Transmitter For Remote Control Signal Patents (Class 341/176)
  • Patent number: 8344859
    Abstract: A method of changing an association of a remote control device from a first electronic device to a second electronic device is presented. In the method, a command for an electronic device is generated and transmitted by the remote control device. At this point, the remote control device is associated with the first electronic device to control the first electronic device, and the remote control device is not associated with the second electronic device. If an acknowledgment of the command is not received, a request to associate the remote control device with another electronic device is transmitted. A reply to the request is then received from the second electronic device. In response to the reply, the remote control device is disassociated from the first electronic device and associated with the second electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Reams, Nathan Alexander Hale, Jeremy Mickelsen, David A. Innes
  • Patent number: 8346663
    Abstract: A method and system of smart card banking utilizes a contactless communication interface, such as infrared or a wireless or radio frequency interface, including, for example, a proximity interface. A contactless communication is initiated for a smart card user between a smart card application and the on-line system of a financial institution, such as a bank, the system verifies authorization for the communication, the information is communicated for the user to the on-line system. The contactless communication is initiated, and the information is communicated, for example, between a contactless interface transceiver of a personal data assistant, into which the smart card is inserted, and the contactless interface transceiver of an on-line terminal. Alternatively, the contactless communication is initiated, and the information is communicated between a contactless interface transceiver of the smart card and the contactless interface transceiver of the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Citicorp Development Center, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Kawan
  • Publication number: 20120326910
    Abstract: A processing system includes transmitter module, receiver module, and a demodulating module. The transmitter module comprises transmitter circuitry and is configured to simultaneously transmit a first transmitter signal with a first transmitter electrode and a second transmitter signal with a second transmitter electrode. The first transmitter signal includes a combination of a first heterodyne frequency and a carrier frequency. The second transmitter signal comprises a combination of a second heterodyne frequency and the carrier frequency. The receiver module comprise receiver circuitry and is configured to receive a first resulting signal with a receiver electrode, wherein the first resulting signal comprises first effects corresponding to the first transmitter signal and second effects corresponding to the second transmitter signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kirk Hargreaves, Adam Schwartz, Joseph Kurth Reynolds, Clyde Washburn
  • Publication number: 20120326911
    Abstract: An electrical device wearable on a body of a user includes a first detector, a second detector, and a mode switch. The first detector detects whether the electrical device is worn on the body. The second detector is mountable on a surface of a first portion of the body and detects whether the first portion is in contact with or separated from a second portion of the body based on whether a closed loop conducting path is formed with the first portion and the second portion. The mode switch switches an operation mode of the electrical device to a lower power consumption mode when the first detector detects that the electrical device is not worn on the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji NIWA, Isao Aichi
  • Patent number: 8339304
    Abstract: A remote control signal generation device for converting a primary remote control signal compliant to one code system into a secondary remote control signal compliant to another code system, includes an exterior member having shape and size suitable for being held in a battery holder, instead of one of the plural number of batteries, a converter section, responsive to the exterior member being held in the battery holder to convert the supplied voltage into an output voltage corresponding to the rated electromotive force, a primary remote control signal detection section for detecting the primary remote control signal, a signal code conversion processing section for generating the secondary remote control signal compliant to the another code system corresponding to the primary remote control signal detected by the primary remote control signal detection section, and a secondary remote control signal transmission section for transmitting the secondary remote control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yukio Yokozawa
  • Patent number: 8334758
    Abstract: A local interconnect network BUS remote control system, including a printed circuit board antenna for receiving wireless communications signals and transmitting them to at least one radio frequency module, the printed circuit board antenna including a digital layer; a power layer; a ground layer; a radio frequency layer; at least one radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, the at least one frequency module in communication with the printed circuit board antenna for demodulating the wireless communication signals into local interconnect network signals; a local interconnect network BUS in communication with the at least one frequency module for receiving the local interconnect network signals; and a local interconnect network controller in communication with the local interconnect network BUS for receiving the local interconnect network signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Flextronics Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Baruco, Victor Rabinovich, Yaroslaw Matkiwsky, Tom Bednarchuk
