Abstract: A system and method for using an universal remote control to access extended operational functions of a device. A consumer causes the universal remote control to transmit a code data value selected from the library to a target device while observing the effect of the transmitted code data value on the target device. When the target device responds in a manner desired by the consumer, the consumer may tag the code data value that caused the desired effect and assign the tagged code data value to a programmable key on the universal remote control.

Abstract: A method for providing a virtual, universal remote control feature includes displaying a virtual remote interface for an electronic device. A user interaction with an element of the virtual remote interface is detected. The virtual remote interface element is mapped to a device-function code. The device-function code is provided to a code transmitter. The device-function code corresponds to a control command associated with the electronic device.

Abstract: One embodiment described herein may take the form of a system or method for generating one or more matrix codes that may then be obtained by a reader device, the one or more matrix codes including information that may be utilized to aid in the installation and configuration of one or more components of a distribution system. In one embodiment, the one or more matrix codes may be utilized by the system to configure one or more aspects and features of a component of the system, such as a receiver or display device. In another embodiment, the one or matrix codes may provide system information to a provider or an installer to verify proper installation of one or more components. The information encoded in the matrix codes may include any type of information about one or more components of the distribution system to aid the system or an installer in configuring or installing components of the system.

Abstract: A transmitter for remote control includes a first analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to receive a first audio signal from a electronic device and convert the first audio signal to a first direct-current (DC) signal, a first boost circuit connected to the first ADC to receive and amplify the first DC signal, a second ADC receives a second audio signal from the electronic device and converts the second audio signal to a second DC signal, a second boost circuit connected to the second ADC to receive and amplify the second DC signal, an energy storage element and a transmission module is powered by the energy storage element and generates a carrier signal, the transmission module receives the amplified first DC signal from the first boost circuit, the amplified first DC signal modulates the carrier signal generated by the transmission module, and the amplified second DC signal charges the energy storage element.

Abstract: Remote control based output selection techniques are described in which an output to a display device is selected based on identification of a remote control device that is manipulated by a user. In an implementation, each of a plurality of remote control devices is associated with a respective client device in an audio visual system. When a user manipulates one of the plurality of remote control devices, the manipulated remote control device is detected and a corresponding client device is determined. Then, an output to a display device is set to present audio visual data from the determined client device. In another implementation, when a manipulated remote control device is identified, a user interface for output on the display device is configured according to the identified remote control device and/or the functional capabilities of the identified remote control device.

Abstract: A codeset is described in a Public Codeset Communication Format (PCCF) as a format block including a plurality of fields having readily decipherable values, such as ASCII character values. One field is a mark/space information field that includes a sequence of mark time indicators and space time indicators for an operational signal of the codeset. A second field is a signal characteristic information field for the operational signal. Signal characteristic information may include carrier on/off information, repeat frame information, toggle control information, and last frame information. The PCCF is a codeset interchange format of general applicability.

Abstract: A method and an integrated routing device for controlling remote systems via short messages are provided. When a mobile communication device controls remote systems via short messages, the method and the integrated routing device verify whether the mobile communication device is a legal commander. When the mobile communication device is verified as a legal commander, the method and the integrated routing device generate a verification code and subtract consumed time caused by message relay from a first control duration to generate a second control duration. The mobile communication device performs remote control during the second control duration. By completing above procedure, the method and the integrated routing device are capable of preventing fatal damages resulted from missing the right timing for executing control commands, and can further improve the efficiency of controlling remote systems via short messages.

Abstract: A wireless control system and method is disclosed. The system includes a controlled device having a wireless communication system, the wireless communication system including a source of an interrogating field and a reader. The wireless control system also includes a control device having one or more manual inputs and a modulator for modulating the interrogating field with a coded signal. The modulated interrogating field is detected by the reader in the controlled device and the controlled device wireless operation with the control device is enabled based on the coded signal received from the control device if the control device is within a predetermined distance as determined by the received modulated interrogating field.

