Abstract: A hand-held device having a touch sensitive surface uses a relative distance from an origin location to each of a plurality of touch zones of the touch sensitive surface activated by a user to select a one of the plurality of touch zones as being intended for activation by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing remote control operations is provided. A remote control detects a particular movement, and performs operations based on the detected movement.

Abstract: A remote controller generates control signals according to the speed of movement sensed by a three-axis accelerometer and the direction of movement sensed by a gyroscope and transmits the control signals to a remotely controlled device communicating with the remote controller when the remote controller is in a first work mode, generates control signals according to touch sensing signals from a touch pad and transmits the control signals to the remotely controlled device when the remote controller is in a second work mode, and further generates control signals according to variations in the capacitance of the capacitive type pressure transducer unit and transmits the control signals to the remotely controlled device when the remote controller is in a third work mode.

Abstract: A method for setting a remote controller which controls a remote controller is provided. The method includes identifying a user by fingerprint recognition, and setting the remote controller to provide functions corresponding to the identified user.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system and method for programming a remote control includes pressing keys to enter a programming mode. State changes are communicated from the remote to a set top box. A user selects a device to be controlled and instructions are communicated to a user. The set top box tracks signals received from the remote corresponding to a device code entered by the user into the remote. A program guides and informs the user of programming success or failure based on signals received by the set top box. The remote includes a transmitter and runs a program associating a particular device code with a particular electronic device. The set top box includes a receiver for receiving signals from the transmitter and runs a program providing an interface on a display. The interface guides the user through programming in response to signals received by the set top box from the remote.

Abstract: In order to display selected content as desired by a viewer by performing an easy operation without interrupting current viewing, a display apparatus includes a reception unit for receiving from a remote controller for transmitting an operation instruction to the display apparatus operation information including the amount of operation of a selection member which is detected at the time of selecting content and identification information identifying selected content, a determination unit for determining an output attribute of the selected content identified using the identification information based on the amount of operation, an output image generation unit for generating an output image of the selected content based on the output attribute determined by the determination unit, and a display control unit for displaying the output image generated by the output image generation unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for programming domestic appliances and a method for programming assembly-line programmable domestic appliances, especially a system wherein programming occurs without the physical connection between a transmission unit and a reprogrammable processor present in a processing unit integrated into the domestic appliance. The system for programming domestic appliances comprises a remote programming unit (UR) and a reprogrammable processor (PR) present in a processing unit (UP) integrated into the domestic appliance (EN), the remote programming unit (UR) being provided with a data transmission device (TUR) and the reprogrammable processor (PR) present in a processing unit (UP) being provided with a data receiving device (RUP), and the data transmission and reception devices (TUR, RUP) are based on a magnetic field.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes establishing a connection between a first client and a messaging fabric of a conductor element associated with a video system; receiving a request to perform a companion service with a second client; authenticating the first client via a client directory based on an identifier associated with the first client; receiving a pair message from the first client for the second client; and verifying whether the two clients can be paired in order to perform the companion service. Companion service commands can be authorized/policy checked and resulting commands on the second client may appear as-if they had been triggered locally.

Abstract: A system and method for prosthetic/orthotic (PO) device and/or PO system communication. PO devices of the present invention may employ common communications and/or communications/control modules that allow for wireless communication between PO devices and other devices, such as remote controls and data transfer devices. The present invention also provides for a methodology of determinant and non-interfering simultaneous communication between multiple PO devices of a PO system.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for controlling an air conditioner and method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to a system for controlling an air conditioner and method for controlling the same which can make real time control for maintaining system reliability, can make real time control of air conditioners while minimizing a network load to minimize a load on a server, and can prevent transmission and reception delay of a data.

