a portable transmitter portably carried by a user, and activates one of functions provided in the to-be-equipped body in accordance with instruction information included in an instruction signal transmitted from the portable transmitter. The processing apparatus includes a receiving unit, a transmitting unit, a judgment unit, a control unit, and an adjustment unit. The receiving unit receives the instruction signal transmitted from the portable transmitter. The transmitting unit transmits a response signal. The judgment unit judges whether or not an acknowledgement signal has been received from the portable transmitter. The control unit activates a function to be activated by the instruction information when the judgment unit concludes that the acknowledgement signal has been received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Manabu Matsubara, Akira Takee, Minoru Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7376401
    Abstract: A system for selectively changing the operating frequency of an RF receiver includes a receiver having a selection interface, and a frequency matching module removably attached to the barrier operator. After detecting an input on its selection interface, the receiver responsively changes its operating frequency from its current frequency to another frequency, as determined by the input. The frequency matching module then optimizes received signals of the same frequency as the receiver's operating frequency, thereby enhancing the receiver's range of signal detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventor: Steven K. Maurer
  • Patent number: 7376448
    Abstract: The heterodyne receiver includes an antenna, a local oscillator, a mixer mixing a signal received by the antenna with a local oscillation signal generated by the local oscillator to produce an IF signal, and a demodulator demodulating the IF signal. The local oscillator is configured to set a frequency of the local oscillation signal at such a frequency that a frequency of the IF signal becomes a predetermined intermediate frequency when any one of intended signals having frequencies within a predetermined frequency range is being received by the antenna, and to fix the frequency of the local oscillation signal at a predetermined oscillation frequency when any one of the intended signals is not being received by the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuya Watabe
  • Patent number: 7356260
    Abstract: A residential signal beacon includes a prominent illuminated or reflective display for a resident's address along with a selectively activatable beacon for drawing attention to the resident's address. Beacon is operable by a remote control apparatus, so as to be selectively activatable and de-activatable. The residential signal beacon is preferably readily movable and secured by a weighted base or stakes driven into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Billie Jo Seifert
  • Patent number: 7346016
    Abstract: Method of and system for transmitting signals, e.g. control signals, request signals, interrogation signals etc. to a node in the form of a controllable unit associated with a device, e.f. a controllable device, measuring means, etc. and wherein said controllable unit may be linked to at least one further node by means of a communication bus, at least one of said nodes comprising radio frequency receiving means, said method comprising the steps of a) transmitting a signal from a controller, b) reception of said signal by at least said node comprising radio frequency receiving means, c) detection of at least part of said signal indicating a destination node, and d) retransmittal of said signal or part of said signal by said nore comprising radio frequency receiving means to said destination node via said communication bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignees: Homecontrol A/S, Somfy SAS
    Inventors: Martin Sandal Nielsen, Erik Bundsbæk Mouridsen, Henning Sørensen, Jakob Trelborg
  • Publication number: 20080057887
    Abstract: In a method for communicating meta data between a wireless content source and a sink device, vendor-specific pass-through packets of an Audio/Visual Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) header are utilized to communicate the meta data from the wireless content source to the sink device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: General Instrument Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Tucker, Chandan Pitta, Shawn T. Rutledge
  • Patent number: 7333025
    Abstract: A remote control apparatus for remotely operating an electronic apparatus, is provided with: a reception device which receives a signal indicating available operation buttons transmitted from the electronic apparatus; and an indication device which explicitly indicates available operation buttons from among a plurality of operation buttons based on the received signal which indicates available operation buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Oosugi
  • Publication number: 20080032621
    Abstract: When a prior-art transmission scheme is to be applied to an airconditioning equipment already installed in a building or a house, refrigerant pipes serving as communication media and an in-room unit as well as an out-room unit need to be insulated, so that steel pipes near both the ends of each refrigerant pipe have been inevitably replaced with electrical insulation devices. (Means for Resolution) An airconditioning equipment having an in-room unit 2 connected to one end of refrigerant pipes 3, 4, and an out-room unit 1 connected to the other end of the refrigerant pipes 3, 4, is characterized by comprising signal coupling portions 7 which are respectively disposed at both the end parts of the refrigerant pipes 3, 4, each of which couples an AC control signal to the refrigerant pipes 3, 4, and each of which exhibits a predetermined impedance with respect to an AC electric signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyasu Higuma, Noriyuki Kushiro, Yoshiaki Koizumi
  • Patent number: 7302267