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: Embodiments include a convertible wireless remote control suitable for controlling a computer of a media management system offering an integrated multimedia experience. Embodiments control the media management system wirelessly with a small amount of buttons but are convertible to offer expanded and/or changed functionality to the user, as desired.

Abstract: A state-based remote control system for providing efficient and simple operation of a plurality of electronic devices as a coordinated system based upon an overall task. The state-based remote control system includes a housing, a keypad in communication with an electronic system contained within the housing, and a communication device in communication with the electronic system for communicating with external electronic devices. The electronic system monitors the buttons selected by a user to determine the state of all external electronic devices that are to be controlled. When the user selects a task (e.g. watch television), the electronic system automatically determines the actions required to achieve the desired task based upon the current state of the external electronic devices. After the task has been fulfilled, the electronic system updates the data to reflect the modified state of the external electronic devices.

Abstract: A method for providing telematics to a vehicle includes the steps of providing a user-removable telematics component with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a data pump, and a short range wireless personal area network transceiver (e.g., Bluetooth transceiver), communicatively connecting the telematics component to an integrated communication device of the vehicle, the integrated communication device having a vehicle short range wireless personal area network transceiver operable to connect and communicate with at least one of at least one mobile communication device selected from a currently paired mobile communication device, a previously paired mobile communication device, and a pre-defined mobile communication device and a least one vehicle communications bus, receiving at the data pump a request from the at least one mobile communication device to perform a vehicle function, and performing the vehicle function with the telematics component.

Abstract: A remote determines an acknowledgement is not received for a command transmitted to a first device, broadcasts a discovery message, receives a response from a second device that received the discovery message and a proximity signal from the remote, and configures itself to control the second device. The remote may also transmit an acknowledgement to the second device. The second device may notify the first device. In various implementations, configuration information in the response may include pairing information and the remote may unpair itself from the first device and pair with the second device. In some implementations, the remote may include a table for controlling devices and the remote may utilize an entry in the table for the second device instead of the first device. In various implementations, the remote may receive responses to the discovery message from multiple devices and may select one to configure itself to control.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method of controlling the electronic device are provided. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may recognize a first sound signal output from at least one external device connectable through a communication unit and to control a sound output of at least one of the at least one external device or the sound output unit when a second sound signal is output through the sound output unit.

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 remote control and method of programming a remote control for controlling components in an entertainment system are disclosed. The remote control may operate in multiple modes including a limited mode that prevents the remote control from sending predetermined commands to one or more components, even when instructed to do so by the user. In addition, the remote control may issue one or more commands to each component in response to a single user input.

Abstract: A garage door/gate opening/closing mechanism is provided that utilizes electromechanical actuation to exert force on a button or buttons of a wall switch in order to actuate a garage door, where the switch actuates a garage door opener. The electromechanical actuator is actuated by means of an electrical signal produced by a radio frequency receiver or by means of a switch.

Abstract: Embodiments include a convertible wireless remote control suitable for controlling a computer of a media management system offering an integrated multimedia experience. Embodiments control the media management system wirelessly with a small amount of buttons but are convertible to offer expanded and/or changed functionality to the user, as desired.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A codeset is described in a Public Codeset Communication Format (PCCF) as a format block including a plurality of fields having readily decipherable values, such as ASCII character values. One field is a mark/space information field that includes a sequence of mark time indicators and space time indicators for an operational signal of the codeset. A second field is a signal characteristic information field for the operational signal. Signal characteristic information may include carrier on/off information, repeat frame information, toggle control information, and last frame information. The PCCF is a codeset interchange format of general applicability.

Abstract: A method of controlling power consumption in an electronic device may include selecting between an on mode of the electronic device in which first circuitry of the electronic device is configured to perform a first operation, an off/standby mode in which second circuitry of the electronic device is configured to perform a second operation, and a sleep/vacation mode in which the second circuitry is controlled to at least one of reduce a frequency of and suspend performance of the second operation. An electronic device may include: first circuitry configured to perform a first operation when the electronic device is in an on mode; second circuitry configured to perform a second operation when in an off/standby mode; and a circuitry controller configured to control the second circuitry to at least one of reduce a frequency of and suspend performance of the second operation when in a sleep/vacation mode.

