Abstract: A remote control system includes multiple transmitters located at differing positions around a housing. The transmitters are spaced apart so that a transmission from one of the transmitters is likely to be received even if a transmission from another transmitters is obstructed or oriented away from a receiver. One embodiment comprises a simplified remote control with infrared transmitters located on multiple surfaces. A controlled device may require at least one transmitter to be approximately aligned with a receiver and/or may require an unobstructed signal path. If a user, such as a child, covers some of the transmitters and/or holds the remote control in an unusual orientation, a signal can still be transmitted to a DVD player, DVR, computer or other controlled device. The signal may comprise a key code identifying an activated remote control key, and instructing the controlled device to perform a navigation, a direct select, or other operation.

Abstract: A control system with a simplified control device (10) for direct selection of electronic media operations, and for programmed navigation through the content without using dedicated navigation functions of a media player. The simplified control device (10) includes a limited number of keys, comprising direct-select keys (20-26) and navigation keys (30-36), which transmit programmable number key signals rather than dedicated key signals. Direct-select keys (20-26) are visually associated with icons displayed by the medial player by shape, color, and/or the like. The icons are dynamically associated with portions of content and/or software instructions stored on a medium, such as a DVD. Activating a direct-select key (20-26) cause the media player to access the associated content and/or instructions.

Abstract: A remote control system includes multiple transmitters located at differing positions around a housing. The transmitters are spaced apart so that a transmission from one of the transmitters is likely to be received even if a transmission from another transmitters is obstructed or oriented away from a receiver. One embodiment comprises a simplified remote control with infrared transmitters located on multiple surfaces. A controlled device may require at least one transmitter to be approximately aligned with a receiver and/or may require an unobstructed signal path. If a user, such as a child, covers some of the transmitters and/or holds the remote control in an unusual orientation, a signal can still be transmitted to a DVD player, DVR, computer or other controlled device. The signal may comprise a key code identifying an activated remote control key, and instructing the controlled device to perform a navigation, a direct select, or other operation.

Abstract: A remote control system including a primary remote control (20) in communication with one or more secondary remote controls (30-38) that each have one or more secondary input keys (22b-c, 24b-c, 26b-c, 28b-c), are that dynamically associated with programmed operation of a DVD player (40), computer, or other electronic device. Upon activation of a secondary input key, the primary remote control receives an input signal and determines a code associated with the activated key. The code may also be associated with a primary input key (22a, 24a, 26a, 28a, 23, 25, 27) on the primary remote control. The primary and secondary input keys may have the same color, shape, or other characteristics. The code is communicated to the electronic device to perform the programmed operation concurrently associated with the code. The programmed operation may also be associated with a display icon that may have the same characteristics as the input keys.

Abstract: A control system with a simplified control device (10) for direct selection of electronic media operations, and for programmed navigation through the content without using dedicated navigation functions of a media player. The simplified control device (10) includes a limited number of keys, comprising direct-select keys (20-26) and navigation keys (30-36), which transmit programmable number key signals rather than dedicated key signals. Direct-select keys (20-26) are visually associated with icons displayed by the medial player by shape, color, and/or the like. The icons are dynamically associated with portions of content and/or software instructions stored on a medium, such as a DVD. Activating a direct-select key (20-26) cause the media player to access the associated content and/or instructions.