  • Patent number: 8334798
    Abstract: There are provided a remote control unit configurable to be used to control a plurality of devices together with corresponding methods to use the remote control. Advantageously, the transmission of both master IR signals and an illumination beam from the remote control unit is adjustable for varying a field of coverage of the master IR signals, with at least one of the plurality of devices within the field of coverage receiving the master IR signals allowing the at least one of the plurality of devices to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Jiun Pink Tai
  • Patent number: 8330638
    Abstract: A remote control for a wireless load control system comprises a housing having a length and a width slightly smaller than the length and the width of an opening of a standard faceplate, respectively, such that the housing is adapted to be received within the opening of the standard faceplate. The remote control comprises a controller, a radio-frequency transmitter coupled to the controller, and a battery coupled to provide power to the controller and the radio-frequency transmitter, which are all contained within the housing. The remote control may be provided with multiple mounting means. For example, the remote control may be coupled to a lanyard, clipped to a car visor, rested on a table top, or mounted to a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Altonen, Edward M. Felegy, Jr., Elliot G. Jacoby, Gregory M. Snyder
  • Patent number: 8330776
    Abstract: An appliance according to the present invention is operative under instructions from a plurality of control units, which includes a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit outputs a first control signal to the appliance to instruct the appliance to perform a predetermined operation. The second control unit outputs a second control signal to the appliance to instruct the appliance to perform the predetermined operation. The appliance includes a receiving section that receives the first and second control signals and an image control section that changes sizes of a particular image to be presented during the predetermined operation depending on whether the receiving section has received the first control signal or the second control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Tamio Nagatomo
  • Patent number: 8330584
    Abstract: An inexpensive remote control that provides an easy means to block the function of trouble-prone keys. In one embodiment, the user presses the selected key for a short time to place that key into the locked mode. In another embodiment, the user presses a LOCK key and then presses the selected key to place that key into the locked mode. To change the key back to the unlocked mode, the same process is repeated. A LED can flash when a locked key is pressed to alert the user that the key is locked. Means to automatically lock a preferred set of keys and means to unlock all keys can also be provided. A key's function is blocked by either not sending a signal from the remote or by sending a unique lock code. No changes to components or manufacturing processes of existing remotes or controlled devices are needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: John Pfanstiehl
  • Patent number: 8330639
    Abstract: A remote controller for toys includes a user interface which applies the low-cost capacitive sensing method with the remote controller. Users can touch and/or drag on a remote controller surface by fingers to remotely control the movement of R/C cars, planes, helicopters or a boat. The remote controller is essentially a flat faced unit and there is no need for protruding control sticks or pushbuttons. This controller is applicable to different types of remote control toys with digital proportional control on speed and steering control. The remote controller is a symmetric product design whereby the controller is easily operable with left and right hand conventions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Silverlit Limited
    Inventors: Kwok Leung Wong, Ka Ho Ng
  • Patent number: 8325022
    Abstract: A method and system for remotely controlling a device by using a remote control device and a soft remote control or device skin. The remote control device can be used to send commands to a soft remote control or device skin running as an application on a host device. The device skin incorporates soft control commands that can be used to remotely control an electronic device. The soft control commands are interpreted and forwarded by the host device to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Louis Lippincott
  • Patent number: 8325078
    Abstract: A controller for remotely controlling an installer/remover of electrical equipment with a body connected to a lid, two L-shaped opposing face plates in the body, a battery beneath a first face plate along with a timer circuit board and a plurality of relays. The controller can include a circuit breaker, a power on/off switch for energizing the timer circuit board, a plug for providing current, a plug with transmission means to provide power and control signals to the installer/remover of electrical equipment, a remove momentary push button, and an install/momentary push button. The controller can also include a current controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Finley Lee Ledbetter, Ashley Ledbetter
  • Publication number: 20120299761
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: MOXA INC.
