Operator Initiated Patents (Class 340/12.24)
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Patent number: 8760266Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media deliver a variety of personalized information to a member of an association. In embodiments, information intended for delivery to a member, with or without request by the member, may be delivered via a television transmission, a telematic transmission to a vehicle, or a read-only memory. A password or biometric may be used to authenticate the intended viewer of the delivered information prior to displaying it.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: United Services Automobile AssociationInventor: Charles L. Oakes, III
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Patent number: 8760265Abstract: Techniques that facilitate the learning and processing of remote control signals by a host device and an accessory. In one set of embodiments, the host device and the accessory can operate in a first mode in which the host device can learn signals from (and thus be remotely operated by) a variety of different remote controls. For example, in some embodiments the host device can learn signals from a remote control that was not specifically designed to interoperate with the host device or the accessory. In another set of embodiments, the host device and the accessory can operate in a second mode in which the host device and the accessory can process learned remote control signals while minimizing the amount of data transferred between the host device and the accessory.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Scott Krueger
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Patent number: 8742904Abstract: A control device of a machine tool includes a first determination unit determining an amount of rotation, rotational speed, and direction of rotation of a rotary handle based on a pulse signal generated by rotation of the rotary handle at a manual pulse generator, and a second determination unit determining which of position control and rotational speed control is selected by selection of an axis through an axis selector switch, based on a signal generated by an axis selection signal generator at an operation device including the manual pulse generator. When a determination is made that position control is selected, the control device controls the amount and direction of travel of a spindle based on the amount of rotation and direction of rotation of the rotary handle. When a determination is made that rotational speed control is selected, the control device controls the rotational speed and direction of rotation of a table based on the rotational speed and direction of rotation of the rotary handle.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: DMG Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Tsuchimochi, Takashi Noguchi
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Patent number: 8736427Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a remote controller with a device are provided. The systems and methods generally relate to receiving a request from a remote controller to pair the remote controller to a device at several devices and determining at each of the several devices the strength of the wireless pairing request signal received by that device. If a device determines that its received signal is the strongest, the device may be paired with the remote controller. If instead a device determines that its received signal is not the strongest, it may ignore subsequent communications received from the remote controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2008Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Nicholas Vincent King
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Patent number: 8724036Abstract: Disclosed are a broadcasting signal receiving apparatus, a remote controller and a pairing method thereof, the pairing method of the remote controller performing bidirectional communication with the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus and including: sensing a key input for a control instruction for controlling the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus, wherein the key input is selected from among a plurality of keys on the remote controller; transmitting a broadcasting signal to the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus, wherein the broadcasting signal corresponds to the key input and includes first identification information of the remote controller; and storing second identification information of the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus received from the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus. Thus, the identification information for performing the RF communication may be transmitted in response to a voluntary selection on the RF remote controller.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Je-hwan Seo
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Publication number: 20140111320Abstract: Implementing remote garage door opener functions includes providing, via a computer processor, a graphical user interface on a display device and prompting a user via the graphical user interface to program a garage door opener unit that is in communicative range of a transceiver. The functions also include receiving a response, from the user via an input control of the display device, indicating an acceptance by the user to program the garage door opener unit. Upon determining via the transceiver that the garage door opener unit is in programming mode, the functions include transmitting a request to the transceiver over a vehicle network to initiate synchronization between the vehicle and the garage door opener unit and receiving, from the garage door opener unit upon completion of the synchronization, an acknowledgement of successful synchronization.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Timothy H. Holt, Kenneth M. Swartz, Mark R. Willey
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Patent number: 8704644Abstract: Provided is a remote operation system capable of coordinating the operations of a plurality of devices without harming the familiar, intuitive behavior style of remote control operation. The remote operation system is provided with: a remote operation device which captures images of each of a plurality of devices connected to a network and specifies the devices to be operated, and which transmits operation scenario information on the coordinated operations performed among the plurality of devices to be operated, the coordinated operations being determined by the combination of the types of the specified devices to be operated; and a network control unit which outputs operation commands for executing operations specified by the operation scenario information received, to the devices specified by the operation scenario information received, when the network accommodating the plurality of devices is constructed and the operation scenario information is transmitted from the remote operation device.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Hiroyuki Uno
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Patent number: 8680972Abstract: A stage-lighting apparatus is provided with: a light source adapted to generate a light beam; means for orienting the light beam; a remote driving station, which is located at a distance from the means for orienting the light beam and from the light source and has a driving handlebar, which is able to turn about a first axis and a second axis that are orthogonal to one another; a control unit, which is connected to the means for orienting the beam and to the remote driving station and is configured for controlling the means for orienting the light beam in such a way as to determine a movement of the light beam on the basis of a movement imparted to the driving handlebar.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Clay Paky S.p.A.Inventor: Pasquale Quadri
