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: A method for connecting with an external device and an electronic device thereof are provided. The method includes determining whether an input for increasing a volume is received is determined while the volume of the electronic device is at a maximum value. If the input for increasing the volume is received, an external device is detected, the electronic device connects with the external device, and the external device outputs an output associated with a current function of the electronic device.

Abstract: A remote controller with dual power supply units is provided. The remote controller controls an electronic apparatus. The remote controller includes a housing, a first sub-system and a second sub-system. The first sub-system is disposed in the housing and includes a first power supply unit for powering the first sub-system. The first sub-system further generates a first signal for controlling the electronic apparatus to perform a first operation. The second sub-system is disposed in the housing and includes a second power supply unit for powering the second sub-system. The second sub-system further generates a second signal for controlling the electronic apparatus to perform a second operation.

Abstract: A remote controller is provided. The remote controller includes an input interface and an angle sensor. The input interface is used for receiving an input of a user. The angle sensor is used for detecting a rotation angle of the remote controller. In response to a first rotation angle of the remote controller, the input interface is enabled by the remote controller. Consequently, the input interface may be triggered by the user to generate an input signal. After the input interface is enabled, if the input interface has not been triggered for a predetermined time period, the remote controller is operated in a power-saving mode. In response to a second rotation angle of the remote controller, the remote controller is operated in the power-saving mode.

Abstract: From a remote control device, a pairing command including an authentication key is transmitted to a slave device by an infrared ray remote control signal by first depression of a push button. The slave device transmits an authentication key, which is generated based on the received authentication key, through a wireless LAN. By second depression of the push button, the remote control device transmits a pairing command, which includes an authentication key, to a master device by an infrared ray remote control signal. The master device compares the authentication key, which is received through the wireless LAN, and the authentication key, which is received by the infrared ray remote control signal, with each other, and transmits a pairing authorization to the slave device through the wireless LAN if both of the authentication keys coincide with each other. The slave device receives the pairing authorization, and establishes pairing.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device having a universal remote control mechanism is provided. The electronic device comprises a touch display unit, a storage unit, a wireless transmission unit and a processing unit. The touch display unit receives device information and displays a user interface having virtual function keys. The storage unit stores a device code discrimination table. The processing unit retrieves the device code discrimination table and initiates a test procedure according to an order of the hit rate of the instruction codes of plural rows of device codes in the device code discrimination table. The processing unit further terminates the test procedure and controls the electronic device to be controlled by using a specific device code when the processing unit can control the electronic device to be controlled by using all the instruction codes of the specific device code through the wireless transmission unit.

Abstract: When a key input acknowledging unit acknowledges user input from a valid key enabled to control a first electronic device, a light-emission control unit causes a first light-emitting unit for a first selection key to emit light. On the other hand, when the key input acknowledging unit acknowledges user input from a control key other than the valid key, the light-emission control unit causes a second light-emitting unit for a second selection key or a third light-emitting unit for a third selection key to emit light.

Abstract: A method and system for configuring a universal remote control (URC) to control a remote-controlled device includes establishing a communication link between the URC and the remote-controlled device in response to detecting a gesture motion of the URC. Device information may be received from the remote-controlled device and used by the URC to program the URC to control the remote-controlled device. The URC may be configured to control a plurality of remote-controlled devices. The communication link may be a near field wireless communication link.

Abstract: A method for storing and using information received from a controllable appliance in a controlling device. In response to a detected activation of a key of the controlling device the controlling device transmits a request signal to the controlled appliance for the purpose of retrieving from the controlled appliance data associated with a media tuning state of the controlled appliance, such as a tuned-to channel, CD or DVD track being played, or the like, The controlling device receives from the controlled appliance the media tuning state data and stores the media tuning state data in memory. The media tuning state data stored in the memory of the controlling device may then be used to transmit from the controlling device to the controlled appliance a media tuning command to cause the controlled appliance to replicate the previously captured media tuning state.

Abstract: Aspects include systems, computer readable media and methods for remotely updating properties of Audio/Visual (A/V) performance nodes that can receive A/V content through a wireless network from a central content source. The central content source can maintain information about properties of such nodes, providing such information to a device configured with remote control software, upon request. The remote control device can accept user inputs relating to properties updates, indications of such being provided to the central content source for distribution to nodes whose properties were updated. Examples of updatable properties include on/off toggling, and volume controls. Updating such properties can be protected by passwords. The central content source can be configured as software executing on a personal computer operable to communicate over the Internet for obtaining access to streaming and/or downloadable A/V content.