    Inventors: Chien Lung Tung, Kuan Wei Cheng
  • Patent number: 8314729
    Abstract: A remote control having a touch-sensitive key pad, an energy store, a transmitter, two plates joined together on which these are arranged, and a position sensor which provides an on/off function depending on its position or orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: FM Marketing GmbH
    Inventor: Ferdinand Maier
  • Patent number: 8314728
    Abstract: A remote control system includes a remote control receiver storing an operation code controlling an electronic device, and a remote control transmitter operable to store a received operation code. The remote control receiver is operable to read the stored operation and to transmit the read operation code to the remote control transmitter. The remote control transmitter is operable to store the transmitted operation code, and to transmit the stored operation code to the remote control receiver according to operation on the operation unit. The remote control receiver is operable to control the electronic device according to the operation code transmitted from the remote control transmitter. The remote control system remotely controls the electronic device reliably with simple operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takuma Besshi, Tsutomu Yamagiwa, Takaya Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8310391
    Abstract: An electronic device (1) constitutes a remote control system (100) together with a remote control device (3) and at least one controlled device (2/2?), and the electronic device (1) includes: a first reception section (20) that receives, from the remote control device, a direct command signal (7/7?) broadcasted to the electronic device and the controlled device; a second reception section (23) that receives, from the controlled device, an indirect command signal (8) having been generated by the controlled device according to the direct command signal having been received from the remote control device; and a control section (10) including signal selecting means (31) that selects one intended command signal to which a response is needed from a signal group according to a predetermined rule, the signal group consisting of the direct command signal having been received by the first reception section and the indirect command signal having been received by the second reception section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsunori Nojima, Yohei Iwami, Minehiro Konya, Azusa Umemoto, Katsuo Doi, Masafumi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8306096
    Abstract: A method for interference reduction is described. A sampling frequency is selected for a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) so that images within a DAC output signal do not interfere with one or more receivers. A sample rate is adjusted of an input signal that is provided to the DAC to match the sampling frequency for the DAC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Hemanth Sampath, Christian Holenstein, Jeremy Huei Lin, Tamer Adei Kadous, Thomas Domenick Marra
  • Patent number: 8305199
    Abstract: A wireless remote control device for controlling an electronic device includes a switch module, a wireless transmission module, a wireless receiving module and a control module. The switch module receives a DC voltage and outputs a first control signal. The wireless transmission module receives the first control signal and encodes the first control signal to output an encoded first control signal. The wireless receiving module receives the encoded first control signal and decodes the encoded first control signal to output a decoded first control signal. The control module receives the decoded first control signal and outputs a second control signal to turn on/off or reset the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yan-Hui Wu, Ya-Jun Pan, Song-Lin Tong
  • Patent number: 8305251
    Abstract: A wireless remote control system is provided. This system includes a remote controller, plural detectors, and a decision module. The detectors are used for detecting the frequency a wireless signal emitted by the remote controller and respectively generate a detecting result. Based on at least one frequency difference between the detecting results, the decision module determines how the remote controller is moving and thereby generates a control signal. Because the decision module needs no knowledge of the frequency of the emitted wireless signal, the wireless remote controller has the advantages of small size, low cost, and low power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventor: Tzi-Dar Chiueh
  • Patent number: 8305250
    Abstract: An apparatus for remote-controlling an auxiliary device remote-controls easily the auxiliary device used with preset main devices in a conference, a seminar, a lecture, etc. The apparatus a main device remote controller configured to control setting components of the main device, an auxiliary device remote controller configured to control setting components of the auxiliary device, and a controller configured to receive and memorize a first control signal outputted from the main device remote controller, receive a second control signal outputted from the auxiliary device remote controller, and delivers the received first control signal or the second control signal to the main device or the auxiliary device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Jong Geol Lee
  • Patent number: 8305249
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: William R. Reams
  • Patent number: 8301270
    Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate home automation via a receiving device. In one embodiment, a home device manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The home device manager is configured to discover home devices and to obtain device control information from the discovered devices. The home device manager is further configured to, based on the obtained device control information, present a user interface operable by a user to specify commands for controlling a home device, receive a specified command, and control the home device by transmitting the specified command to the home device. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Eldon Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Gavin James Quail
  • Patent number: 8299953
    Abstract: A message transmitting signal comprised of a sequence of high level and low level pulses arranged to provide a message, such as the IR bit pattern output by a remote control device, is analysed. Distinct durations during which pulses are at a high level are formed into a first table and distinct durations during which the pulses are at low level are formed into a second table. An index is linked to the first and second tables, the index identifying the order, level and distinct duration of the pulses in the signal. The index can be categorised to identify the protocol of the message and can be used to recognise protocols and, in a universal remote control device, to generate message transmitting signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: EchoStar Global B.V.
