Abstract: A control device is provided that is configured to provide control commands to a computing device, and the computing device is configured to wirelessly communicate information with a mobile device. The control device including a communication zone that includes at least one button configured to be pressed once by a user to effect wireless-data transfer between the computing device and the mobile device.

Abstract: Remote control systems utilize touch-sensitive user-input devices and/or displays which may be integral with the touch-sensitive user-input devices. Gestures input into a touch-sensitive user-input device result in signals transmitted to one or more appliances for the purpose of controlling the one or more appliances. A display provides intuitive visual feedback regarding input into the remote control system, through a touch-sensitive user-input device and/or other user-input devices. The remote control systems may be configured and dynamically updated based on user activity in connection with the remote control systems.

Abstract: The response to the movement of a scroll wheel varies depending upon the application currently being used. The variation can be in ratcheting vs. free wheeling, speed and acceleration. Ratcheting can be automatic in word processing, with free wheeling automatic in photo editing, for example. In another aspect of the invention, text can be highlighted and searched by pressing a button on an input device to activate a search. The search can either be an Internet search or a desktop search. Different manners of activating the button (such as a short press vs. a long press) can be used to select between an Internet and desktop search.

Abstract: A state-based remote control system for providing efficient and simple operation of a plurality of electronic devices as a coordinated system based upon an overall task. The state-based remote control system includes a housing, a keypad in communication with an electronic system contained within the housing, and a communication device in communication with the electronic system for communicating with external electronic devices. The electronic system monitors the buttons selected by a user to determine the state of all external electronic devices that are to be controlled. When the user selects a task (e.g. watch television), the electronic system automatically determines the actions required to achieve the desired task based upon the current state of the external electronic devices. After the task has been fulfilled, the electronic system updates the data to reflect the modified state of the external electronic devices.

Abstract: An online remote control configuration system for efficiently programming a remote control to recognize a plurality of external electronic devices. The online remote control configuration system includes a remote control having a housing, a keypad, and an electronic system for receiving configuration data from a control station is a global computer network (e.g. Internet). The user preferably “samples” one or more signals from a remote control into the electronic system and then uploads the samples to the control station. The control station analyzes the uploaded samples and transmits the appropriate configuration data to properly configure the electronic system. The user may also access a web site of the control station and manually select each of the external electronic devices that the remote control is to operate after which the control station sends the appropriate configuration data to the electronic system.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a protective cover includes a housing having a surface, and a latch mechanism hingeably coupled to the housing. The latch can include a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side configured to couple to and secure an input device to the surface of the housing. The latch can be configured to rotate, via the hinge coupling, between a first configuration and second configuration. In the first configuration, the top side of the latch can be flush with the surface of the housing and the bottom side embedded within the housing such that the latch does not protrude from the housing. In the second configuration, the latch can be rotated relative to the first configuration and protrude from the housing. The latch can be operable to be rotated open from the first configuration to the second configuration via the hinge coupling.

Abstract: A method includes forming one or more holes in a flexible fabric layer, infusing polyurethane (PU) clay into the molding tool to form one or more key caps, and placing a flexible fabric layer over the molding tool, the holes being aligned with the key caps. Heat and pressure can be used over the fabric to bond the key caps to the fabric layer. A first layer and second layer of paint can be placed in the molding tool, followed by a laser etching process to etch a portion of the one or more key caps to remove a corresponding portion of the first layer of paint such that a portion of the second layer of paint is exposed. In some cases, the exposed portion of the second layer can be illuminated by the light source, which can be directed to the key cap by a light guide.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to an apparatus including a housing and a slot disposed in the housing, the slot configured to hold an input device in a plurality of upright configurations including at least a forward-facing upright configuration such that the input device faces the front portion of the housing, and at least a backward-facing upright configuration such that the input device faces the back portion of the housing. The slot can be overmolded with a rubber compound (e.g. silicon-based) and configured to provide an improved coefficient of friction to reduce slippage of the input device when held in the slot. In some aspects, the housing includes a surface, and the overmolded portion of the slot can protrude above the surface of the housing.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an input device includes a key frame having a top surface and comprised of a flexible fabric, and a plurality of key caps disposed on the surface of the key frame, where the key caps do not pass through the key frame. In some cases, the plurality of key caps can be comprised of a flexible material such as polyurethane (PU). The key frame can be comprised of PU or a flexible polyester. The input device can further include an outer shell having an exterior portion and an interior portion and the interior portion having a front side and a back side. The key frame can be coupled to the interior portion such that the plurality of key caps is configured on the interior portion and front side of the outer shell.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a protective cover for an input device includes a housing having an outer portion and an inner portion, with the inner portion including a first end and a second end, and a plurality of keys disposed in an area at the first end of the inner portion of the housing. A holder can be configured to receive and secure an input device with at least a portion of the holder coupled to the second end of the inner portion of the housing. The housing can be configurable in a plurality of positions including a closed configuration, an open configuration, a first active configuration, and a second active configuration. The protective cover can further include a plurality of magnets coupled to the housing and configured to secure the housing in one or more of the closed, open, and active configurations.