Abstract: A method of informing a user of an identity of an input of a remote control device is presented. In the method, user activation of one of the inputs of the remote control device is detected. An audible signal associated with the activated input is determined. Each of the inputs of the remote control device is associated with a unique one of a plurality of audible signals. The audible signal associated with the activated input is produced to inform the user of the identity of that input.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling lighting fixtures over a wireless network that includes connecting a junction box to a power source, connecting a lighting fixture to the junction box, establishing a connection over a wireless network between the junction box and a controller, and controlling a function of the lighting fixture by transmitting a signal from the controller to the junction box over the wireless network.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing remote control operations is provided. A remote control detects a particular movement, and performs operations based on the detected movement.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for synchronizing data received at a central location that has been collected at plural remote locations and separately transmitted to the central location. A plurality of remote sensors is provided and configured to be simultaneously triggered to begin a data collection sequence and to subsequently transmit the collected data along with remote sensor identification data and timing information to the central location. Timing information may include a specifically transmitted time reference or may be derived based on successive transmissions from the individual remote sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for identifying a source or sources of noise that interferes or potentially interfere with communications between a remote and a receiver. The noise source may be detected through the operation of a noise detector which is integrated as a component of a remote. The remote may be configured to operate in one of two modes. In a first mode, the remote may convey commands inputted by a user from the remote to the receiver. In a second mode the receiver may operate as a noise detector device.

Abstract: A media client receives, from a remote control device, a signal to launch a selected interactive television application and sends, to the remote control device, a client program for reprogramming buttons on the remote control device. The media client sends, to the remote control device, a script, for button functions of the remote control device, which are based on the selected interactive television application. The remote control device executes the script on the client program to reprogram the buttons functions. The media client presents, on a display device, a button map that corresponds to the script, and receives, from the remote control device, a signal based on the scripting.

Abstract: A sign language message may be derived from user movements detected proximate to an electronic device by comparing the movements to a database that includes data regarding one or more sign languages. A control function may then be identified which the electronic device may be caused to perform. Output related to the user's detected movements may be provided to the user. In some implementations, output specifying identified control functions may be transmitted to a presentation device. Further, in some implementations, if a sign language message and/or a control function cannot be unambiguously derived and/or identified, output promoting the user to provide additional information may be transmitted to a presentation device. Detected movements may be compared to data regarding multiple different sign languages and/or a subset of available multiple different sign languages.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to initiate a pairing process and a de-pairing process between a controlled device and a radio frequency (RF) remote control. An exemplary embodiment detects presence of a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag in an interrogation zone established by an RFID tag reader, automatically initiates a pairing process in response to detecting the presence of the RFID tag in the interrogation zone, and completes the pairing process between the RF remote control and the controlled device, wherein the pairing process identifies a unique identifier associated with the RF remote control. A subsequently received RF signal emitted by the RF remote control includes at least one command configured to control operation of the controlled device and includes the unique identifier.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a wall-mountable, configurable controller having control keys (e.g., less than eight keys or another small number of keys), a subassembly including circuitry, and a control key insert removably mountable to the subassembly and including at least one of the control keys. The circuitry can include a limit switch that is biased in a default state but moveable into a learning state in response to user-exerted force. In some embodiments, the controller includes an IR emitter and an IR receiver and is operable to clone another device by sending configuring radiation from the emitter to the other device's IR receiver. Preferably, the emitter and receiver are positioned so that a controller's IR emitter aligns with the IR receiver of an identical controller when the controllers are positioned face to face. In some embodiments, the controller provides audible and visual feedback to users when operating in a learning mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for guiding the walking directions of a blind person using RFID blocks and, more particularly, to a system and method for guiding the walking directions of a blind person using RFID blocks, wherein an RFID reader wirelessly senses RF tags embedded in the blocks so as to guide walking directions by means of vibrations, buzzer sounds, and voice messages for guiding entry/exit directions, according to the types of pedestrian zones when a blind person walks along the blocks. The guiding system comprises: RFID tags for guiding the walking of a blind person; a plurality of blocks embedded in sidewalks which are divided into a junction zone block, a junction neighboring zone block and a general pedestrian zone block; a walking cane for receiving pedestrian zone information from the RFID tags in the plurality of blocks and outputting vibrations, sound effects and voice messages for guiding walking directions.