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Patent number: 8643477Abstract: A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a remote-controlled device is disclosed. A user may be instructed to operate a control element of an original remote control (ORC) of the remote-controlled device. The control element of the ORC may be operated with consumer-premises equipment of the MCDN, which receives a code associated with the control element. The code may be used to identify the remote-controlled device and obtain corresponding programming codes. The URC may be configured to use at least one of the programming codes to remotely control the remote-controlled device.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Steven M. Belz, James Pratt
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Patent number: 8618917Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: David A. Innes, Nathan Hale
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Patent number: 8587416Abstract: A base may locate a remote control by transmitting a first location signal, receiving a second location signal at base receivers from a remote control device transponder transmitted in response, and calculating a location of the remote control device based on the received second location signal. The base may provide navigation information based on the calculated location. In some implementations, the base may perform a setup routine by providing an interface that accepts position information, accepting an indication that the remote control is located at a position, transmitting a first calibration signal, receiving a second calibration signal at the receivers transmitted by the transponder in response, and recording baselines for the position. When the base unit subsequently analyses a second location signal to calculate a location of the remote control, the base may base the calculated location at least partly on the baselines.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Sling Media Pvt LtdInventor: Harish Nair Rajagopal
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Patent number: 8581700Abstract: A wearable device is worn by a person participating in an event in which a plurality of other people are participating and wearing other wearable devices. The wearable device includes a request unit for transmitting a request signal to other wearable devices that are in a predetermined range, and receiving a response to the request signal from each of the other wearable devices, and a communication unit for determining, with use of the received responses, one or more of the other wearable devices to be a communication partner, and performing data communication with the determined one or more other wearable devices. The data received in the communication is data collected by the one or more other wearable devices determined to be communication partners, and the data is used as a profile component when creating a profile of the event.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2007Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Takashi Kawamura, Masayuki Misaki, Ryouichi Kawanishi, Masaki Yamauchi
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Patent number: 8552842Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for controlling a search lamp using a wireless transmitter and receiver. The transmitter responds to user inputs by providing a wireless digitally encoded modulation signal containing information indicating at least one operation in a set of operations the search lamp is able to perform. The receiver responds to the wireless digitally encoded modulation signal by providing a control signal for controlling the functionality of the search lamp. The functionality may include, for example, moving the search lamp left/right and/or up/down, a sweep on/off @ +/?45 degrees; X/Y/Z movement (Z when motors run simultaneously); Diagonal sweep (motors run simultaneously); Fast/Slow sweep (50%/100%). The transmitter and receiver are programmable to communicate on a unique 16 bit digital code setting that provides about 65K different code settings, which may also include a random code setting.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Xylem IP Holdings LLCInventors: Rufino U. Naval, Richard W. Lee, William B. McDonough
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Patent number: 8514336Abstract: Disclosed are a broadcasting signal receiving apparatus, a remote controller and a pairing method thereof, the pairing method of the remote controller performing bidirectional communication with the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus and including: sensing a key input for a control instruction for controlling the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus, wherein the key input is selected from among a plurality of keys on the remote controller; transmitting a broadcasting signal to the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus, wherein the broadcasting signal corresponds to the key input and includes first identification information of the remote controller; and storing second identification information of the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus received from the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus. Thus, the identification information for performing the RF communication may be transmitted in response to a voluntary selection on the RF remote controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Je-hwan Seo
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Patent number: 8493184Abstract: System for remote measuring a physical variable comprising an RF transceiver arranged for transmitting an RF signal and for receiving a reflection signal derived from the transmitted signal. An RF transponder comprises a dielectric material having a dielectric property which is dependent on the physical variable according to a first function. The dielectric material is exposed to the physical variable to be measured. The transponder is arranged to receive the signal transmitted by the transceiver and to reflect a reflection signal, or the second and/or higher harmonics of it, which is dependent on the actual dielectric property. Processing means are provided for comparing the signal transmitted by the transceiver and the reflection signal received from the transponder and for converting the comparison result, e.g. the phase shift, into a value which is representative for the physical variable to be measured. The transponder may be e.g. a patch antenna.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNOInventor: Johannes Adrianus Cornelis Theeuwes
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Patent number: 8400258Abstract: A method of remotely configuring a controller responsive to wireless signals includes entering a controller programming mode from a regular mode in response to at least one wireless signal corresponding to a first click pattern from a switch. The controller provides a first notification to indicate a first selected configurable feature of the controller. Each of a plurality of configurable features of the controller has a different assigned notification. The controller provides a second notification to indicate a second selected configurable feature in response to at least one wireless signal corresponding to a second click pattern from the switch. The method also includes exiting the programming mode. The notification may be a flashing of lights, a dimming of lights, an audible sound, an adjustment of a damper position, or a combination of these things.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Echoflex Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Brian Aikens, Loren Parfitt
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Patent number: 8358194Abstract: A remote control system (1) is described, in particular for regulating and controlling industrial drives, comprising at least one transmitting remote control (10) and at least one receiver (20) cooperating with the drive, such transmitting remote control (10) containing at least one inclination sensor (5).Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Sist & Matica S.R.L.Inventor: Giacomo Baravalle