    Inventor: Sieme Teuling
  • Patent number: 8299954
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a proxy remote control signal receiver device, first control data from a remote control device that is associated with a first device. The first control data is prevented from being received at a remote control signal receiver associated with the first device. The first control data is associated with execution of a first action at the first device. The method includes communicating the first control data from the proxy remote control signal receiver device to a proxy controller and receiving second control data from the proxy controller. The second control data is associated with execution of a second action at the first device that is different from the first action. The second control data is communicated to the first device via the proxy remote control signal receiver device. The incoming commands may be superseded with another command set destined for the second device or ignored based on the context of the incoming commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Lee Friedman
  • Patent number: 8284094
    Abstract: To easily ensure that appropriate recognition information is used. A remote control system (1) includes a DVR (13) and a remote control (11) that controls the DVR (13) via a wireless communication path. The remote control (11) which is one apparatus out of the DVR (13) and the remote control (11) obtains, by a wireless reception unit (114), recognition information used by the apparatus to uniquely recognize the other apparatus, via another communication path (a communication path through a TV (12)) different from the wireless communication path connecting the apparatus and the other apparatus. When a connected apparatus recognized via the wireless communication path is identified by the obtained recognition information, the remote control (11) sets, by a control circuit (115), the connected apparatus as the DVR (13) which is the other apparatus to enable communication with the connected apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Hamai, Yasushi Kojima, Junji Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8279103
    Abstract: A remote control device and a remote control method thereof are provided. The remote control method is adapted to a remote control device, which includes a sensing unit for generating remote controlling signals while shaking the remote control device. The remote control method includes the following steps. Firstly, a series of sensing signal is provided by the sensing unit. Next, a series of reference value is generated according to the series of sensing signal. Then, when to start/stop to store the series sensing signal is determined according to the series of reference value. Afterwards, the series of sensing signal is recognized for generating the remote controlling signal. Finally, the remote controlling signal is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Ko-Chien Chuang, Wei-Tsun Lee, Ching-Hui Chiu
  • Publication number: 20120242526
    Abstract: A bridge device, in communication with a smart device, functions to command one or more controllable appliances in response to communications received from the smart device. The bridge device also includes input elements by which the bridge device can be used to directly command common functional operations of the one or more controllable appliances. In this manner, common functional operations, such as volume control, playback pause/resume control, etc., may be made readily available without necessitating the use of the smart device, whilst the more sophisticated GUI provided by the smart device remote control app may be advantageously utilized when more complex or less frequently used command functions are to be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jesus Perez, Joven Jubilo, Rex Xu, Jeffrey Kohanek
  • Patent number: 8274255
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a multi-function remote control which is supplied power by a rechargeable battery. The multi-function remote control comprises a micro controller unit (MCU), a residual power display, a button unit, a current detector and a voltage detector. The MCU couples to the rechargeable battery and then charges or discharges the rechargeable battery. The current detector measures the current of the rechargeable battery and correspondingly outputs a current-value signal (Si) to the MCU. The voltage detector measures the voltage of the rechargeable battery and correspondingly outputs a voltage-value signal (Sv) to the MCU. Then, the MCU obtains the residual power of the rechargeable battery by means of analyzing the current-value signal (Si) and voltage-value signal (Sv), and then reveals the corresponding residual power by the residual power display. Whereby, the multi-function remote control might have functions of remote control, charging and revealing residual power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: TPV Electronics (Fujian) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu Hong Wu
  • Patent number: 8269663
    Abstract: A remote control system (1) comprises a plurality of controlled devices (100, 100a, etc.), a specifying means (101) for specifying one controlled device (100) that the user desires as a remote control target, and a control device (200) for remotely controlling the one controlled device according to first identification information for identifying the one controlled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiro Sotomaru
  • Patent number: 8269662