Abstract: A switching function is performed in response to a predetermined rate-of-change of an output signal, thereby providing rate-of-change switching. Rate-of-change switches (63 and 154) each include a user-controlled transducer (38A, 38B, or 39), a differentiator (40A, 40B, 112, or 156), and a discriminator (42, 114, 134, 160, or 162). The rate-of-change switches (63 and 154) perform at least one switching function when an output from the differentiator (40A, 40B, 112, or 156) or a second differentiator (158) exceeds an allowable magnitude. The rate-of-change switches (63 and 154) may be used to control a timed-opportunity switch (26 or 172), a conveyance, such as a wheelchair (12), and such functions as extending and retracting leg supports, and/or an environmental control unit (14 or 174). The rate-of-change switches (63 or 154) may be attached to a body member (18, 64, or 67) and be actuated by body-member gestures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a device and a method for providing a haptic motion feedback to user interacting with a simulated three-dimensional (“3D”) environment. In one embodiment, the device includes a base and a belt assembly, coupled to the base. The belt assembly includes a housing having an opening and a belt adapted to rotate within the housing for conveying a motion of an object moving in the simulated 3D environment. To indicate a horizontal component of object's motion, in one embodiment, the base is rotated, thus causing the belt assembly to rotate around its central axis. To indicate a vertical component of the object's motion, in one embodiment, the belt assembly is tilted. Optionally, the belt may include a plurality of protrusions and/or indentations on its surface for indicating to the user distances covered by the object within the simulated 3D environment.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame and a mattress support deck coupled to the frame. The mattress support deck is movable between a horizontal position to support a patient in a lying position and a chair egress position to support the patient in a sitting position. The patient support apparatus has at least one actuator coupled to the mattress support deck and operable to move the mattress support deck between the horizontal position and the chair egress position. Control circuitry is coupled to the at least one actuator and is operable to command operation of the at least one actuator. In response to the control circuitry receiving a chair lockout signal, the at least one actuator is prevented from being operated to move the mattress support deck into the chair egress position.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is remotely controlled based on a remote control signal transmitted from a remote controller using radio wave. The electronic apparatus contains a communication module that receives the remote control signal transmitted from the remote controller and an electronic apparatus main body that performs predetermined processing based on the remote control signal from the remote controller. The remote control signal is received by the communication module. The communication module has an intermittent operation mode in which the communication module operates intermittently when the electronic apparatus main body shifts to a standby state thereof. The period of off time of the communication module in the intermittent operation mode thereof is shorter than a period of transmission time of the remote controller for transmitting a power-on signal that causes the electronic apparatus main body to shift the standby state thereof to a normal state thereof.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus is disclosed, which radio transmits a control command from a remote controller to a reception apparatus connected to an electronic device which is an apparatus under control. The reception apparatus stores a first identification information which represents a destination remote controller. When the remote controller issues a pairing start command, the remote control apparatus transmits a pairing request containing second identification information of the remote controller itself. The reception apparatus extracts the second identification information from the received pairing request and decides that the remote controller is a pairing party if the first identification information matches the second identification information. The reception apparatus transmits a pairing response containing third identification information of the reception apparatus itself to the remote controller.

Abstract: A game controller includes a magnetic field generation unit to be attached to a tongue of a first user, and a control signal output device to be provided outside a mouth of a second user for outputting a game control signal according to a position of the magnetic field generation unit in the mouth when the tongue of the first user to which the magnetic field generation unit is attached is inserted into the mouth of the second user, wherein the control signal output device measures a magnetic field intensity of the magnetic field generation unit, calculates the position of the magnetic field generation unit in the mouth according to magnetic field intensities measured by the magnetic field sensors, generates a game control signal according to the calculated position, and transmits the generated game control signal to the game apparatus.

Abstract: A remote user interface system and method for effectively controlling functions of a client device and remote user interface rendered on the client device by means of a client-specific or content-specific control user interface rendered on a remote control device is provided. A method for controlling a remote user interface device with a remote control device includes broadcasting, at the remote control device, a discovery message for discovering the remote user interface device; performing, when a response is received, a capability exchange and matching with the remote user interface device; rendering a control user interface transmitted by the remote user interface device and displaying the rendered control user interface on a screen; and transmitting, when an input is detected on the control user interface, a control command corresponding to the input to the remote user interface device.

