Abstract: A wireless keyboard and reader combination comprises a keyboard having a plurality of keys, an antenna, and a plurality of passive transponder circuits, employing backscatter transmission coded in the time domain using a reflected series of pulses, coupled to the antenna and associated with the keys. For example, SAW transponders may be employed. The passive transponder circuits are selectively coupled to the antenna and provide a coded response identifying a key in response to key activation. An associated reader includes a source of an interrogating field applied to the antenna of the keyboard and a decoder for determining the coded response from the passive transponder circuits.

Abstract: An automatic search system and method is disclosed which automatically displays a search menu on a TV in response to opening a remote control having an internal concealed keyboard. Since a text entry keyboard is known to be in use a streamlined search menu may be displayed without an on screen keyboard. A separate on screen keyboard search menu may be activated in a different mode by using the remote in a closed configuration.

Abstract: A search based video interface system and method is disclosed. Search results are dynamically filtered based on automatic combinations of search terms.

Abstract: A tablet stand is disclosed which incorporates a near field antenna configuration which couples to a near field antenna in the back of a tablet and provides a near field antenna coupling region for near field communication at the front of the tablet. The stand may be completely passive and use conductive antenna elements and passive resonance matching circuit elements to provide efficient coupling. In another aspect a thin profile passive keyboard adapted for use with a near field enabled tablet is provided. In another aspect a mounting bracket or holder, embedded antenna, and passive keyboard combination is provided adapted for converting a tablet into a notebook type configuration.

Abstract: An application control system and method is adapted for use with an entertainment system of a type including a display such as a monitor or TV and having display functions. The control device may be conveniently held by a user and employs an imager. The control system and method images the screen of the TV or other display to detect distinctive markers displayed on the screen. This information is transmitted to the entertainment system for control of an application or is used by the control device to control an application.

Abstract: A multi-directional remote control system and method is adapted for use with an entertainment system of a type including a display such as a monitor or TV and having display functions employing a mouse type control. The remote controller may be conveniently held in one hand of a user and still provides full mouse type functionality. The remote control system and method images the controller to detect relative motion between the controller and screen. This position information is used for control of a cursor or other GUI interface.

Abstract: A backscatter passive wireless control system and method employs frequency coding using frequency components generated from an interrogating field using a passive nonlinear element such as a diode in a passive transponder tag. In particular, InterModulation Distortion (IMD) frequency components may be generated which are shifted in frequency from the interrogating signal to assist in backscatter detection at a receiver but are still in band, e.g., in an ISM band. The shifted frequency components may be swept or stepped over a range and passive elements in the tag encode a tag ID by selecting specific frequencies to be backscattered. A manually operated switch may couple an antenna to the transponder to allow battery free control.

Abstract: A multi-directional remote control system and method is adapted for use with an entertainment system of a type including a display such as a monitor or TV and having display functions employing a mouse type control. The remote controller includes an IR LED which is operated as a modulated transmitter to control conventional remote functions and in a substantially continuous mode for tracking operation. The remote control system and method images the controller to detect the LED in tracking mode for control of a cursor or other GUI interface with mouse type functionality.

Abstract: A multi-directional remote control system and method is adapted for use with an entertainment system of a type including a display such as a monitor or TV and having display functions employing a mouse type control. The remote controller may be conveniently held in one hand of a user and still provides full mouse type functionality. The remote control system and method images the screen of the TV or other display to detect relative motion between the controller and screen. This position information is transmitted to the entertainment system for control of a cursor or other GUI interface.

Abstract: A search based video interface system and method is disclosed. Search results are dynamically filtered based on automatic combinations of search terms.

Abstract: A multi-directional remote control system and method is adapted for use with an entertainment system of a type including a display such as a monitor or TV and having display functions employing a mouse type control. The remote controller may be conveniently held in one hand of a user and still provides full mouse type functionality. The remote control system and method images the controller to detect relative motion between the controller and screen. This position information is used for control of a cursor or other GUI interface with automatic control of cursor speed based on detected controller distance from the screen and characteristic hand movement.

