Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for controlling an electronic device. A query is received at a remote control interface. A response to the query is determined. A random response interval of time is determined according to a collision avoidance mechanism. When the random response interval of time expires, then the response to the query is sent.

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 method for configuring a controlling device to command functional operations of at least one controllable appliance. The method includes the steps of receiving at the controlling device from the at least one controllable appliance, via a first communication channel, data indicative of an identity of the at least one controllable appliance and using the data indicative of the identity of the at least one controllable appliance to configure the controlling device whereby, in response to activation of one or more command keys of the controlling device, the controlling device will be caused to transmit to the at least one controlling device, via a second communication channel, those commands selected from a library of commands that are appropriate for commanding functional operations of the at least one controllable device.

Abstract: Remote controls that are configured to prevent inadvertent signal transmission.

Abstract: A remote controlled switch system has a hand-held remote control for turning power to a controllable switch on and off by radio waves. Each remote control unit contains at least one unique identifying code and can be linked to one or more separate controllable switches. The number of controllable switches that can be controlled by a single hand-held remote control is essentially limitless.

Abstract: A universal remote control apparatus, a system for controlling a universal remote control, and a method for the same, and more particularly, to a universal remote control apparatus, a system for controlling a universal remote control, and a method for the same, which includes batch instruction information having graphical user interface (GUI) components corresponding to status information of at least one device, and provides the GUI adapting mechanical properties of the device to a user.

Abstract: A transmitter for controlling a target to be controlled having a motor, the transmitter includes: a start-up manipulation member to control starting and stopping of the motor; a rotational speed control manipulation member to control a rotational speed of the motor according to an operation amount; a control unit to generate the steering signal such that the motor is rotated according to the operation amount of the rotational speed control manipulation member when the operation amount of the rotational speed control manipulation member is equal to or greater than a preset start position while the start-up manipulation member is in a start-up state; and a transmitting unit to transmit the steering signal.

Abstract: A remote control method for adjusting the temporal length between first and second command codes for an activity includes transmitting the first command code and transmitting the second command code after a first temporal length to an appliance. The method includes determining whether the appliance executed the second command code including: i) if the remote control receives an input that the appliance executed the second command code, the first temporal length is stored in memory and used for subsequently requests for the activity, or if the remote control receives an input that the appliance did not execute the second command code, the first temporal length is lengthened to a second temporal length. Until the first temporal length is not lengthened to the second temporal length, the remote control repeats the transmitting steps, and the determining step where the first temporal length for the second transmitting step is substituted with the second temporal length.

Abstract: A motion controlled vehicle power adapter with a vehicle power adapter that can be plugged into the 12V vehicle power outlet and has a remote motion sensor at one end of the vehicle power adapter opposite the end that plugs into the 12 V vehicle power outlet. The remote motion sensor is operated by the operator's hand motion near the sensor without contacting the sensor. The remote motion sensor may be detachable from the vehicle power adapter. The operator's hand motions are translated into control signals and sent to a portable electronic device to control its functions. The control signals may be sent through a wire or wirelessly through a wireless transmitter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling one or more electronic devices based on the location of a user. A remote control is configured by determining a location of a user; and automatically configuring the remote control with one or more menus that are appropriate for the location. The remote control may be, for example, a personal user interface. The user location can be determined, for example, using triangulation techniques by determining if the user is in proximity of a fixed Bluetooth device. The remote control may be automatically configured to present one or more menus for one or more of activities and a device located in the location.

Abstract: A one-way remote control transmitter capable of memorizing last button pushed includes a button circuit for activating or deactivating an anti-theft system; an encoding circuit electrically connected to the button circuit for encoding a remote control code; an emitter circuit electrically connected to the encoding circuit for transmitting the remote control code to remotely control a main unit of the anti-theft system; a display electrically connected to the encoding circuit for displaying an operating state of the one-way remote control transmitter; a memory unit electrically connected to the encoding circuit for memorizing a button of the button circuit pushed last time; and a battery for supplying power needed by the one-way remote control transmitter to work normally. A selected button of the button circuit serves as a last-button-pushed display button that can be pushed to read the memory unit and show the last button pushed via the display.

