Patents by Inventor Patrick H. Hayes

Patrick H. Hayes has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Graphical user interface and data transfer methods in a controlling device
    Patent number: 9720580
    Abstract: A smart device is provided with a main remote control application that may be configured using information obtained from a QR code. The main remote control application may present images of original remote controls corresponding to devices which are controllable by the configured main remote control application. In connection with a presented image of an original remote control, the display may present icons that are representative of a subset of the buttons of the original remote control. The user interface also allows a user to select amongst the images of the original remote controls to change which appliances are to be controlled via the user interface. A pop-up remote control widget may also be provided which may be invoked without switching to the main remote control application provisioned on the smart device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Marcel Hilbrink, Rex Xu, Cesar Alvarado, Paul D. Arling, Patrick H. Hayes
  • System and method for creating and utilizing metadata regarding the structure of program content
    Patent number: 9711185
    Abstract: Metadata is created in connection with an editing of a copy of a digital media for the purpose of generating a sample of the digital media, such as a ringtone generated from a song. The metadata is published and is retrievable for use in editing another copy of the digital media to automatically recreate the media sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Negron, Patrick H. Hayes, Jeremy K. Black
  • Media return system
    Patent number: 9693089
    Abstract: A system includes a consumer electronic device adapted to render a media content and a hand-held, portable device having a touch screen display, a transmitter, a receiver, and a processing unit. The processing unit of the hand-held, portable device uses data related to the media content received via the receiver to cause command icons related to rendering of the media content to be defined and displayed in the touch screen display and to cause the transmitter to transmit one or more commands for controlling a functional operation related to rendering of the media content by the consumer electronic device in response to a user interaction with one or more of the command icons caused to displayed in the touch screen display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Arling, Patrick H. Hayes, John E. Hyatt
  • System and method for upgrading the remote control functionality of a device
    Patent number: 9690263
    Abstract: A system and method for upgrading a remote control application resident on a device. Information identifying a controllable appliance is caused to be uploaded to a remote server device and the uploaded information is used to automatically display user-selectable, downloadable data files relevant to the control of the controllable appliance. Downloaded data files, which may include command codes and/or graphical user interface elements, may be used within the device to upgrade the ability of the remote control application to communicate with the controllable appliance. The information uploaded to the server may also be used to generate demographic data regarding consumer preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Han-Sheng Yuh, Weidong William Wang, Patrick H. Hayes, James N. Conway, Jr.
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING THE REMOVAL OF A CONTROLLING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20170155954
    Abstract: A system and method for using a controllable appliance to report an inoperable state of a controlling device. The appliance is caused to repeatedly determine, at a first predetermined timed interval, if a wireless notification signal, repeatedly transmitted by the controlling device at a second predetermined timed interval, has been received from the controlling device. When the wireless notification signal has not been received from the controlling device within the first predetermined timed interval, the appliance is caused to issue a status notification that the controlling device is in an inoperable state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: Gerben Meijer, Patrick H. Hayes
  • System and method for detecting the removal of a controlling device
    Patent number: 9654824
    Abstract: A system and method for using a controllable appliance to report an inoperable state of a controlling device. The appliance is caused to repeatedly determine, at a first predetermined timed interval, if a wireless notification signal, repeatedly transmitted by the controlling device at a second predetermined timed interval, has been received from the controlling device. When the wireless notification signal has not been received from the controlling device within the first predetermined timed interval, the appliance is caused to issue a status notification that the controlling device is in an inoperable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Gerben Meijer, Patrick H. Hayes
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOMMENDING HOME APPLIANCES TO A CONSUMER
    Publication number: 20170132689
    Abstract: A system functions to recommend equipment expansions, additions and/or substitutions; interconnections; supplemental capabilities; features; etc. based upon a knowledge of a consumer's existing audio and/or visual system configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Ogaz, Arsham Hatambeiki, Patrick H. Hayes
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVISION OF APPLIANCE CONTROL FUNCTIONALITY TO A SMART DEVICE
    Publication number: 20170085699
    Abstract: A system for use in issuing commands to a plurality of appliances each of a specific one of a plurality of different appliance types includes a smart device adapted to transmit command communications and a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers each adapted to transmit a command to a one of the plurality of appliances of a specific one of the plurality of different appliance types in response to receipt of a command communication originating from the smart device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Brandt Thompson, Patrick H. Hayes
  • System and method for recommending home appliances to a consumer
    Patent number: 9600824
    Abstract: A system functions to recommend equipment expansions, additions and/or substitutions; interconnections; supplemental capabilities; features; etc. based upon a knowledge of a consumer's existing audio and/or visual system configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Ogaz, Arsham Hatambeiki, Patrick H. Hayes
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RETRIEVING INFORMATION WHILE COMMANDING OPERATION OF AN APPLIANCE
    Publication number: 20170076592
    Abstract: Media rendering system including a remote control device and associated docking station. The remote control device interfaces with a remote server to stream media content for local and/or external playback. The remote control device may interface with a docking station to playback rendered media on one or more entertainment appliances. The portable device preferably has standard remote control capability in order to enable advanced features and functions for media playback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Marcel Hilbrink, Patrick H. Hayes, Jeremy K. Black
  • System and method for configuring the remote control functionality of a portable device
    Patent number: 9558654
    Abstract: A system and method used to configure a smart device to command functional operations of a target appliance. The smart device retrieves from a controllable appliance, such as a settop box, data indicative of a codeset identity of the target appliance wherein the codeset identity was determined during a process used to configure a conventional universal remote control to command functional operations of the target appliance and wherein the process used to configure the conventional universal remote control is performed in cooperation with the controllable appliance. A remote control application resident on the smart device then uses the data indicative of the codeset identity retrieved from the controllable appliance to also configure the smart device to command functional operations of the target appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Arling, Patrick H. Hayes, Arsham Hatambeiki