Abstract: A method for providing a virtual, universal remote control feature includes displaying a virtual remote interface for an electronic device. A user interaction with an element of the virtual remote interface is detected. The virtual remote interface element is mapped to a device-function code. The device-function code is provided to a code transmitter. The device-function code corresponds to a control command associated with the electronic device.

Abstract: A remote control comprises a touch-sensitive device configured to detect touching and convert the touching into one or more first data signals; a wireless data transmitter; and logic coupled to the touch-sensitive device and to the wireless data transmitter. The logic is configured to receive the first data signals, transform the first data signals into one or more second data signals that are compatible with a remotely controllable apparatus, and communicate the second data signals to the remotely controllable apparatus using the transmitter. The apparatus can interact with the remote control to generate a graphical user interface on a video display that enables controlling the apparatus using manipulation of the touch-sensitive device. For example, touch gestures can remotely control functions of a DVD player, including functions that are normally accessible only by viewing successive deeply nested menus using a multi-button remote control.

Abstract: The present system and method is particularly useful for remotely controlling a device having one or more menus via a remote touch interface having at least an unstructured primary input area. A user can provide inputs to a touch interface without needing to view the interface and yet still achieve the desired response from the remotely controlled device. The primary input area of the touch interface may or may not have a background display, such as on a touch screen, but the primary input area of the touch interface should be unstructured and should not have independently selectable items, buttons, icons or anything of the like. Since the touch interface is unstructured, the user does not have to identify any selectable buttons. Instead the user can input a gesture into the interface and watch the remotely controlled device respond. The system does not provide any other visual confirmation.

Abstract: A method for controlling devices connected together, and which includes determining a type of a first device, determining what key buttons on a remote controller are needed to operate the determined type of the first device, activating the key buttons on the remote controller that are needed to operate the determined type of the first device, receiving an input signal indicating a selection of at least one key button, transmitting the received input signal to a second device that is different than the first device, generating, by the second device, a remote control signal corresponding to the received input signal, transmitting, by the second device, the generated remote control signal to the first device, and performing a function on the first device corresponding the input signal indicating the selection of said at least one key button on the remote controller.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a remote control apparatus for performing wireless communication with an electronic device, the remote control apparatus including: a reader/writer configured to read and/or write information from or to an information storage medium; and a transmission/reception section configured to transmit and receiving a signal to or from the electronic device via the wireless communication, wherein the transmission/reception section uses the same wireless communication system for both transmission of an operation instruction to the electronic device and transmission of information read from the information storage medium and reception from the electronic device of information to be written to the information storage medium.

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: A remote control having a touch-sensitive control panel and a transmission unit for transmitting encoded signals which are produced on the basis of a direction of movement of contact with successive regions of the control panel, regardless of the location at which contact is made with the control panel. It is also possible to produce encoded signals on the basis of a movement by the remote control in combination with a motion sensor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Disclosed are a universal remote control apparatus, a system for controlling a universal remote control, and a method for the same based on a batch instruction, in which at least one device is selected using a pointing scheme performed by a user, and a standard control command is acquired from the selected device, thereby automatically generating the batch instruction. The universal remote control apparatus, which includes a device selection unit for receiving, from a user, a selection input with respect to a first device and a second device; a pointer providing unit for providing a pointer for selecting the first device and the second device; and a batch instruction-generation unit for generating a batch instruction for controlling the first device and the second device based on device information with respect to the first device and the second device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a remote controller includes first operation keys, a first illumination module, second operation keys, a second illumination module, a cover, an open-close detector, and a controller. The first illumination module illuminates the first operation keys. The second operation keys are arranged in different location than the first operation keys. The second illumination module illuminates the second operation keys. The cover is capable of covering the second operation keys. The open-close detector detects whether the cover is open or closed. The controller controls the first illumination module and the second illumination module individually to turn on or off according to whether the cover is open or closed detected by the open-close detector.