    Abstract: A Base Station (BS) apparatus for estimating a velocity of a Mobile Station (MS) in a mobile communication system includes a channel estimator for performing channel estimation according to a velocity band, receiving a wireless channel signal from the MS, and performing channel estimation using channel estimation coefficients optimized for individual velocity bands; and a velocity estimator for dividing the velocity band into a plurality of sub-Doppler bands, detecting a sub-Doppler band including a frequency index having a maximum frequency response from among the divided sub-Doppler bands, and transmitting information of the detected sub-Doppler band to the channel estimator such that a channel estimation coefficient corresponding to the information is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-Ha Lee, Sung-Kwon Jo
  • Patent number: 7283802
    Abstract: A remote control device is proposed, in which a clip for securing to clothing is removably disposed. The clip can be attached to the body of the remote control device such that the grip portion of the clip opens and closes either in the direction of a headphone side or a portable electronic equipment side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kinouchi, Toshimi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20070224955
    Abstract: A remote device comprises a frequency modulated (FM) tuner that communicates with an antenna and that tunes an FM frequency. A wireless transceiver transmits wireless signals to a remote cellular phone based on FM signals received at the FM frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventor: Paramesh Gopi
  • Publication number: 20070224956
    Abstract: A cellular phone comprises a first wireless transceiver that receives radio frequency (RF) signals, which include frequency modulated (FM) signals that have been tuned by a remote device. An FM processing module receives the RF signals, converts the RF signals to baseband signals and generates processed FM signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventor: Paramesh Gopi
  • Publication number: 20070207766
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a remote control device that transmits a predetermined key code signal, excluding a unique key code (signal) for identifying the device itself, and an operation information signal of a user, a receiving unit that receives the signals to be transmitted by the remote control device, an arithmetic unit, and an ID number setting unit that sets an ID number peculiar to a main body. The arithmetic unit receives the operation information signal when information specified by a set of the key code received by the receiving unit and numerals is consistent with information specified by the ID number set by the ID number setting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi HAYAMA, Shuichi FUJIWARA
  • Patent number: 7239891
    Abstract: A portable telecommunication apparatus has a user interface, a programmable controller, a memory coupled to the controller, and an information access program, such as a WAP browser, which is stored in the memory and is executable by the controller. The information access program provides access for a user to a global information network, such as Internet, through the user interface and a first wireless communication link. The apparatus also has an external device interface for connecting an external device to the portable telecommunication apparatus over a second communication link. The information access program allows the user to control the external device through the user interface, the external device interface and the second communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Magnus Hollström, Robert Hed, Patrik Olsson, Anders E Edlund, Björn Ekelund, Nils Rydbeck
  • Patent number: 7212792
    Abstract: A remote controller includes a plurality of keys, which are operated to transmit infrared signals different for each key. A receiving device executes different kinds of operations based on the kind of signal received from the remote controller. The receiving device can change the correspondence between the kind of signal received from the remote controller and the kind of operation to be executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Kamitani
  • Patent number: 7206600
    Abstract: Briefly, a method and apparatus for decoding and authenticating an antenna is disclosed. The method may include detecting attachment of an antenna to a transmitter by authenticating a cipher received from the antenna. The method further includes suspending transmission if the antenna is not attached to the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Reece, Doug D. Scott, Timothy L. Reese, Brian L. Fox
  • Patent number: 7206559
    Abstract: An appliance control system of the present invention comprises an appliance and a mobile computing device configured for controlling the appliance by at least one of determining an available content for the appliance, selecting the content used by the appliance, and applying user preferences to the appliance. A method of controlling an appliance of the present invention comprises establishing a wireless communication link between an appliance and a mobile computing device, and controlling the appliance with the mobile computing device includes at least one of determining an available content for the appliance, selecting the content used by the appliance, and applying user preferences to the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: William K. Meade, II
  • Patent number: 7200389
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved wireless communication device capable of detecting the presence of an external device and dynamically updating its communication abilities to facilitate communication with the external device. The wireless communication device, upon detecting a wired or wireless connection from an external device, queries the external device to obtain summary profile information about the external device. The wireless device next formulates a query comprising at least a portion of the summary profile information and sends the query to a remote server to request an appropriate communication interface. The remote server responds with the appropriate communication interface. Upon receipt of the interface, the wireless communication device installs the interface and then proceeds to establish communication with the external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Kyocera Wireless Corp.