Abstract: A remote control system of the present invention is provided with a TV apparatus and a remote controller, and performs two-way communication. The remote controller is provided with a microphone and a speaker, and generates and outputs sound source data. Furthermore, by the use of wireless communication modules, the sound source data produced by the remote controller is transmitted to the TV apparatus, and the sound source data is transmitted from the TV apparatus to the remote controller, that is, the sound source data is exchanged, with the result that the sound source data is outputted from the TV apparatus and the remote controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing remote control operations is provided. A remote control detects a particular movement, and performs operations based on the detected movement.

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.

Abstract: A haptic feedback system for a robotic catheter system including a robotic catheter manipulator assembly including one or more removably mounted robotic catheter device cartridges and robotic sheath device cartridges, with each cartridge being generally linearly movable relative to the robotic catheter manipulator assembly. The haptic feedback system may include a user interface device for controlling an operation associated with the catheter and/or sheath device cartridges, and a control system for evaluating a predetermined and/or a measured operational parameter of the haptic feedback system. The user interface device may provide haptic feedback to a user based on the evaluation by the control system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for identifying a particular user of an receiver, such as a set-top box or receiver. A user is identified by the manner in which she uses an input device, such a wireless remote. Each individual user of the receiver is assigned a profile that includes values for a number of information points that serve to distinguish the user from other users of the receiver. With a user identified through tracking of her usage of a input device, customized content such as target advertisements or programming suggestions may be provided.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: The invention relates to a system comprising at least one orthopedic device having at least one joint (4) and a resistance device associated with the respective joint (4), a control device and an actuator being associated with said resistance device. The joint can be moved or the resistance can be adjusted against a bending and/or stretching movement via the actuator. The system further comprises a remote control unit (6) which is coupled to the control device and via which the resistance behavior can be varied, wherein data for the remote control unit (6) are stored in the orthopedic device, the remote control (6) can be configured with said data and the data are transmitted via a pairing process to the remote control unit (6).

Abstract: A communication control apparatus includes a first connection unit connecting to a power line, a second connection unit to which an external apparatus is connected, a power supply unit for supplying electric power to the external apparatus via the second connection unit, a communication unit for making the communication between a communication apparatus connected to the power line and the external apparatus via the first connection unit and the second connection unit, and a control unit for controlling the power supply unit to supply electric power to the external apparatus, based on information received from the external apparatus by the communication unit.

Abstract: A system which uses movement of a human body to control a function of a terminal comprises: a detecting device for detecting variation of the movement of the human body depending on an intention of a user so as to transmit a detection signal; and a terminal for storing a reference signal according to at least one class of movement and a control signal corresponding to the reference signal, for searching for a reference signal the same as the detection signal received from the detecting device, and for processing a function based on the control signal corresponding to the reference signal when the reference signal the same as the detection signal is identified. Thereby, a user not only controls the terminal or a driving device, but also performs authentication processing using simple movement of his/her body without any hand operation. A corresponding method for controlling a function using movement of the human body is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for prosthetic/orthotic (PO) device and/or PO system communication. PO devices of the present invention may employ common communications and/or communications/control modules that allow for wireless communication between PO devices and other devices, such as remote controls and data transfer devices. The present invention also provides for a methodology of determinant and non-interfering simultaneous communication between multiple PO devices of a PO system.