Abstract: A processing method for implementing control of a target device includes: providing an interface for confirming or inputting a target device identifier; receiving a target device identifier confirmed or selected by a user; providing an interface for confirming or selecting a function parameter of a target device; receiving a function parameter of a target device confirmed or selected by the user; providing a control interface image; and generating and storing, according to the received target device identifier and function parameter that are sent by the user and correspondence between the function parameter of the target device and a value of a control signal, correspondence among the target device identifier, an operation instruction for the control interface image, and the value of the control signal.

Abstract: A remote controller for controlling a remote unit includes a stationary button assigned to a first function of the remote unit, and a first flexible button assigned to a second function of the remote unit and configured to be addable to or removable from the remote controller. The remote controller may further include a base, a membrane layer mountable on the base, the membrane layer including the stationary button and a first flexible button base, a first flexible button cap mountable on the first flexible button base to form the first flexible button, and a first face mountable on the membrane layer and having a first opening pattern exposing the stationary button and the first flexible button.

Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus, systems, and methods including an apparatus comprising a remote operable to receive a non-radio frequency beacon signal, the non-radio frequency beacon signal transmitted within and contained substantially within an approximate line-of-sight transmission space, the non-radio frequency beacon signal including at least one channel information portion, wherein the channel information portion includes information indicating a radio frequency, the remote operable to establish bi-directional communications using the radio frequency designated by the at least one channel information portion.

Abstract: A state-based remote control system for providing efficient and simple operation of a plurality of electronic devices as a coordinated system based upon an overall task. The state-based remote control system includes a housing, a keypad in communication with an electronic system contained within the housing, and a communication device in communication with the electronic system for communicating with external electronic devices. The electronic system monitors the buttons selected by a user to determine the state of all external electronic devices that are to be controlled. When the user selects a task (e.g. watch television), the electronic system automatically determines the actions required to achieve the desired task based upon the current state of the external electronic devices. After the task has been fulfilled, the electronic system updates the data to reflect the modified state of the external electronic devices.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus and a system thereof are disclosed. A remote control apparatus includes a main body; a sliding unit that is slidable along a plurality of positions at the main body; a communication unit to communicate with an external device; a controller to control a mode of the external device in correspondence to a position among the plurality of positions of the sliding unit with respect to the main body; a display unit to display status information of the external device; and a manipulation unit to allow a user input to change the status information.

Abstract: A device, system or method may optionally control a function of a secondary device and include a body-wearable user device including a wireless transmitter configured to communicate directly with a wireless receiver associated with a secondary device, a sensor configured to sense a physical motion of at least one of the user device and a body part of a user of the user device and output a signal based on the physical motion, and a processor, communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the sensor, configured to generate a command to control a function of the secondary device based, at least in part, on the signal based on the physical motion from the sensor. The transceiver is configured to transmit the command to the secondary device.

Abstract: A remote control system includes a remote control device configured to control a plurality of consumer electronic devices. The remote control system further includes a programming system configured to: i) receive identifying information, which identifies each of the consumer electronic devices, ii) generate at least one macro, which is configured for collectively controlling the consumer electronic devices to perform a media function; and iii) issue a query to a user to determine whether the macro is to be used by the remote control device. If a positive response is received by the programming system in response to the query, then configuring the remote control device for using the macro. If a negative response is received by the programming system in response to the query, then not configuring the remote control device for using the macro.

Abstract: A remote control method applied to a remote control system, including a remote control device and at least one be-controlled device, includes the following steps. The remote control device discovers the at least one be-controlled device dynamically via a network and retrieves a device control profile from the at least one be-controlled device. The device control profile includes a composite finite state machine representing the dependency of various operation states of the at least one be-controlled device and multiple control codes coded in a bit-string format. Then the remote control device retrieves a current operation state code from the at least one be-controlled device via the network periodically. The remote control device analyzes the current operation state code based on the device control profile to accordingly generate a user interface to control the at least one be-controlled device.