    Inventors: Umesh M. Date, Mehul B. Patel, Gowri S. Rajaram
  • Patent number: 7184759
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic installation of modular software applications and operating system components are provided. A wireless communication device sends a request to a software module server identifying a requested software module. The software module server responds with an instruction set for installing the software module and the software module itself. Upon receipt, the handset executes the instruction set to install the software module, making any necessary adjustments or deletions to data in persistent storage in order to accommodate the new software module. Subsequently, the wireless communication device is reconfigured or rebooted to complete the installation and configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kyocera Wireless Corp.
    Inventors: Umesh M. Date, Mehul B. Patel, Gowri S. Rajaram
  • Patent number: 7181189
    Abstract: A vehicular remote control system has a mobile unit, a vehicle unit for establishing bidirectional wireless communication with the mobile unit, wherein the vehicle unit is able to transmit a wireless signal to the mobile unit through transmission antennas provided at a plurality of positions of a vehicle, and operational intention detector, provided at the plurality of positions of the vehicle corresponding to the transmission antennas, for detecting operational intention of a user approaching the positions. When a user's operational intention is detected, a predetermined request signal is transmitted from the vehicle unit to the mobile unit through a first transmission antenna, and the vehicle unit transmits an interrupt signal for preventing reception of the request signal, through a second transmission antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Hotta, Toshihiko Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7177633
    Abstract: A remote control system which can reliably provide desired control while saving power. A remote control apparatus is capable of carrying out two-way wireless communication with an apparatus to be controlled. A control signal corresponding to a key switch for remote control is repeatedly transmitted while the key switch is being operated. Repeated transmission of the control signal is inhibited in accordance with reception of a predetermined signal from the apparatus to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masumi Ishiwatari
  • Patent number: 7146129
    Abstract: A remote control device is located in an environment proximate to conditions to be monitored and actions to be implemented. The remote control device is able to receive and transmit wireless text based communications. A user employing a wireless communication device that supports text based messaging can transmit a control message containing a predetermined command to the remote control device. After preferably authenticating the user, the remote control device initiates a predetermined action based on receipt of a corresponding command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Bostrom, Gerald W. Pfleging, Rachel M. Pfleging, George Paul Wilkin
  • Patent number: 7142849
    Abstract: A system for activating an object actuating system coupled to a movable object such as a gate or garage door includes a user command transmitter that is manipulable by a person to generate a signal representing an identification and a command. A repeater receives the signals from the command transmitter and in turn, in the presence of a valid ID, sends a command signal to the object actuating system, which in turn moves the object only if the ID from the repeater (which can be different from the ID from the command transmitter) is valid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventor: Serge Neuman
  • Patent number: 7103373
    Abstract: A method for processing data, in a wireless application protocol for wireless applications using Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), includes the steps of: (a) receiving data from an upper layer into a Wireless Datagram Protocol (WDP) layer; (b) storing the data received in the WDP layer in step (a) in a common buffer which is commonly used by the WDP layer and a USSD Dialogue Control Protocol (UDCP) layer; and (c) forming packets in the UDCP layer using the data stored in the common buffer in step (b), and then transmitting the packets through the USSD. According to the method, memories for the WDP layer and the UDCP layer, which is an adaptation layer for a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) USSD bearer, are integrated into one, effectively reducing a required memory size compared to conventional methods in which the WDP layer and the UDCP layer use separate memories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyun-jung Shin
  • Patent number: 7092768
    Abstract: A technique is disclosed for controlling a plurality of devices in a building. The technique includes detecting a first network event at a first device, updating a network state on the first device based on the first network event, determining at the first device an action based on the network state, and transmitting a second network event to a second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Liquid Sky Studios, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Labuda
  • Patent number: 7065332
    Abstract: A remote control receiving circuit for receiving a remote control signal from a transmitter includes a header interrupt generation circuit that outputs a header interrupt signal when detecting the header of the signal, a data interrupt generation circuit that outputs a data interrupt signal when the header has been detected and the predetermined data receiving is completed, and a switch that selects the header interrupt signal or data interrupt signal in accordance with an instruction of the CPU. A CPU has one interrupt port for receiving the interrupt signal selected by the switch, and performs control in accordance with the received interrupt signal. Therefore, a remote control receiving system can reduce the codes, processing power, and resources of the CPU, which are used to implement the remote control signal receiving function, and reduce the cost of the entire system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Tomida, Hironobu Mori, Koji Kitamura
  • Patent number: 7058384