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPLIANCE CONTROL VIA A PERSONAL COMMUNICATION OR ENTERTAINMENT DEVICE
    Publication number: 20170024123
    Abstract: A system for use in controlling operating functions of a controllable device includes a hand-held device and an intermediate device in communication with the hand-held device and the controllable device. The hand-held device is adapted to receive a gesture based input and to transmit a signal having data representative of the gesture based input. The intermediate device has programming for translating the data representative of the gesture based input in a signal received from the hand-held device into a command signal to be communicated to the controllable device wherein the command signal has a format appropriate for controlling an operating function of the controllable device that is associated with the gesture based input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Eric Negron, Patrick H. Hayes
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY SETTING UP A UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20170024999
    Abstract: A system and method for configuring a remote control to command the operation of appliances, to capture demographic data, and to provide services, such as automated warranty registration, instructions, viewing guides, etc., relevant to the appliances is provided. The system includes a database and associated server that are located remotely from the remote control and accessible via a network connection. Command codes, graphical user interface elements, and services are accessed and downloaded to the remote control, as appropriate, using data supplied to the server that identifies the appliances and/or functional capabilities of the appliances. This data can be supplied by the appliances directly or can be obtained from other sources such as barcode labels, network devices, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Patrick H. Hayes, James N. Conway, JR., Robert P. Lilleness, Paul D. Arling
  • System and method for adaptively controlling the recording of program material using a program guide
    Patent number: 9547979
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying an electronic program guide (“EPG”), the EPG allowing for the controlling of recording functionality of an appliance and/or playing of media. The displayable EPG includes a listing of playable media from which the user may select a program of interest for recording or playing. The EPG may also include a display of prior recorded media for playing. Options may be presented to allow for a selection of a rendering device on which selected media is to be played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Elecronics Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Louie, Cesar Alvarado, Patrick H. Hayes
  • System and method for provision of appliance control functionality to a smart device
    Patent number: 9548813
    Abstract: A system for use in issuing commands to a plurality of appliances each of a specific one of a plurality of different appliance types includes a smart device adapted to transmit command communications and a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers each adapted to transmit a command to a one of the plurality of appliances of a specific one of the plurality of different appliance types in response to receipt of a command communication originating from the smart device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Brandt Thompson, Patrick H. Hayes
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONFIGURATION OF NETWORK-CAPABLE APPLIANCES
    Publication number: 20170005821
    Abstract: A first device and a second device are placed into communication via use of a first communications link and, in response, the first device and the second device exchange data via use of the first communications link to thereby configure the first device to receive communications from the second device via use of a second communications link different than the first communications link. In this manner, the second device can be used to transmit commands to control functional operations of the first device via use of the second communications link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Eric Negron, Patrick H. Hayes
  • System and method for configuring the remote control functionality of a portable device
    Patent number: 9530308
    Abstract: A system and method used to configure a smart device to command functional operations of a target appliance. The smart device retrieves from a controllable appliance, such as a settop box, data indicative of a codeset identity of the target appliance wherein the codeset identity was determined during a process used to configure a conventional universal remote control to command functional operations of the target appliance and wherein the process used to configure the conventional universal remote control is performed in cooperation with the controllable appliance. A remote control application resident on the smart device then uses the data indicative of the codeset identity retrieved from the controllable appliance to also configure the smart device to command functional operations of the target appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Arling, Patrick H. Hayes, Arsham Hatambeiki
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMPLIFIED SETUP OF A UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20160343246
    Abstract: A system and method for enabling set up of a controlling device capable of controlling a plurality of appliances, via an interactive instruction set and associated programming. The programming is accessible by a STB or other controllable appliance and is configured to appropriately display interactive instructions and prompts to a user during a user initiated set up procedure for configuration of another controllable device (e.g., DVD, VCR, DVR, etc) available to the user. Appropriate set up data, generally in the form of command library codes, is displayed to the user by the interactive instruction set and associated programming for entry and trial by the user in set up of the desired appliance(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph Lee Haughawout, Patrick H. Hayes
  • System and method for appliance control via a personal communication or entertainment device
    Patent number: 9503562
    Abstract: A system for use in controlling operating functions of a controllable device includes a hand-held device and an intermediate device in communication with the hand-held device and the controllable device. The hand-held device is adapted to receive a gesture based input and to transmit a signal having data representative of the gesture based input. The intermediate device has programming for translating the data representative of the gesture based input in a signal received from the hand-held device into a command signal to be communicated to the controllable device wherein the command signal has a format appropriate for controlling an operating function of the controllable device that is associated with the gesture based input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Negron, Patrick H. Hayes
  • System and method for simplified setup of a universal remote control
    Patent number: 9489835
    Abstract: A system and method for enabling set up of a controlling device capable of controlling a plurality of appliances, via an interactive instruction set and associated programming. The programming is accessible by a STB or other controllable appliance and is configured to appropriately display interactive instructions and prompts to a user during a user initiated set up procedure for configuration of another controllable device (e.g., DVD, VCR, DVR, etc) available to the user. Appropriate set up data, generally in the form of command library codes, is displayed to the user by the interactive instruction set and associated programming for entry and trial by the user in set up of the desired appliance(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Lee Haughawout, Patrick H. Hayes