    Abstract: An information processing device that transmits and receives data to and from a device to which external devices are connected and that processes a signal transmitted from a remote control including buttons to which codes are allocated, the codes being different for each of the external devices, includes a storing unit configured to store, for each of the external devices, a table representing a relationship between the codes and the buttons; a generating unit configured to generate data of a graphical user interface in which a picture of the remote control and button names corresponding to the codes are located; and a control unit configured to perform, if a button included in the remote control to be used for issuing a command to change the button names has been operated, control such that the codes are changed while the table is referred to and that the button names are changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Miki Ueno, Tsuyoshi Oobayashi, Nobuo Motohashi, Toshihiko Suzuki, Ayumi Mizobuchi, Taro Takita, Kazunori Suto
  • Publication number: 20120229320
    Abstract: A nine-square virtual input system includes a nine-square virtual keyboard having multiple subsidiary nine-square grids. There is a main-location subsidiary nine-square grid, and each subsidiary nine-square grid has virtual keys corresponding to predefined symbols or user options respectively. A display device displays the virtual keyboard. A remote control controls the display device and has an input function key, a set of direction keys, and a set of digit keys. By pressing the input function key, the display displays the virtual keyboard in an OSD manner. By pressing the set of direction keys, an input focus is moved among the subsidiary nine-square grids, and then by pressing the set of digit keys to select a virtual key, the predefined symbol or user option corresponding to the selected virtual key is inputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Sunplus Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Siu-Leong Yu
  • Patent number: 8264332
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for demodulating a subcarrier tag signal in a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader is provided. The apparatus for demodulating the subcarrier tag signal in the RFID reader may include: an edge signal generation unit receiving a subcarrier tag signal and generating an edge signal with respect to the tag signal; an edge information extraction unit extracting edge information from the generated edge signal; and a decoding unit decoding the tag signal using the extracted edge information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Ji-Hoon Bae, Donghan Lee, Won Kyu Choi, Cheng-Hao Quan, Gil Young Choi, Jong-Suk Chae
  • Patent number: 8265617
    Abstract: A media transfer and control system that includes a handheld electronic device and an audio/visual system. The media transfer and control system provides for: (i) the transfer of media files between the handheld electronic device and the audio/visual system, (ii) the transmission of control commands from the handheld electronic device to the audio/visual system for controlling the function and operation of the audio/visual system through a user interface provided on the handheld electronic device, and (iii) the unsolicited transfer of media descriptive data between the handheld electronic device and the audio/visual system to create a synchronized global view on the handheld electronic device and/or the audio/visual system of all of the media content currently stored on and/or available through both the handheld electronic device and the audio/visual system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Mihal Lazaridis, Atul Asthana
  • Patent number: 8258993
    Abstract: A take-up pipe 1 is placed along an upper edge of a window of a building and is rotatably supported by side brackets 2R. An upper end of the screen having a weight bar attached to a lower end thereof, is fixed to the take-up pipe, so that the take-up pipe is rotated in forward and reverse directions by a motor 5 to wind up and down the screen. A light receiving unit 27 to receive a pulsed optical signal applied from a remote controller is mounted on the side bracket and is arranged so that it can be switched to two different orientations where the light receiving directions are symmetric with respect to a vertically downward direction and the phases are different from each other. By virtue of this, irrespective of the installation constraint of the electric roll screen, the remote-control of the electric roll screen can be effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Shinsei Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Inoue, Mutsumasa Funaishi
  • Patent number: 8253618
    Abstract: A remote controller is provided with: at least one first input unit that macro-controls predetermined remotely controlled devices including signal source devices; a plurality of second input units that select the signal source devices; a memory unit that stores a plurality of remote control codes for remotely controlling the remotely controlled devices; a transmitting unit that externally transmits the remote control codes; and a control unit that, when the first input unit is operated, outputs the remote control codes for remotely controlling the plurality of remotely controlled devices to the transmitting unit, and causes the transmitting unit to externally transmit the codes, wherein when the first input unit and one of the second input units are operated in a predetermined manner, a signal source device to be remotely controlled by the first input unit is changed to a signal source device that has been selected by the operated one of the second input units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Onkyo Corporation