    Abstract: A radio system comprises a radio having a transmit mode activated by a press to talk (PTT) switch mounted on a universal communication interface for mounting on a radio interface associated with the radio. The radio interface may or may not form part of the radio and a plurality of radio interfaces may be provided for different applications, such that a standard universal communication interface can be used with different types of equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Davies Industrial Communications Limited
    Inventor: John Davies
  • Patent number: 7050867
    Abstract: A remote controlled system employs a computer-based remote control facilitator to facilitate remote control of a controlled device from a non-dedicated remote controller. The computer facilitator is coupled to the remote controller and controlled device via a wireless or wire-based network. The computer facilitator runs an application that corresponds to the controlled device. Neither the remote controller nor the controlled device need have any awareness of the other, or any knowledge as to how to communicate with one another. The computer tells the remote controller what options to present to a user and translates the selection entered by the user into a command that is sent to the controlled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Maymudes
  • Patent number: 7039396
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transmitter and a receiver capable of transmitting and receiving attribute information of a program while maintaining a high level of secrecy. Specifically, a transmitter (100) in a transmission and reception system comprising the transmitter (100) for transmitting program contents (21) and attribution information (22) of the program and a receiver (200) f or receiving the program contents (21) and accumulating part or whole of the program contents (21) transmits meaning information (24) indicating the meaning and contents of the attribute information (22) in addition to the attribute information (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nishi, Yasuo Endo
  • Patent number: 6993134
    Abstract: The communications means that are commonly provided for the remote control of electronic components are utilized to effect an exchange of parameters to facilitate a cryptographic key exchange. The bidirectional remote control transceivers, typically infrared transceivers, that are commonly used to communicate commands from the remote control device and to communicate feedback to the remote control device are configured to communicate parameters between a pair of consumer devices that are controllable by the remote control device. In a preferred embodiment of this invention the remote control device contains the control means to effect the transfer of these parameters between the consumer devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Michael A. Epstein
  • Patent number: 6983126
    Abstract: An audio transmitter and remote control unit receiver and storage apparatus for transmitting audio signals from electronic equipment, such as a television set, to individuals remotely located therefrom includes an audio transmitter for disposition adjacent to the electronic equipment and an audio receiver and remote control unit storage case positioned remotely form the electronic equipment. The audio transmitter having electronic circuitry for receiving audio transmissions from the electronic equipment and an audio antenna or IR sender for transmitting audio signals to remote locations. The audio receiver and remote control unit storage case having a floor and a pair of opposed sidewalls forming a receptacle for holding therein a remote control unit, a receiver antenna or IR detector for detecting audio signals conveyed from the audio transmitter, and an audio output speaker for broadcasting audio conveyed from the electronic equipment to the adjacently positioned individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Steve Saalman
  • Patent number: 6978126
    Abstract: A trainable transceiver for learning and transmitting an activation signal that includes an RF carrier frequency modulated with a code for remotely actuating a device, such as a garage door opener. The trainable transceiver preferably includes a controller, a signal generator, and a dynamically tunable antenna having a variable impedance that may be selectively controlled in accordance with a detector circuit signal. The detector circuit provides a measurement of the transmission power and is also used to vary the applied transmission power of the transceiver in response to operating and environmental parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: David Blaker, Matthew Cardwell, Paul Duckworth, Brian Honeck
  • Patent number: 6965757
    Abstract: The short range radio receiver for motor vehicle data comprises antenna circuits (1–4) connected to a unit (10–15) for processing a carrier in a plurality of specific frequency bands which is modulated by a data signal, the unit (10–15) comprising frequency-transposing circuits (11, 23–28) connected to demodulation circuits (13) supplying the demodulated data, and frequency discrimination circuits (21, 22) are provided, connected to the antenna circuits (1–4), to determine respective reception levels within the bands in order to compare them with each other and to control the frequency transposing circuits (11, 23–28) depending on the result of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Automotive Electronics
    Inventor: Yves Eray
  • Patent number: 6956952
    Abstract: An interface circuit for interconnecting the fixed controls of a vehicle to a replacement stereo. The interface circuit is capable of receiving control signals from fixed controls, such as steering wheel controls, backseat controls, handlebar controls, and the like, and then transmitting corresponding control signals to a replacement stereo. In one embodiment, the output signals from the interface circuit are comprised of wireless signals, such as IR signals. In another embodiment, the interface device is programmable such that the interface device can be programmed to emit signals corresponding to the same signals that would be emitted from a handheld remote control sold in conjunction with an after-market stereo receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: P.B. Clarke & Assoc.
