Abstract: Presented here is a method of operating video services receivers in a network that includes a controller device and at least one member device. Also presented is a controller device that facilitates the method. The method obtains network configuration data at a first video services receiver, where the network configuration data is utilized by the first video services receiver to support data communication with the controller device and the at least one member device. The method continues by establishing a data communication link between the first video services receiver and the controller device, and uploading the network configuration data from the first video services receiver to the controller device via the data communication link. The controller device can thereafter be used to download the network configuration data to a second video services receiver.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to initiate a pairing process and a de-pairing process between a controlled device and a radio frequency (RF) remote control. An exemplary embodiment detects presence of a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag in an interrogation zone established by an RFID tag reader, automatically initiates a pairing process in response to detecting the presence of the RFID tag in the interrogation zone, and completes the pairing process between the RF remote control and the controlled device, wherein the pairing process identifies a unique identifier associated with the RF remote control. A subsequently received RF signal emitted by the RF remote control includes at least one command configured to control operation of the controlled device and includes the unique identifier.

Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a voice control system. The system may include a first apparatus with a processing unit configured to execute a voice recognition module and one or more executable commands, and a receiver coupled to the processing unit and configured to receive a first audio file from a remote control device. The first audio file may include at least one voice command. The first apparatus may further include a communication component coupled to the processing unit and configured to receive programming content, and one or more storage media storing the voice recognition module. The voice recognition module may be configured to convert voice commands into text.

Abstract: A receiver interacts with a remote control to assist with one or more user-defined macros. In a first embodiment, the receiver may execute a macro recording program to record user input and create a macro based at least partially thereon. The receiver may associate the macro with a remote control selection element or a menu element of a menu operable to be displayed by the receiver on a display. The receiver may also transmit the macro to a storage medium. Subsequently, the user may trigger execution of the macro by the remote control or the receiver. In executing the macro, the remote control or the receiver may transmit instructions to entertainment system components or may signal the other to do so. In a second embodiment, the remote control may record the macro transmit it to the receiver for storage.

Abstract: Presented here is a method of operating video services receivers in a network that includes a controller device and at least one member device. Also presented is a controller device that facilitates the method. The method obtains network configuration data at a first video services receiver, where the network configuration data is utilized by the first video services receiver to support data communication with the controller device and the at least one member device. The method continues by establishing a data communication link between the first video services receiver and the controller device, and uploading the network configuration data from the first video services receiver to the controller device via the data communication link. The controller device can thereafter be used to download the network configuration data to a second video services receiver.

Abstract: Device control systems and methods learn to control an electronic device. An exemplary embodiment has a base device and a learning remote control. The learning remote control receives a device command signal transmitted from a remote control that controls the controlled electronic device. The base device receives a first identifier associated with a first input interface of the learning remote control, a second identifier associated with a second input interface of the learning remote control, and device control information from the learning remote control, wherein the received device control information includes information corresponding to the device command signal. The base device determines device instruction code information enabling the learning remote control to generate and transmit an emulated device command signal that is substantially the same as the device command signal when the learning remote control receives signals generated by the first input interface and the second input interface.

Abstract: A method of changing an association of a remote control device from a first electronic device to a second electronic device is presented. In the method, a command for an electronic device is generated and transmitted by the remote control device. At this point, the remote control device is associated with the first electronic device to control the first electronic device, and the remote control device is not associated with the second electronic device. If an acknowledgment of the command is not received, a request to associate the remote control device with another electronic device is transmitted. A reply to the request is then received from the second electronic device. In response to the reply, the remote control device is disassociated from the first electronic device and associated with the second electronic device.

Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a method and apparatus for remotely providing firmware to a wireless device. The wireless device may be configured to detect when the device's firmware is corrupted or may need updating. The device may then transmit a request for a firmware image on a first wireless communication channel. If the request is answered by an updating device, the wireless device may establish a communication with, and begin receiving the firmware image from, the updating device. Further, the wireless device may verify transmitted data and send an acknowledgment message to the updating device for each transmitted data packet.

Abstract: A hoop stress relief mechanism is disclosed for use on a rotary body to relieve stress caused by both thermal and centrifugal forces. The mechanism may consist of a J-shaped slot cut from the outer rim of the rotary body a distance inwardly toward the axis of rotation, the slot having a curve in its inward end that curves back towards the outer rim. The J-shaped slot may extend through the rotary body to join its two faces. The J-shaped slot may be fabricated by an electric discharge wire machine. The electric discharge wire machine may make multiple passes in order to smooth the bottom surface of the curved slot portion.

Abstract: A hoop stress relief mechanism is disclosed for use on a rotary body to relieve stress caused by both thermal and centrifugal forces. The mechanism may consist of a J-shaped slot cut from the outer rim of the rotary body a distance inwardly toward the axis of rotation, the slot having a curve in its inward end that curves back towards the outer rim. The J-shaped slot may extend through the rotary body to join its two faces. The J-shaped slot may be fabricated by an electric discharge wire machine. The electric discharge wire machine may make multiple passes in order to smooth the bottom surface of the curved slot portion.

Abstract: A flame management system comprises two flame detector units which are arranged to view different regions of at least one flame and are connected to separate channels of a processor. Each detector unit has at least two operating modes, such as an infra-red and an ultra-violet operating mode, or a normal and a sensitive infra-red or ultra-violet mode, etc. and is switchable between those modes by the processor. The processor thus selectively processes the output of the two units and actively controls the operating mode of each to obtain responses appropriate to the type and/or condition of the or each flame being monitored. In order to enable both IR and UV monitoring from a single detector unit, the detector includes at least one photo-sensitive member together with an optical element such as an IR filter which operates selectively to deliver an undivided IR or an undivided UV compact to the at least one photo-sensitive member.