Abstract: A remote control system includes a remote control device configured to control a plurality of consumer electronic devices. The remote control system further includes a programming system configured to: i) receive identifying information, which identifies each of the consumer electronic devices, ii) generate at least one macro, which is configured for collectively controlling the consumer electronic devices to perform a media function; and iii) issue a query to a user to determine whether the macro is to be used by the remote control device. If a positive response is received by the programming system in response to the query, then configuring the remote control device for using the macro. If a negative response is received by the programming system in response to the query, then not configuring the remote control device for using the macro.

Abstract: Systems and methods for streaming video and/or audio from wireless cameras are provided. A camera may include an optical sensor, a wireless communication device, and a processor configured to establish a connection with a remote web site, and stream a first video stream to the remote website. The camera may be further configured to establish a connection with a local device, and stream a second video stream to the local device. The first and second video streams may include different resolutions and/or different formats. The camera may be configured to establish a control channel with the local device.

Abstract: A system and method for interjecting ambient background sounds into a set of headphones is provided. The system monitors an ambient sound environment and compares the ambient sound environment to a preset set of sound characteristics (e.g., frequency signatures, amplitudes and durations) in order to detect important or critical background sounds (e.g., alarm, horn, directed vocal communications, crying baby, doorbell, telephone, etc.). When a critical background sound is detected, the system interjects either a notification signal or a portion of the ambient background into the audio stream, thus alerting a user of a potentially important sound or event occurring within their immediate vicinity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for streaming video and/or audio from multiple devices are provided. A camera may include an optical sensor, a wireless communication device, and a processor configured to establish a first connection with a remote location, establish a second connection with one or more other cameras, and stream video from the cameras to the remote location. The remote location may be, for example, a remote website, a remote server, or a remote client device. The camera may be further configured to provide control signals to the other cameras, such as for controlling applications running on the other cameras.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and promoting television programming, advertisements, and other content to selected viewers. A display is provided on a remote control device, prompts are provided on the display, and viewer responses to those prompts are monitored, stored in memory, and thereafter processed to reward viewers for responding properly to the prompts. Various methods for promoting such programs are also described.

Abstract: A remote control device for consumer broadcast receivers, particularly television and radio receivers, is disclosed. In addition to the remote control features normally found on such a device, the device also contains a display on which advertisements, product and service offers, and other information (collectively, “display data”) may be shown to the user. The device receives such display data via a radio link from one of a plurality of central processing stations. The user of the device may interact with such display data (for example, to purchase an advertised good), and the device may send back details of such interactions to a central processing station, which in turn may initiate a transaction with the appropriate sponsoring party.

Abstract: A method for constructing a wireless communications apparatus includes providing a printed circuit board (PCB) having a mounting surface. An antenna is mounted onto the mounting surface in an orientation that is perpendicular to the mounting surface. A first subassembly is formed by placing the PCB with mounted antenna into a top side of a bracket. The second subassembly is formed by placing an endcap component over the antenna, the endcap encasing the antenna, and snapping the endcap component into the bracket to hold the endcap component to the bracket. The snapping comprises inserting hooks on the end cap component into recesses on the bracket.

Abstract: A wireless communications apparatus includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is adapted for insertion into a socket of an electronic device and the second portion includes an end cap. The wireless communications apparatus also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) enclosed within the housing, the PCB having a mounting surface and an antenna joined to the PCB and enclosed within the end cap. The antenna is oriented perpendicular to the mounting surface of the PCB.