    Inventor: Brett D. Riggs
  • Patent number: 6928309
    Abstract: When a portable communication terminal is being charged by a charger, a control signal according to a command entered into the charger is fed from the charger to the portable communication terminal so that, according to this control signal, the portable communication terminal reads out data from a recording medium. Meanwhile, of the data thus read out, data representing additional information (information such as the duration and title of a piece of music that is added to substantial information) is fed from the portable communication terminal to the charger, and this makes it possible to output the additional information, as by displaying it, on the part of the charger. Thus, the user can read out data from the recording medium by using the portable communication terminal in the middle of being charged without feeling awkward, and in addition can recognize the additional information easily even when the portable communication terminal is being charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kohki Jinnouchi
  • Patent number: 6922568
    Abstract: In a communication system which has a base station, a mobile station and an object device controllable by the mobile station, the mobile station monitors status of the object device to detect whether or not the object device is ready to receive a data signal sequence sent through the mobile station. Such a data signal sequence may be either a voice data signal or an image data signal. The mobile station can transmit, towards the base station, a response determined by the status of the object device. A reception state of the object device may be switched from one to another to selectively receive the voice and the image data signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6915109
    Abstract: In a method of operating a remote control system and in such a system comprising an RF transmission and receiving system and an IR transmission device the sub-carrier information of the IR signal is transmitted in the RF signal in a signal separate from the envelope information of the IR signal which is contained in a envelope signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Agnes Emile Wouters, Robert Edmond Victor A. Nickson, Marc Emiel Celine Lambrechts, Chookhoon Phuah
  • Patent number: 6895241
    Abstract: In a door-lock-opening method for a home delivery locker which includes a home delivery locker and a managing company that are connected to each other through a line, the managing company controlling depositing and taking-out processes of the home delivery locker, a person who wishes to take out a parcel addressed to the person from the home delivery locker is allowed to communicate with the managing company through a mobile terminal such as a mobile telephone, and in the case when the company has confirmed that the person who made contact therewith is a registered user of the home delivery locker, the company releases the lock of the door of the home delivery locker housing the parcel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Fulltime System
    Inventor: Kouichiro Hara
  • Patent number: 6856798
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing television audio programming that is derived from a broadcast television signal is set forth. The apparatus includes a transceiver that is adapted to selectively receive one of a plurality of broadcast television signals in response to a channel selection signal received at a channel selection input thereof. The transceiver converts the audio signal component of the television signal to a radio signal for reception by a radio receiver. The radio receiver, in turn, converts the radio signal to an audible audio signal corresponding to the television audio programming. The apparatus also includes a control module formed as a unit that is physically distinct from the transceiver. The control module includes a programmable microcontroller, a user interface connected to provide at least channel selection information to the programmable controller, and a display connected for control by the programmable microcontroller to indicate at least channel selection information to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Television Audio, Inc.
    Inventors: Nugent J. Vitallo, James Berken, Chris McHarg
  • Patent number: 6844900
    Abstract: A system for providing a universal remote control feature for consumer electronics devices includes an existing remote control for remotely controlling a first consumer electronics device using a first device control code and means for storing the first device control code and a second device control code within a second consumer electronics device. The system further includes means for converting the first device control code into the second device control code when using the existing remote control to control the second consumer electronics device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry C. Yuen
  • Publication number: 20040260406
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for controlling at least one residential property in a plurality of connected residential networks. The system comprises a remote control unit arranged to control residential properties, which remote control unit via the Internet is in connection with an access network, which is provided and supported by a telecommunications operator. Each connected residential network is divided into an open branch containing content terminals, such as a personal com-puter and an interactive information terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Per Henrik Ljunggren, Roland Henry Timgren, Hans Verner Thorsen
  • Publication number: 20040248544
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable receiver comprising two antennae (10, 20) which are designed to receive an external electromagnetic signal in a given frequency range, and which are orientated along different axes. The receiver also comprises two phase shifter circuits (12, 22) each connected to an antenna, and multiplexing means (24) to which are connected in input said phase shifter circuits and in output a receiving unit receiving the external phase-shifted electromagnetic signal. Moreover there are provided, between at least one of the phase shifter circuits (12) and the antenna (10) connected to this circuit, correction means (Rcor, Ccor) which are a function of said phase shifter means, of said multiplexing means and of the antennae. The correction means are designed to provide, in output of the phase shifter circuits, first and second electrical signals substantially phase-shifted by an angle of &pgr;/2, one with respect to the other and substantially equal in amplitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Christian Lamothe