Abstract: A method for controlling devices connected together, and which includes determining a type of a first device when the first device is connected to a transmitting 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 needed to operate the determined type of the first device, 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: A method and system for programming, using a removable storage, a remote control apparatus providing universal remote control functionality is disclosed. A removable storage module may be introduced into the remote control apparatus. Programming codes for a remote-controlled device controllable by the remote control apparatus may be transferred from the removable storage module. Executable code for configuring the remote control apparatus may also be transferred. The programming codes may be assigned to control elements of the remote control apparatus. The remote control apparatus may be configured to use at least one of the programming codes to remotely control the remote-controlled device.

Abstract: A remote control device is described. The remote control device includes a processor, a transmitter, and memory in electronic communication with the processor. The remote control is capable of operating in a first speed mode. When in the first speed mode, the remote control transmits commands at a first rate. The remote control changes between the first speed mode and a second speed mode when a change mode command is received. The remote control is capable of operating in second speed mode. When in the second speed mode, the remote control transmits commands at a second rate, which is higher than the first rate.

Abstract: An electronic device (1) which is remote controllable has a conversion table storing unit (31) for holding a conversion table for converting an incompatible control signal that does not support the electronic device (1) into a compatible control signal that supports the electronic device (1), an input receiving unit (32) for receiving the input of the incompatible control signal based on the output of an incompatible remote control (4) that does not output the compatible control signal, a conversion unit (33) for converting the incompatible control signal the input of which has been received by the input receiving unit (32) into the compatible control signal according to the conversion table, and a control unit (34) for controlling the electronic device (1) according to the compatible control signal converted by the conversion unit (33).

Abstract: A controlling device has a configurable key. An overlay, such as a sticker, is provided to the configurable key and includes an indicia representative of media content and machine readable data indicative of an identity of the media content represented by the indicia. A memory of the controlling device stores a correspondence between the configurable key and data indicative of a source of the media content. Upon activation of configured, configurable key, the controlling device uses select command codes from a library of command codes and the correspondence between the configurable key and the data indicative of the source of the media content to transmit one or more commands for causing one or more appliances to access the source of the media content.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatically rotatable turntable for a display unit and includes: a mounting section mounted with the display unit; an electric rotating mechanism that rotates the mounting section; a reception section in the display unit which receives a wireless signal from a remote control unit; and a control section that controls the electric rotating mechanism based upon the received wireless signal. Upon receipt of the wireless signal, the control section detects a reception strength of the reception section while cyclically rotating the mounting section around a predetermined rotational position, to initially detect a rotational position at which the reception strength is maximum. Thereafter, as a main operation, the control section detects the reception strength while rotating the mounting section in a direction extending from the predetermined rotational position to the initially-detected rotational position, to detect a rotational position at which the reception strength is maximum.

Abstract: An output control device includes an output unit configured to output information externally received or to be transmitted outside, a display unit configured to display a predetermined image, a position detecting unit configured to detect a position specified on the predetermined image displayed on the display unit, a display control unit configured to control the display unit to display the predetermined image when the output unit outputs the information, an area specifying unit configured to specify a predetermined area on the predetermined image as an output control area for controlling an output condition of the information to be outputted from the output unit, and an output control unit configured to control the output condition of the information when the specified position on the predetermined image detected by the position detecting unit is within the output control area specified by the area specifying unit.

Abstract: A remote operation device includes a main board housed in a casing of the remote operation device, a wireless communication module disposed on a first surface of the main board and including an antenna, a control circuit disposed on the first surface of the main board and performing a remote operation process through wireless communication, at least one ground pattern disposed on a second surface of the main board, and a matrix circuit of remote operation keys disposed on the second surface of the main board.

Abstract: A remote control device comprising a motion detector consisting of a single accelerometer, means for receiving data from the motion detector and mapping the received motion detector data to at least one user instruction, and means for transmitting a signal indicative of the at least one user instruction.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products disclose a remote control device that controls multiple consumer electronics devices based on orientation.

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: The present invention relates to a door drive, in particular a garage door drive, with a door control and with a programming unit for programming the door control during operation and/or maintenance of the door drive. In accordance with the invention, the programming unit is configured as an external device, wherein for operation and/or maintenance of the door drive a data transmission connection can be established between the programming unit and the door control.

