Patents by Inventor William R Reams

William R Reams 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).

  • Publication number: 20100215375
    Abstract: Described herein are various techniques for transferring command codes between multiple remote controls. A first controlled device receives a signal from a remote control associated with a second controlled device. The signal is associated with a command for the second controlled device. The first controlled device receives user input, assigning the command to a selected button of a second remote control. The first controlled device transmits a message to the second remote control. The message includes information utilized by the second remote control to reproduce the signal responsive to actuation of the selected button, allowing the second remote control to generate the command for the second controlled device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: EchoStar Techonologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Williams R. Reams
  • Publication number: 20100208146
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are described for outputting audible or visual indicators via a remote control for a controlled device. A remote control queries an associated controlled device for information. The controlled device generates a request for the remote control to activate an audio or visual indicator. The request is integrated with a response to the query that is transmitted to the remote control. The remote control outputs an audio or visual indicator responsive to the request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: William R. Reams
  • Publication number: 20100115576
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Hale, Jeremy S. Mickelsen, William R. Reams, David A. Innes
  • Publication number: 20100013551
    Abstract: A method of controlling power consumption in an electronic device may include selecting between an on mode of the electronic device in which first circuitry of the electronic device is configured to perform a first operation, an off/standby mode in which second circuitry of the electronic device is configured to perform a second operation, and a sleep/vacation mode in which the second circuitry is controlled to at least one of reduce a frequency of and suspend performance of the second operation. An electronic device may include: first circuitry configured to perform a first operation when the electronic device is in an on mode; second circuitry configured to perform a second operation when in an off/standby mode; and a circuitry controller configured to control the second circuitry to at least one of reduce a frequency of and suspend performance of the second operation when in a sleep/vacation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: William R. Reams
  • Publication number: 20090322583
    Abstract: A remote control device may include: first circuitry to control a function of a first electronic device; second circuitry to be set to control a function of a second electronic device; and a setup controller to set the second circuitry to control a function of a target electronic device based on a code received from a separate device. An electronic device to be controlled by a remote control device may include: an input device to receive a signal from the remote control device; an output device to send a signal to the remote control device; and a processor coupled to the input and output devices, and configured to access a database of codes and to selectively provide codes from the database to the remote control device, the codes configured to set circuitry of the remote control device to control a function of the electronic device and/or an auxiliary electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: William R. Reams, Matthew P. Zenthoefer
  • Publication number: 20090303097
    Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus are provided for changing an operational mode of a remote control for a controlled device. A remote control queries a controlled device to determine the operating state of the controlled device. Responsive to determining the operating state of the controlled device, the remote control determines whether to enter an active mode state and/or limited power mode state. Components of the remote control may then be commanded to enter a selected operating mode state depending on whether the components are utilized by the present operational state of the controlled device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Echostar Technologies LLC
    Inventors: William R. Reams, William M. Beals
  • Publication number: 20090278701
    Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus are provided for indicating to a user a low battery condition of a remote control for a controlled device. More particularly, a remote control detects a low battery condition as well as the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The remote control transmits a low battery message to a controlled device responsive to detecting a low battery condition. Similarly, the remote control transmits a battery status message to the controlled device responsive to detecting the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The controlled device utilizes the low battery message and the battery status message to determine whether to present a low battery indicator to a user regarding a low battery condition of the remote control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: William R. Reams
  • Publication number: 20090262254
    Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting a low battery detection threshold in a remote control. An embodiment of a method includes determining a type of a battery powering a remote control of an entertainment device and determining a first low battery threshold for the battery based on the type of the battery. The first low battery threshold indicates a low battery condition of the remote control. Responsive to measuring a voltage of the battery, a determination is made regarding whether the voltage of the battery is below the low battery threshold. Responsive to determining that the voltage of the battery is below the first low battery threshold, a low battery message is transmitted to an entertainment device. The entertainment device utilizes the message to present an indicator to a user regarding the low battery condition of the remote control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: William R. Reams
  • Publication number: 20090243909
    Abstract: A remote controlling device is disclosed that includes one or more motion sensors configured to sense a motion of the device. The remote control further includes a capacitive sensor and a power source. The capacitive sensor selectively couples the power source to the one or more motion sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: William R. Reams
  • Publication number: 20090249086
    Abstract: A remote control device may include circuitry configured to receive user input to wirelessly control an electronic device, a power source electrically coupled to provide power to the circuitry, and a power state controller configured to control a power state of the circuitry based on a state of the electronic device. An electronic device may be configured to be controlled by a remote control device, and may include an input device configured to receive a wireless signal from the remote control device, an output device configured to send a wireless signal to the remote control device, and a processor coupled to the input device. The processor may be configured to control a function of the electronic device based on the received signal, to determine information regarding the state of the electronic device, and to send the determined information regarding the state of the electronic device to the remote control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: William R. Reams