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Patent number: 8345686Abstract: A network system comprising a system of devices having a plurality of nodes defining a communications network. At least one identifier from a pre-determined group of identifiers is associated with each of the nodes and identifies the functionalities that are applicable to that node or device associated with that node. In one embodiment, at least one of the nodes can transmit the at least one identifier by a message sent over the communications network for receipt by at least one of the nodes to thereby publish the functionalities over the communications network.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Richard A. McCoy, Matthew P. Ebrom, Robert J. Feldbruegge, David J. Kmet
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Patent number: 8344848Abstract: The invention relates to methods and appropriate devices for safely, unequivocally and exclusively, temporarily assigning the command authority of an operator (1) to a controllable technical system (60) using a mobile control device (2) which is technically suitable for periodically controlling a plurality of controllable technical systems (60), which is equipped as standard with safety switch elements (38, 39) such as an emergency stop switch, ok key and operating mode selection switches and for a data coupling with the controllable technical system (60) in spite of having only normal transmission means (6) or network technologies without any particular features specific to safety function.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Keba AGInventors: Manfred Möschl, Manfred Schininger
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Publication number: 20120263477Abstract: Disclosed is a method for remote control of electronic products using a portable terminal. The portable terminal performs a remote control function in the remote control mode. When communication is tried during the remote control mode, the portable terminal terminates the remote control mode and displays the communication state to provide a communication service upon a user's selection. When the communication ends, the portable terminal returns to the remote control mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jae-Ser Lee, Soon-Jin Kim
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Patent number: 8207829Abstract: Apparatus and method for commissioning a wireless communication link between a remote controller device (24) that transmits a signal and a remote controlled device (11) that receives the signal include a first button (40) that is recessed within the housing of the remote controller (24) that can be pressed to cause the remote controller (24) to transmit a commissioning signal. A second button (50) that is recessed within the housing of the remote controlled device (11) can be pressed to cause the remote controlled device (11) to receive and learn the commissioning. The remote controller (24) and the remote controlled device (11) have complementary mating structures carried thereon that will simultaneously operate the first and second buttons when the remote controller (24) and the remote controlled device (11) are physically mated with another.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Ay Ling De Goederen-Oei, Dennis Van De Meulenhof, Ian McClelland, Wouter Lambertus Petrus Willaert, Paul Philip Thursfield
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Patent number: 8207818Abstract: A movable barrier operator remote control transmitter kit comprises a transmitter (200) and, if desired, a user discernable listing (402) of a plurality of different remote control signal instruction protocols. This transmitter can be configured and arranged to automatically incrementally configure the transmitter using a series of protocols with each assertion of a user input (203) and also to cause the test configured transmitter to transmit a test transmission (701) to permit the user to ascertain whether a corresponding movable barrier operator responds positively. This listing can present the protocols in an order that matches a sequential order (401) by which the transmitter controller (201) will incrementally configure and test the transmitter. User discernable instructions (601) can provide advice to a user with respect to using the list (402) to quickly advance through the listing (401 to begin the compatibly testing with a particular selected candidate protocol.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventor: Robert Roy Keller, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120119888Abstract: A controller that automatically identifies one or more peripheral devices which need to be programmed for use with the controller. In some embodiments, the controller is able to visually identify a peripheral device from an image, obtain the configuration information for the peripheral device, and program itself in the background according to the configuration information. These tasks are advantageously performed by the remote control, without user input. The controller can be programmed to support a plurality of peripheral devices. When the controller is used to control a peripheral device, the controller may first present a selection list on the display screen. The selection list may include all the peripheral devices that the remote is communicatively coupled with. Upon the user selecting the desired peripheral device to be controlled, the remote control may dynamically outputs a customized user interface associated with the selected peripheral device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: IMERJ LLCInventors: Brian Reeves, Richard Pocklington
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Patent number: 8174358Abstract: In one embodiment, an X-ray system includes a handheld X-ray interface device. The handheld X-ray interface device includes a wireless interface for communicating with an imaging system and a tracking device configured to provide a location and/or to track movement of the handheld X-ray interface device relative to the imaging system, wherein the location or tracked movement of the handheld X-ray interface device is communicated to the imaging system as an input for at least one control function of the imaging system.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jonathan Mark Butzine, Jeremy Patrick Hannon
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Publication number: 20120086870Abstract: A remote control setting module which is suitable to be installed in an electronic apparatus to set a button command corresponding to a remote control signal from a remote controller is disclosed. The remote control setting module includes an infrared sensing unit and a signal processing unit. The infrared sensing unit receives the remote control signal from the remote controller and then identifies a signal waveform corresponding to remote control signal. The signal processing unit is coupled to the infrared sensing unit and used for setting the button command to correspond to the received signal waveform.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicants: KINPO ELECTRONICS, INC., CAL-COMP ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LIMITEDInventor: HWAI-CHIH LEE
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Publication number: 20110291818Abstract: The present invention provides a method for storing control signals and an electronic device using the method. An object thereof is receiving and storing control signals sent from a remote controller. The method comprises: using the electronic device to receive a first control signal sent from the remote controller by pressing a first key of the remote controller; performing a comparison program between the first control signal and a query record comprising a plurality of function options and a plurality of corresponding control signals; dynamically displaying a function option of the function options and a corresponding modification prompt according to a result of the comparison program; and updating and storing a control signal corresponding to the function option of the query record.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: AVERMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Yu-Hung Hsieh, Shou-Kuo Tai, Chia-Chen Chao