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: A system and method for controlling power windows of a vehicle includes a receiver mounted on the vehicle for receiving an open window request signal wirelessly from a portable device, at least one exterior condition sensor mounted on the vehicle for detecting an adverse exterior condition relative to the vehicle, and a controller mounted on the vehicle for communicating with the receiver and the at least one exterior condition sensor. The controller commands opening of the one or more power windows when the receiver receives the open window request signal provided the at least one exterior condition sensor does not detect an adverse exterior condition relative to the vehicle.

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 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: A remote control system is disclosed. The remote control system includes a remote control transmitter module for transmitting a learning signal or a functional signal, and a remote control receiver module in a host for receiving the learning signal or the functional signal wherein the remote control receiver module operates in a learning mode upon a receipt of the learning signal or controls the host to operate functions according the functional signal. When the remote control receiver module operates in the learning mode the remote control receiver module is configured to verify and store the learning signal for recognizing an identity of the remote control transmitter module.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is designed so that a change in state of the operation key leads to a predetermined processing operation. In the electronic apparatus, a first detector detects operation keys being touched among a plurality of operation keys. A second detector detects an operation key being subjected to an operation of changing the state thereof among the operation keys. A device of notification signal generation generates a notification signal for providing the user with an explanation about processing corresponding to the operation key currently touched based on a detection result of the first detector. A first control device brings a hardware module and/or a software module, which corresponds to the operation key subjected to the change of the state thereof to an operation of changing a state is performed, into an execution state. The operation keys may be formed on a remote control transmitter.

Abstract: A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a remote-controlled device is disclosed. Programming codes for the remote-controlled device may be transferred from an original remote control using a programming interface. The transfer may be performed directly with the URC. The transfer may also be performed using consumer-premises equipment of a multimedia content distribution network. The URC may be configured to use at least one of the programming codes to remotely control the remote-controlled device.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for configuring operation of a remote control by a display device. In one embodiment a method includes detecting user selection of an input of the display device and determining a command for the remote control based on the user selection of the input, wherein the command identifies a configuration for the remote control. The method further includes transmitting the command to the remote control, by the display device, for configuration of the remote control, wherein the configuration specifies operation of the remote control with one or more devices associated with the input.

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: An electronic device (1) which is remote controllable has a conversion table storing unit (31) for holding a conversion table for converting an incompatible control signal that does not support the electronic device (1) into a compatible control signal that supports the electronic device (1), an input receiving unit (32) for receiving the input of the incompatible control signal based on the output of an incompatible remote control (4) that does not output the compatible control signal, a conversion unit (33) for converting the incompatible control signal the input of which has been received by the input receiving unit (32) into the compatible control signal according to the conversion table, and a control unit (34) for controlling the electronic device (1) according to the compatible control signal converted by the conversion unit (33).

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 voice-activated command and control system for remotely-controlled vehicles includes a voice-activated control module, a microphone, and a verbal or visual feedback indicator such as a speaker. The operator speaks instructions into the microphone to activate control functions on the vehicle. Confirmation of receipt and/or status of the verbally commanded instructions are sent back to the operator such as spoken through the speaker. The microphone and speaker can be implemented, for example, either in a headset (with a microphone and earphones) worn by the operator, or in the hand-held controller for the vehicle. The system can be alternately implemented without the speaker or other feedback element.

Abstract: A slide actuated key fob includes a housing having a transmitter disposed therein and at least one slide actuated button disposed on the housing. The transmitter sends an actuating signal when the at least one slide actuated button is slidably moved in a first direction and subsequently depressed in a second direction.

Abstract: A multimedia assembly with a programmable universal remote control unit, which is configured to “learn” remote control codes from original remote control units, and which provides that remote control signals are transmitted from original remote control units to the control unit where they are analyzed, decoded, and newly encoded; and wherein newly encoded signals are then transmitted from the control unit to the universal remote control unit that is to be programmed, where they are stored in a memory.

