Patents Examined by Paulos Natneal
  • Patent number: 6292230
    Abstract: A signal distribution apparatus having a learning feature for recognizing a remote control device code associated with a particular signal source and coupling the associated signal source to an output in response to receipt of the device code. The remote control device code may be transmitted using a universal remote control device or a dedicated remote control device associated with the particular signal source. The present invention allows a user to couple a plurality of signal sources and a display device, such as a television set, to the present signal distribution apparatus and thereafter couple a selected one of the signal sources to the display device using the universal remote control device or the dedicated remote control device. The learning feature obviates the need for a dedicated remote control for the signal distribution device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Lisa Yi Shui, Nathan William Andrews