Abstract: A system includes a controller and an RFID sensor, an RFID sensor reader having a detection region, and a transceiver connected to the controller. The system may be secured to or contained within a wearable glove. The RFID sensor is configured to transmit an RFID sensor signal to the RFID sensor reader when the RFID sensor is within the detection region. The RFID sensor reader is configured to transmit an RFID sensor reader signal to the controller after receiving the RFID sensor signal. The controller is configured to transmit a signal to the transceiver after receiving the RFID sensor reader signal. The signal may include input from a motion sensor and/or an orientation sensor connected to the controller. The transceiver may transmit the signal to a remote processor via an antenna. The signal may be used for gesture recognition, information coding, and/or information processing.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle or mechanism includes a portable displacement controller which permits a non-technical user to achieve effective control of the vehicle or mechanism, by moving the portable displacement controller intuitively with little learning effort. A first sensing device, attached to the displacement controller, detects the user's controlling motion. A second sensing device, attached to the object being controlled, detects motion thereof. An interface device receives signals from the sensing devices, processes those signals to determine relative motion of the controlling motion and the object's motion and outputs a control signal in accordance with the processed signals. The sensing devices each detect motion in six degrees of freedom; the sensing devices each include a three-axis accelerometer, a three-axis gyroscope, and a three-axis magnetometer. In specific embodiments, the accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers include micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a remote control and a host. The remote control is for generating different wireless signals. The host communicates with the remote control. The host includes a processor, a control panel, and a receiving unit. The control panel is for generating different key signals. The control panel includes a key for generating a locking signal and an unlocking signal. The receiving unit is for transferring the different key signals from the control panel to control the processor, and further for transferring the different wireless signals from the remote control to control the processor. The processor disables the receiving unit according to the locking signal and enables the receiving unit according to the unlocking signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of remote control which can enable real time operation of a device in home from a terminal device at remote location through a network are provided. A first server communicates with a terminal device through the Internet and generates device control data for controlling the device. A second server communicates with the device in a predetermined manner to acquire and store a specific address of the device, generates transmission data for transmission of the received device control data from the first server to the device based on the specific address, and transmits the transmission data to the device. This allows real time control of the device from the terminal device through the network to be realized.

Abstract: A method of tracking movement, position, or both of a tongue of a subject. The method includes positioning a tracer unit on the tongue of the subject in a non-obstructively manner; positioning a sensor system in proximity to the tongue carrying the tracer unit; calibrating the sensor system relative to the tracer unit; and detecting the position of the tracer unit. An assistive system/apparatus can track movement, position, or both of the tongue. The system/apparatus includes the tracer unit; the sensor system for detecting position of the tracer unit and adapted for non-obstructive placement proximal the sensor system; and a control system for transmitting to a processing system.

Abstract: To realize a system for simplifying a user's operation to instruct a main device to operate as desired, using a remote control device such as a remote controller or the like. An operation device has an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration in one or more directions of the operation device. A main device has an operation control section for causing the main device to begin a predetermined operation according to an acceleration pattern detected by the acceleration sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for prosthetic/orthotic (PO) device and/or PO system communication. PO devices of the present invention preferably employ common communication modules that allow for wireless communication between PO devices and other devices, such as remote controls and data transfer devices. The present invention also provides for a methodology of determinant and non-interfering simultaneous communication between multiple PO devices of a PO system.

Abstract: A remote controller includes a base unit having a transmission section configured to transmit a remote control signal, a plurality of function operation units connected to the base unit and configured to operate different functions, and a priority setting section configured to set priorities of the plurality of function operation units. When each of the plurality of function operation units is operated, the transmission section of the base unit sends transmission data, the transmission data including operation data and priority data that indicates the priorities of the plurality of function operation units set by the priority setting section.

Abstract: A remote controller for operating another apparatus has: an operating unit having operation keys to which different key numbers have been allocated and with which operation commands for operating the another apparatus have been associated; a transmitting/receiving unit for communicating with the another apparatus by bidirectional radio communication; a memory to store the operation commands; and a control unit for reading out the operation command according to the executed operation and transmitting the operation command to the another apparatus. The control unit forms a request signal for requesting code information including a key number and the operation command, transmits it to the another apparatus, receives the code information corresponding to the request signal, and stores the operation command into the memory so as to be associated with the operation key.

Abstract: A system and method for remote activation of a device includes, in one embodiment, a user interface for selecting a command associated with the one or more vehicle functions, a controller for processing the selected command, the controller having a plurality of input ports, and a switch array including a plurality of switches corresponding to the one or more vehicle functions. The plurality of switches can be divided into a first set and a second set with the first set of switches being connected across a fixed voltage and a controller input port and the second set of switches being connected across multiple controller input ports. The at least one of the controller input ports connecting the second set of switches may be temporarily configurable to an output port for determining which of the plurality of switches has been actuated.