Abstract: A method for transferring an account associated with a first device to a second device is disclosed. The method includes: initiating, by the second device, a message intersession with a third party device; receiving, at the second device and from a server, an indication that the second device is using a known identity associated with the first device; and providing, by the second device, an instruction for transferring an account from the first device to the second device.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards using an emitter such as an IR blaster to output control traffic (e.g., control codes that control operation of an appliance or toy) and data traffic. The timing of the output of the control code traffic and the data traffic is controlled so that the control code traffic and the data traffic are independent of one another in time. The control code traffic may be output in between outputting the data traffic, so that a user does not perceive a delay when attempting to control a device via interactive control code requests.

Abstract: A remote monitoring method and apparatus for a smart TV and a smart TV system are provided. Real-time status information of the smart TV and/or an external device is retrieved and transmitted to a remote device, such that the remote device in real-time monitors the smart TV and/or the external device according to the real-time status information. Real-time monitoring on smart appliances in a smart appliance control system can be achieved without requiring additional dedicated devices, thereby lowering production costs and maintenance costs as well as saving resources and enhancing user experiences.

Abstract: A portable electronic device based user-definable remote-control interface system and operating method thereof is disclosed. The system integrates remote control information of a variety of remotely controllable devices into one single interface allocation information map, which is stored in and can be shown on a portable electronic device. To operate the user-definable remote-control interface, first show the interface allocation information map on the portable electronic device and define at least an object and a button in the map. Then, search a network platform for a built-in remote-control code that corresponds to the button, or receive a learning signal from a remote controller of a device to be remotely controlled with the button to generate a learnt remote-control code corresponding to the button. Finally, store the built-in or the learnt remote-control code in a storage unit of the portable electronic device and relate the remote-control code to its corresponding button.

Abstract: A user interface is disclosed that is configured to provide a multi-user, multi-application experience for users of a given computing device, where each user account of the device is configurable with applications suitable for that user and each application has a usage timer associated therewith. Thus, each user may have access to applications that are different from another user of that device, and each user can be allocated application usage time independent from other users. The usage timers can be configured to reset once a usage period has lapsed. In some cases, the size of icons displayed for a given user account are automatically sized based on the age range of that user. A reward program may automatically increase the time allotted for given applications/content upon successful usage/consumption of educational applications/content. In a classroom/group setting, multiple computing devices may be simultaneously set into Kid Mode by a master computing device.

Abstract: A radio control device for one or more target objects to be controlled includes an manipulation unit, configured to control the target objects; a storage unit which stores model data corresponding to the target objects, the model data being used to control the target objects; a controller which uses the model data stored in the storage unit to control the target objects through manipulation of the manipulation unit; and a camera module which acquires specific data for specifying the target objects. The controller stores the specific data of the target objects acquired by the camera module and the model data of the target objects related to the specific data in the storage unit in association therebetween such that the specific data and the model data are callable from the storage unit.

Abstract: A remote control for a television is provided that can include at least one hotkey having an assigned function that depends on at least one of a currently selected silo and panel displayed by the television.

Abstract: A transmitter for remote control, the transmitter includes an amplifier configured to receive a first audio signal from an electronic device and amplify the first audio signal, a transmission module electrically connected to the amplifier to receive the amplified first audio signal and generating a carrier signal, a power supply connected to the transmission module, and an attenuation circuit electrically connected to the transmission module to receive the carrier signal, wherein the amplified first audio signal is configured to modulate the carrier signal and the first audio signal is one of a left channel audio signal and a right channel audio signal output from the electronic device via an audio connector.

Abstract: A universal remote control device (10) is programmed by determining layout properties of an existing remote control device (12) that must be replaced by the universal remote control device (10). Information identifying at least part of said layout properties is input into a selection system (14, 18). A command set for the universal remote control device (10) is selected dependent on said information. The universal remote control device (10) is programmed to implement the selected command set.

Abstract: A remote control for a wireless load control system, the remote control comprising: a housing having a front surface and an outer periphery defined by a length and a width; an actuator provided at the front surface of the housing; a wireless transmitter contained within the housing; and a controller contained within the housing and coupled to the wireless transmitter for causing transmission of a wireless signal in response to an actuation of the actuator, the wireless transmitter and the controller adapted to be powered by a battery contained within the housing; wherein the length and the width of the housing are slightly smaller than a length and a width of a standard opening of a faceplate, respectively, such that the outer periphery of the housing is adapted to be received within the standard opening of the faceplate when the housing and the faceplate are mounted to a vertical surface.