Abstract: A remote control method includes: grouping a plurality of apparatuses to respond to a command from a single remote controller at the same time; broadcasting, by the remote controller, a command corresponding to an operation; receiving, by each of the plurality of apparatuses, the command and judging whether the received command is addressed to a group to which the apparatus itself belongs; and executing, when it is judged by each of the plurality of apparatuses that the received command is addressed to the apparatus itself, processing corresponding to the command.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate text input. In response to an ambiguous editing input at a location preceding at least a portion of an output word, the software performs one disambiguation operation with respect to the editing input and another disambiguation operation with respect to the editing input in combination with the at least portion of the output word. The results are output in order of decreasing frequency value, with the results of the one disambiguation operation having the portion of the output word appended thereto.

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: An expanding operating device has a first connector, a second connector and a sensor. The first connector has a first shape physically and electrically connectable with a connector provided with an operating device. Thus, by connecting the first connector to the connector of the operating device, the expanding operating device can be used with the operating device as a single unit, which eventually adds the sensor to the operating device. On the other hand, the second connector has a second shape connectable with a connector with the first shape. This allows a connector conventionally connected to the connector of another operating device to be also connected with the second connector. Accordingly, if the connector of another device is connected to the second connector in a state that the first connector is connected to the connector of the operating device, the another device is eventually connected to the operating device via the expanding operating device.

Abstract: A method for setting up a Remote Control is described. In one step (1) a configuration mode is entered. In another step an identifier entry is accepted (3). In case that the identifier is a brand-id the remote control scans though code-sets corresponding to the brand by sending a remote control signal (7), checking for a user reaction (8), testing further remote control signals of a user selected code-set (9) and checking for a user approval of the selected code-set (10) and wherein the step of scanning is repeated until a user approval is entered. Lastly the remote control installs the user approved code-set (13). In case that the identifier is a code-set-id the remote control sends a remote control signal of the corresponding code-set (7), checks for a user reaction (8), tests further remote control signals of the code-set (9) and checks for a user approval of the code-set Moreover the invention describes a Remote Control that is capable of performing the previously described steps.

Abstract: There is provided an operation terminal including a mouse which has a spherical object, an electric power acquisition section which has a piezoelectric element and also converts energy generated by rotation of the spherical object by a force applied by a user into energy for striking the piezoelectric element, and a capacitor section which acquires and accumulates electric power generated by striking the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a remote controller apparatus including: preset holding means for holding, per preset code, preset information representative of correspondence between buttons of a plurality of trial-targeted remote controllers on the one hand, and an output signal given when each of the buttons is pushed on the other hand; evaluation value creating means for counting, out of the preset information held in the preset holding means, the number of preset codes of which the output signal is the same for each of the pushed buttons, before setting the largest count as an evaluation value of the button in question; and button presenting means for presenting as a trial button the button of which the evaluation value is the smallest.

Abstract: Various mechanisms are described for indicating to a user a low battery condition of a remote control for a controlled device. More particularly, a remote control detects a low battery condition as well as the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The remote control transmits a low battery message to a controlled device responsive to detecting a low battery condition. The remote control refrains from transmitting one or more subsequent low battery messages to the controlled device prior to detection of replacement of batteries. The remote control transmits a battery status message to the controlled device responsive to detecting the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The controlled device utilizes the low battery message and the battery status message to determine whether to present a low battery indicator to a user regarding a low battery condition of the remote control.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating an actuator having an energy storage for supplying the actuator, an integrated circuit for controlling the energy supply from the energy storage to the actuator and an antenna device. Additionally, an interface module that is configured as a separate unit relative to the integrated circuit is connected to the antenna device for the contactless transmission of energy for the energy storage and of data for a communication with the integrated circuit.

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: An apparatus, such as a database or a processor/memory combination of a remote control system, for supplying for example infrared codes defining functions for remotely controlling devices wherein code-sets include function-code-combinations for each one of two/more different functions. By distinguishing main-functions such as power on/off and sub-functions such as channel up/down and volume up/down, code-sets may be allocated to a group of code-sets for a target device in case a code of a function-code-combination for the main-function is valid for the target device. This increases an efficiency of the apparatus. The group of code-sets may form a tree, whereby the main-function and its code(s) form root of the tree, whereby a sub-function forms a branch of the tree and a code or cedes defining this sub-function form a leaf or leaves of the branch. The group of code-sets may be defined for device-types and/or device-brands.

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: 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.