  • Patent number: 6829476
    Abstract: A pager-based controller including at least one pager configured to receive a signal from a remote location, the at least one pager being further configured to provide an output to control an on-off state of a valve actuator; a valve opening circuit to provide an output to locally control an on-off state of a valve actuator; a DC power source for supplying a required DC voltage to electrical components within the pager-based controller; a relay electrically connected to the at least one pager and the valve opening circuit; an isolation circuit electrically connected to the at least one pager and the relay, the isolation circuit configured to receive the output from the at least one pager and the valve opening circuit and supply a corresponding signal to the relay; the relay configured to receive the corresponding signal and control the valve actuator accordingly in response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Gelbein
  • Publication number: 20040235446
    Abstract: A system for providing medical treatment to a patient, including a medical treatment apparatus and a remote control device. The medical treatment apparatus has a local processor, and a local communication element connected to the local processor, while the remote control device includes a remote processor, user interface components connected to the remote processor, and a remote communication element connected to the remote processor and adapted to communicate with the local communication element of the medical treatment apparatus in a wireless manner such that information can be transferred between the local processor and the remote processor. The remote control device also includes at least two separate power supplies connected to the remote processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: J. Christopher Flaherty, John T. Garibotto
  • Patent number: 6822603
    Abstract: An RF transmitter capable of transmitting a plurality of different codes at a plurality of different frequencies is set forth herein. The transmitter offers a new way of multiplexing inputs so that fewer controller I/O ports are needed to read or determine the state of a plurality of inputs. More particularly, the controller is capable of using one pin as both an input port and output port and determines the state of various inputs by detecting changes to the I/O pin. The multiple inputs connected to the controller pin are also connected to a pull down resistor and capacitor, and the controller can determine what state the inputs are in by detecting whether the pin input is at a logic high, low, or some state in between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Terence E. Crimmins, Eric J. Robb
  • Publication number: 20040203624
    Abstract: A data delivery system uses a database containing a plurality of contents that can be delivered to the client devices at the requests of a client. Conventionally, data is “owned” by a user, that is, users have their own copies for the data. Such a method requires a large amount of, yet unnecessary, storage space. It is especially true when different users own the same data. A conventional technique, called reference counting, is used in programming where one memory data structure can be shared by multiple processes or other client data structures. Reference counting systems perform automatic memory management by keeping a count in each memory object of how many references there are to the object. Objects to which there are no references may be reclaimed. The reference count is incremented for each new reference, and is decremented if a reference is overwritten, or if the referring object is recycled. If a reference count falls to zero, then the object is no longer required and can be recycled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Jin Teik Teh
  • Patent number: 6791468
    Abstract: A remote control, particularly for wireless remote control of a closing device in a motor vehicle, has a first transmitter for outputting an optical signal, and a second transmitter for outputting a radio signal. The two transmitters are able to be activated for signal output by at least one actuation element. An input of the first transmitter and/or of the second transmitter is connected to a clock transmitter in order to output the optical signal and/or the radio signal in pulsed fashion at particular intervals of time in order to save energy. Also an associated remotely controllable device and a full remote control configuration are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Stippler
  • Publication number: 20040157558
    Abstract: A remote control system which can reliably provide desired control while saving power. A remote control apparatus is capable of carrying out two-way wireless communication with an apparatus to be controlled. A control signal corresponding to a key switch for remote control is repeatedly transmitted while the key switch is being operated. Repeated transmission of the control signal is inhibited in accordance with reception of a predetermined signal from the apparatus to be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Masumi Ishiwatari
  • Publication number: 20040142676
    Abstract: A portable radio module for use with a plurality of different host apparatus, the radio module including a receiver for receiving a radio signal and able to be controlled by a user interface irrespective of the nature of the host apparatus. Also disclosed is a radio module for use with a plurality of host apparatus, the portable radio module including a receiver for receiving a radio signal able to be controlled by a user interface, and having a non-volatile memory for storage at least one radio station memory preset. The radio station memory preset is entered once only by a user and can be used with the host irrespective of the host.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Wong Hoo Sim, Hiap Chew Chua, Kok Ghay Wong, Susimin Suprapmo