Abstract: A multi-directional remote control system and method is adapted for use with an entertainment system of a type including a display such as a monitor or TV and having display functions employing a mouse type control. The remote controller may be conveniently held in one hand of a user and still provides full mouse type functionality. The remote control system and method images the controller to detect relative motion between the controller and screen. This position information is used for control of a cursor or other GUI interface with automatic control of cursor speed based on detected controller distance from the screen and characteristic hand movement.

Abstract: A search based TV interface system and method is disclosed. Search results are dynamically filtered based on automatic Boolean combinations of search parameters based on search field types.

Abstract: A multi-directional remote control system and method is adapted for use with an entertainment system of a type including a display such as a monitor or TV and having display functions employing a mouse type control. The remote controller may be conveniently held in one hand of a user and still provides full mouse type functionality. The remote control system and method images the controller to detect relative motion between the controller and screen. This position information is used for control of a cursor or other GUI interface with automatic control of cursor speed based on detected controller distance from the screen and characteristic hand movement.

Abstract: A remote control having a housing with a top surface and bottom surface. The top surface has a first set of one or more inputs adapted to be used when the housing is held in one hand of a user. The bottom surface has a plurality of second inputs configured in a recessed portion of the bottom surface corresponding at least in part to an area adapted to be held in one hand of a user when activating the first set of inputs. The remote control also has at least one short range transmitter responsive to activation of the first and second inputs.

Abstract: A remote control method and system employ remote controller (10) which is adapted for use with an entertainment system of a type including a display (222) as well as providing functions such as Internet access or other functions requiring a keyboard and/or a mouse. The remote controller includes a folding housing and may be operated in a closed or opened configuration. A first set of control inputs (12) are provided on the outer surface of the housing. The housing may be opened, thereby doubling the surface area of the remote controller, to expose a keyboard (56). One or more wireless transmitters are operable with the housing in either of two configurations oriented at 90 degrees to each other and controlled by the first set of control inputs and the keyboard. The remote controller may be conveniently held in one hand of a user when in the folded or closed position and conveniently rested on the lap of the user or a support surface when in the opened position and used as a keyboard.

Abstract: An ergonomic folding remote control with keyboard is disclosed. The folding remote control with keyboard has an ergonomic angled typing surface and thicker forward section along with a lay flat design. The remote controller may be conveniently held in one hand of a user when in the folded or closed position and conveniently rested on a support surface when in the opened position and used as a keyboard.

Abstract: A multi-directional remote control system and method is adapted for use with an interactive media system of a type including a display such as a monitor or TV with a camera. The remote control system and method images the controller to detect relative motion between the controller and screen with the camera. This position information is used for control of a cursor or other GUI interface. A movable IR filter improves detection of the IR during tracking and allows the camera to have a second function, such as a web cam or other function, with the filter not in place.

Abstract: A wireless keyboard and reader combination comprises a keyboard having a plurality of keys, an antenna, and a plurality of passive transponder circuits, employing backscatter transmission coded in the time domain using a reflected series of pulses, coupled to the antenna and associated with the keys. For example, SAW transponders may be employed. The passive transponder circuits are selectively coupled to the antenna and provide a coded response identifying a key in response to key activation. An associated reader includes a source of an interrogating field applied to the antenna of the keyboard and a decoder for determining the coded response from the passive transponder circuits.

Abstract: A wireless controller, such as a keyboard, and reader combination comprises a controller having a plurality of keys, one or mechanical to electrical energy converters providing energy from key activation, an antenna, and one or more passive transponder circuits, coupled to the antenna and associated with the keys. The passive transponder circuits provide a coded response identifying a key in response to key activation employing power from the key activation to modulate the interrogating field. In particular backscatter modulation using the reflected interrogating field may be employed. An associated reader includes a source of the interrogating field applied to the antenna of the keyboard and a decoder for determining the coded response from the passive transponder circuits.