Abstract: A multimedia device is disclosed in a specification. The multimedia device comprises a first interface, a memory to store a code value of a function corresponding to an electronic device coupled to the multimedia device through the first interface, and a controller to control information indicative of the function of the electronic device, obtain the code value stored in memory after receiving a first signal selecting the function, and transmit a second signal including the code value through a second interface coupled to a remote controller.

Abstract: Data transmission apparatus and method thereof, and data reception apparatus and method thereof. Input data is encoded into a plurality of visual codes according to a visual code type. The visual code type includes a sequential type requiring sequential transmission and a nonsequential type not requiring sequential transmission. The sequential visual code includes start code, data code, and end code, and is displayed sequentially. The nonsequential visual code is displayed nonsequentially.

Abstract: A method for configuring a transmitter device to transmit a recognized transmission to a receiving device is provided. The method includes transmitting a first transmission and transmitting a second transmission after the first transmission. The method further includes receiving, during the second transmission, a user input signal from an interface for receiving signals from one or more user interface elements. The method further includes storing an attribute associated with the second transmission in a memory device in response to the user input signal.

Abstract: A display apparatus, a control method thereof, a remote control apparatus, and a control method thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes: a display unit which outputs a plurality of content views using a plurality of image frames; a remote control signal receiver which receives a control command from a remote control apparatus; and a controller which, if a control command to control one content view from among the plurality of content views is received, selectively performs an operation from among control operation corresponding to the control command and an outputting operation to output a message notifying an input of the control command in accordance with a type of the received control command.

Abstract: A device for receiving a primary remote control signal and sending a secondary remote control signal where the primary remote control signal and the secondary remote control signal have the same signal-format, and where the secondary remote control signal comprises a secondary information value based upon a primary information value which is comprised by the primary remote control signal, is disclosed. The device is thus capable of eavesdropping on signals sent from a remote controller to a controllable device, and send secondary remote control signals which can be read by the controllable device.

Abstract: A communication system includes: a remote controller having an input unit inputting user operations and a communication unit performing bidirectional communication, transmitting a remote control code in accordance with the user operation with respect to the input unit from the communication unit; and a host device having a communication unit performing bidirectional communication and a host function unit executing processing corresponding to the remote control code received in the communication unit, wherein the host device transmits a status response from the communication unit in response to a status inquiry transmitted from the communication unit of the remote controller, the remote controller repeatedly executes a status check communication procedure including the transmission of the status inquiry and waiting for receiving the status response after transmitting the remote control code at given time intervals during which the communication unit is in a dormant state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, computer program product, and system for preventing an inadvertent configuration of an electrical device provided with an infrared interface (30). The method, computer program product, and system include activation of one or more infrared buttons (31, 32, 33, or 34) provided on the infrared interface (30) in order to configure the electrical device. The method, computer program product, and system include a display (40) that indicates an infrared button sequence), wherein said button sequence is entered before the configuration occurs and includes activation of at least a first infrared button (31, 32, 33, or 34) and at least a second infrared button (31, 32, 33, or 34).

Abstract: A remote controller is arranged for selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources. The remote controller has an omnidirectional transmitter and is arranged to instruct, by means of the omnidirectional transmitter, the light sources to transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source. Further, the remote controller has a directional signal receiver, and is arranged to receive the directional signals from the light sources, and signal comparison circuitry connected with the directional signal receiver. The remote controller is arranged to select one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the remote controller comprises a transmission indicator, which is arranged to generate an indication signal, indicative of a successful omnidirectional transmission, and it is arranged to initiate the selection of one of the light sources by means of the indication signal.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus, control method thereof, remote control apparatus that controls the electronic apparatus, and control method thereof. The remote control apparatus includes a communication unit which communicates with the electronic apparatus; a user input unit which receives a user button selection indicating an input button; a sensing unit which senses movement of the remote control apparatus; and a control unit which controls the communication unit to transmit information about the user button selection to perform a function corresponding to the input button if the remote control apparatus is in a button input mode, and to transmit information about the movement of the remote control apparatus to the electronic apparatus to control the electronic apparatus by the movement if the remote control apparatus is in a motion recognition mode. Accordingly, controlling a game or a multimedia content is easier, and the user is provided with a new and interesting experience.

Abstract: Configuration information is exchanged between a home entertainment system server and various wireless components by pushing a button on the server and a random button on a remote control device as it is pointed at the devices sought to be authenticated.