    Inventors: Tadaharu Sunaga, Naoki Hamada, Yoshimichi Kawata, Takumi Tanaka, Hiroyuki Fukuma
  • Patent number: 8253545
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a remote control and a host. The remote control is for generating different wireless signals. The host communicates with the remote control. The host includes a processor, a control panel, and a receiving unit. The control panel is for generating different key signals. The control panel includes a key for generating a locking signal and an unlocking signal. The receiving unit is for transferring the different key signals from the control panel to control the processor, and further for transferring the different wireless signals from the remote control to control the processor. The processor disables the receiving unit according to the locking signal and enables the receiving unit according to the unlocking signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tao Wang
  • Patent number: 8248291
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus with remote control functions including an operating module, a control module and a transmitting module is disclosed. The operating module generates at least one operating signal. The control module is coupled to the operating module and generates at least one first control signal and at least one second control signal according to the operating signal. The transmitting module is coupled to the control module and transmits the first control signal and the second control signal. The first control signal is within a first frequency range, and the second control signal is within a second frequency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Princeton Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Peng-Feng Kao
  • Patent number: 8242947
    Abstract: A remote controller has at least one input switch, and transmits a signal based on a state of the input switch to a target object. A main electrode pair is arranged as the input device and is configured such that inter-electrode distance varies in accordance with a pressing force. Plural sub electrode pairs are each arranged at positions different from the main electrode pair and are configured such that inter-electrode distance varies in accordance with a pressing force. The signal processor monitors a capacitance value of the main electrode pair and the plural sub electrode pairs, and performs predetermined signal processing in accordance with the capacitance value that has been detected. A transmitter transmits a control signal in accordance with the capacitance value of the main electrode pair to the target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigehide Yano, Hiroshi Yamashita, Nobutaka Itakura
  • Patent number: 8237601
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows a device user who is within a sterile environment to interact remotely with a device physically located outside of the sterile zone. In one embodiment, the remote link is wireless and allows the operator to adjust critical controls without breaking the sterile environment. The remote device is designed to be sheathed in sterile sheaths and further designed, in one embodiment, to keep the remote control element from physically interacting with the patient and in some cases with the device operator. In one embodiment, the remote device operator interacts with the remote device verbally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Dunbar, Michael Reisenbichler, Scott N. Lockhart
  • Patent number: 8237600
    Abstract: A telephonic device includes at least one control element in the form of, or positioned in a configuration on the control device corresponding to, a part of a face. The control element performs a function of the device associated with the part of the face. In certain embodiments, the at least one control element is in the shape and/or position of a mouth for answering an incoming telephone call, placing an outgoing telephone call, activating a microphone, and/or performing mute/unmute functions. In additional embodiments, the at least one control element is in the shape and/or position of an eye for display of one or more stored numbers. In additional embodiments, the at least one control element is in the shape and/or position of an ear for adjusting volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: About Face Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Kimberly A. McRae
  • Patent number: 8232906
    Abstract: There are provided an image processing system and a control method thereof. The image processing system includes a control terminal which outputs control information for controlling an operation of at least one image processing apparatus according to a preset input through a wireless communication protocol, and a relay unit which converts the control information outputted from the control terminal into an infrared code and outputs the converted infrared code to the image processing apparatus, to control the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min-sup Kim
  • Publication number: 20120188112