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: An exemplary method includes a universal remote control device detecting user input requesting that the universal remote control device be operated in a learning mode, initiating, in response to the user input, operation of the universal remote control device in the learning mode, receiving, during the operation of the universal remote control device in the learning mode, a device code via an inter-device communication, and automatically configuring, in response to the receiving of the device code via the inter-device communication, the universal remote control device for remotely controlling a target device associated with the device code. Corresponding systems, methods, and apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of controlling a device arrangement (D), which method comprises generating at least one electrical signal (10, 11) in a remote control unit (2), converting the generated electrical signal (10, 11) into electromagnetic radiation (EM1, EM2) according to specific polarization parameters, and detecting the electromagnetic radiation (EM1, EM2) with a detecting arrangement (R1, R2). The detecting arrangement (R1, R2) is realized to detect electromagnetic radiation (EM1, EM2) with the specific polarization parameters to obtain an electrical signal (30, 31), which is converted into a device control signal (40, 41) and applied to a device (L1, L2, L3) of the device arrangement (D). The invention further describes a system (1) for controlling a device arrangement (D). The invention also describes a remote control interface module (3) and a remote control unit (2).

Abstract: A programmable remote controller, used for controlling audio/video devices, includes a main body, a button module, a motion-sensing module, a microprocessor unit, and a memory. The button module includes a function button group related to the control of the audio/video devices and a programming button group related to the setting of the remote controller. The setting method includes steps of: pressing a first button of the programming button group to start the setting method; pressing at least one function button of a function button group which corresponds to at least one function operation of the audio/video devices; controlling the main body of the remote controller to have a first motion status which is sensed by the motion-sensing module; and storing the first motion status and a first control command corresponding to the at least one function operation in the memory.

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 ORC may be operated directly with the URC, which may so receive a programming code from the ORC. The programming code may be used by the URC to determine an identity of the remote-controlled device and/or the ORC. Based on the identity, the URC may obtain corresponding 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 and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a remote-controlled device is disclosed. A connection to the remote-controlled device may be established. In response, the remote-controlled device may send device information. The device information may include programming codes for programming the URC to control the remote-controlled device. The device information may also be used to query a server to obtain the programming codes.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A radio-frequency (RF) load control system includes both two-way and one-way (e.g., transmit-only) remote control devices, and provides a simple, reliable process for configuring the one-way devices into the system. The one-way device may be programmed to operate at one of a predetermined number of radio frequencies as part of a frequency-selection procedure, during which, the one-way device transmits a test command to a signal repeater of the system. If the test command is transmitted at the same frequency as the repeater, the repeater emits an audible beep to inform the user that the remote control is transmitting at the appropriate frequency. To associate the two-way devices with the system, the signal repeater streams an “enter address mode” command. To allow the one-way device to be associated with the system, the signal repeater pauses the transmission of the enter address mode command to allow the one-way device to transmit an activation request message to the signal repeater.

Abstract: A key fob includes a biometric sensor including a fingerprint area sensor having a surface for receiving a finger, and a controller includes at least one processor configured to authenticate a user of the key fob based on biometric information obtained with the biometric sensor and stored biometric information for an individual. The key fob includes a RF transmitter for communicating stored transaction information to a reader upon authentication of the user and a housing. The housing includes a base for supporting the biometric sensor and a cover sleeve slidably engaged with the base to allow for extension from and retraction into the sleeve by the base, thereby permitting selective exposure of the fingerprint area sensor under user actuation.

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: An apparatus and a method for interacting with a mobile telephone are provided. A remote control unit receives a user command and transmits it to a TV system which recognizes the user command as a telephone function command and transmits the function command to the mobile telephone if the TV system is set to Telephone Mode. The TV system may also output data received from the mobile telephone in response to the transmitted function command. Thus, a user may interact with a mobile telephone using an interactive TV system by displaying text/image data received from the telephone and by inputting various telephone function commands using a remote control unit. Upon receiving a function command from the TV system, the mobile telephone generates output data in response to the function command and transmits itto the TV system. A display unit of the TV system displays the text/image data, and a speaker outputs the sound data.