Abstract: A method of selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources by means of a remote controller includes the remote controller: instructing, by omnidirectional transmission, the light sources to each transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source; —receiving the directional signals from the light sources; and selecting one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the method includes: generating, remotely of the light sources, codes to be transmitted by the light sources; and—the remote controller instructing each one of the light sources which one of the remotely determined codes to transmit.

Abstract: Provided are a vehicle card key and a method of manufacturing the same. The vehicle card key is used to lock/unlock a vehicle door or start an engine in wireless communication with a vehicle. The vehicle card key includes a lower cover, a circuit board stacked on and coupled to a top of the lower cover, and an upper cover coupled to the lower cover as one body to cover an upper side of the circuit board. The lower cover and the upper cover are formed of a thermo-hardening resin.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for selecting a remote controlled device to be controlled from among a plurality of remote controllable devices. The system includes an electronic device having a registration interface configured to register device data corresponding to the plurality of remote controllable devices, a position locator configured to determine position data corresponding to a position of the electronic device, and an orientation interface configured to receive orientation data corresponding to an orientation of a user. A controller is configured to select the remote controlled device based on the device data, the position data, and the orientation data. The plurality of remote controllable devices each may include a respective data source configured to provide the device data, and a headset may be configured to generate the orientation data.

Abstract: An intermediary between a remote control device and a remotely controllable device implements identification and/or authentication. The intermediary is, e.g., a node or set of nodes within a head end of a cable network service provider. A remote control device at a customer premise sends a command intended to control a remotely controllably device which is also located at the same customer premise. The customer premise includes a network interface, e.g., a cable modem, which has associated identification information. The command and the associated network interface identification information are communicated to the intermediary, e.g., via a cable modem. The intermediary accesses a subscriber record corresponding to the location based on the network interface identification information. The intermediary identifies the device to be controlled, e.g., a particular set top box and/or authenticates the remote control device. A command is sent via the network to the device to be controlled.

Abstract: A compact, register-based, eight-bit virtual machine is realized on a resource-constrained device such as, for example, an IR remote control device. The IR remote control device includes a script interpreter, as well as loader API functionality and API functionality to support communication over a bidirectional link. The functionality of the remote control device is customized by loading either a machine code API routine and/or a script API routine onto the remote control device via the bidirectional link. A script is loaded via the bidirectional link and is stored in program memory. Once loaded, the script is interpreted by the virtual machine, thereby calling API functionalities provided, and thereby causing the remote control device to have a desired customized function. Providing the virtual machine on all the members of a family of remote control devices allows the same script to run on any remote control device of the family.

Abstract: In some cases, a method includes receiving first control data from a proxy device at a proxy controller. The first control data is prevented from being received at a remote control signal receiver associated with a media device. The proxy controller may determine second control data associated with recording a multimedia content item at a first digital video recorder associated with the media device and third control data associated with recording the multimedia content item at a second digital video recorder that is accessible to one or more communication devices. The proxy controller may communicate the second control data to the media device via the proxy device.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device has a keyboard with a plurality of keys, each key having a substantially flat contact surface extending to the sides of each key. One of the sides of the key is beveled.

Abstract: A remote control device tracks the Likely Current Channel (LCC) to which an associated controlled electronic consumer device is tuned. The remote determines an amount of time that the LCC remains unchanged. Based at least in part on this amount of time, the remote determines whether the LCC should be stored as a favorite Channel (FC). When the user subsequently presses a favorite key on the remote the remote uses a codeset and the stored FC information to output a transmitter operational signal. The operation signal carries the FC number such that the electronic consumer device is commanded to tune to the FC. Automatic detection, storage, and ranking of FCs eliminates the need for complex user programming of the remote. Because the ranking of FCs is automatically updated over time, changing user preferences are automatically accommodated without manual intervention, resulting in an effortless user interface.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus, control method thereof, remote control apparatus that controls the electronic apparatus, and control method thereof. The remote control apparatus includes a communication unit which communicates with the electronic apparatus; a user input unit which receives a user button selection indicating an input button; a sensing unit which senses movement of the remote control apparatus; and a control unit which controls the communication unit to transmit information about the user button selection to perform a function corresponding to the input button if the remote control apparatus is in a button input mode, and to transmit information about the movement of the remote control apparatus to the electronic apparatus to control the electronic apparatus by the movement if the remote control apparatus is in a motion recognition mode. Accordingly, controlling a game or a multimedia content is easier, and the user is provided with a new and interesting experience.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: status information input means for inputting status information indicating an operating state and power consumption of each of a plurality of electronic appliances targeted for connection from the plurality of electronic appliances; list screen generating means for generating a list screen that associates the status information inputted from each of the plurality of electronic appliances with the plurality of electronic appliances; and a display control means for controlling display means for displaying the list screen thereon.