    Abstract: An electronic device determines information for configuring control of the device by a remote, generates a matrix codes including the information, and transmits the matrix code to a display device. The remote then captures the displayed matrix code, decodes the information, and configures itself to control the electronic device. Configuration of the remote may include pairing, configuring selection elements of the remote, and so on. In some implementations, the electronic device may interact with another device and the information may be for configuring the remote to control the electronic device in the context of the other device. Additionally, in various implementations, the remote may transmit identifying information to the electronic device which may configure itself to further communicate with the remote utilizing such information. Moreover, in various implementations, the remote may capture matrix codes generated by other devices in order to configure the remote to control those devices as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Michael Beals, Henry Gregg Martch
  • Publication number: 20120188113
    Abstract: A remote control apparatus including: a storage unit for storing message set information constituting information about one or more message sets each including one or more messages including different control requests; a control unit for generating binary code data each corresponding to the one or more messages each corresponding to the different control requests; and a communication interface unit for transmitting the binary code data to a controlled apparatus, wherein transmitted and received data amounts are minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jeong-sik IN
  • Patent number: 8228224
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a first identification signal, where the first identification signal corresponds to a first control. The method also includes determining an active device function to which the first control corresponds, where the active device function is a first function of a first device when the first device is active and where the active device function is a second function of a second device when the second device is active. The method also includes triggering emission of an audible signal identifying the active device function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Philip Ted Kortum, Marc Andrew Sullivan, Jeffrey Lewis Brandt
  • Patent number: 8228225
    Abstract: A remote switch operator that is portable and lightweight with onboard power, relays, and potentiometers for controlling two or more remote units from a single remote switch operator in a watertight, explosion proof rugged housing. A method for operating the operator with electrical equipment is included. This operator allows a user to stand at least 25 feet away from an arc flash boundary with no user training needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventors: Finley Lee Ledbetter, Ashley Sue Ledbetter
  • Patent number: 8223060
    Abstract: A plurality of electric control units are connected to perform data-communication through a communication line. Each electric control unit comprises a recording means for recording data and a communication means, to control an operation of an object to be controlled. One of the plurality of electric control units determines whether it is possible to record data in the recording means, and records the data in the recording means when it determines that it is possible to record the data in the recording means. The “one of the plurality of electric control units” transmits the data to other electric control unit when it determines that it is not possible to record the data in the recording means. The “other electric control unit” receives the transmitted data and records it in own recording means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignees: Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kanazawa, Tatsuji Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8217809
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to input devices. In one embodiment, an input device comprises a sensor matrix having first and second pluralities of conductors, a plurality of first resistors, a voltage-applying mechanism configured to apply a selected voltage to each second conductor of the plurality of second conductors, a plurality of sensors, a scanning sensing circuit, and a wake-up sensing circuit. Each first resistor is connected in series between a first voltage and a conductor of the plurality of first conductors. Each sensor includes a switch in series with a matrix resistor, and each sensor is connected to one of the plurality of first conductors and one of the plurality of second conductors. The scanning sensing circuit is connected to each of the plurality of first conductors, and the wake-up sensing circuit is connected to each of the plurality of second conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Westhues, Paul Dietz
  • Patent number: 8217825
    Abstract: A remote controller, a method of setting an operating mode thereof, and a method of determining a host device. The remote controller includes an angle detection unit to set a direction of an end of the remote controller to be a reference axis if a manipulation is input, and to detect a rotational angle between the reference axis and the front end axis of the remote controller if the remote controller rotates, and a controlling unit to control the remote controller to operate in an operating mode corresponding to the rotational angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae-hyun Kim, Sung-han Lee
  • Patent number: RE43915
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jae Kyung Lee