Abstract: A touchless transmitter is described. The transmitter includes a sensor configured to detect a presence of an object. The transmitter further includes a sensor adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a level of sensitivity of the sensor. The transmitter also includes an antenna configured to wirelessly transmit a signal to a receiver upon detecting the presence of the object, and the transmitter includes an indicator configured to provide an output upon detecting the presence of the object.

Abstract: A system using a remote control to provide independent control of power to one or more track fans and track lights, as well as control of speed of rotation of each fan, and brightness of each light across one or more tracks of various types. The remote control also allows groups of track fans and/or track lights to be controlled together, and allows the controlled track fans and track lights to be attached to different tracks.

Abstract: A remote control system includes a control interface, a WiFi router, a bridge, and a low frequency control module. The WiFi router is linked to the control interface for communicating with the control interface via WiFi signals. The bridge is linked to the WiFi router for down-converting WiFi signals outputted from the WiFi router to low frequency signals and up-converting received low frequency signals to WiFi signals. The low frequency control module is linked to the bridge for communicating with the bridge via the low frequency signals.

Abstract: A device-specific and application-specific computing device, a playback device and a method for controlling the playback device using the computing device is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a user may control the playback device using a control information generated according to a device configuration information of the computing device in his/her possession.

Abstract: A universal remote control (URC) is programmed to control a particular type and make of electronic consumer device using a graphical user interface. A plurality of images is displayed on the user interface. Each image of the plurality of images is a digital photograph of an electronic consumer device or a remote control device usable to control the corresponding electronic consumer device. A user selects the digital photograph of the particular type and make of electronic consumer device or its corresponding remote control device. Codeset information associated with the selected device is transmitted to the URC such that the URC is programmed to control the selected device. If the codeset information is a codeset identifier, then it is displayed on the user interface. The user enters the codeset identifier into the URC such that the URC is programmed to control the selected device.

Abstract: A companion remote control system is usable with smart devices for controlling a plurality of controlled components. An overall control system includes: a companion remote configured for remote communication, and providing command options for a user desiring to interact with a controlled component; a software application configured for running on smart devices, which typically includes a graphical interface for the user to select desired controlled component from plurality of controlled components; and a control processor capable of communicating with companion remote, smart device and controlled components. The control processor is programmed to correlate user commands received from companion remote to appropriate instructions for a specific controlled component selection received from smart device.

Abstract: A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a remote-controlled device is disclosed. After initiating a serial programming mode on the URC, a user may be instructed to operate a plurality of control elements of an original remote control (ORC) of the remote-controlled device in a predetermined sequence. As a result of operating the ORC control elements, a plurality of programming codes for the remote-controlled device may be received by the URC. Alternatively, the ORC may be requested to transmit a plurality of programming codes for the remote-controlled device. The URC may be configured to use at least one of the programming codes to remotely control the remote-controlled device.

Abstract: A method includes receiving first control data at a proxy controller from a proxy remote control signal receiver device. The first control data is associated with execution of a first action at a first device. The method includes determining second control data at the proxy controller. The second control data is associated with execution of a second action at the first device. The second action is at least one of different from, or additional to, and based upon the first action. The method includes communicating the second control data to the proxy remote control signal receiver device. The proxy remote control signal receiver device is configured to communicate the second control data to the first device.

Abstract: There is provided a remote control device including: a communication unit that can perform communication through a network; a remote control unit that can transmit one or more control commands to a controlled device in response to an operation by a user; a storage unit that stores control command information specifying the one or more control commands to be transmitted from the remote control unit; and a setting unit that sets the control command information to the storage unit based on a result of communication by the communication unit with a controlled device through the network, wherein the setting unit detects a controlled device connected to the network by transmitting a device search signal from the communication unit, acquires device information of the detected controlled device from the controlled device, and decides the control command information to be set to the storage unit based on the acquired device information.

Abstract: A method for determining the right code set to be used for controlling an appliance includes the remote control sends one or more commands using the corresponding code of at least one of the multiple code sets to the appliance. The code set to be used for controlling this appliance is determined based on at least a command sent to the appliance by a user of the remote control, in reaction to the sending of the one or more commands by the remote control.