Remote Control Patents (Class 348/14.05)
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Patent number: 8228224Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Philip Ted Kortum, Marc Andrew Sullivan, Jeffrey Lewis Brandt
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Patent number: 8208024Abstract: A surveillance and communication system is provided and includes two-way audio communication capabilities and a covert video acquisition system. In one embodiment, a system for acquiring video data within an environment is provided. The system includes a device having an image acquisition component, an audio acquisition component, and a speaker provided within an enclosure that is configured to be mounted to a portion of a user. The image acquisition component is configured to be utilized to acquire video data from a first viewpoint within the environment. A local data communication system is configured to receive an electrical signal indicative of video data from the image acquisition component. A surveillance component is fixed to a structure within the environment and configured to acquire video data from a second viewpoint within the environment that is elevated with respect to the first viewpoint.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventor: Craig A. Dischinger
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Patent number: 8203590Abstract: A video camera calibration system includes a video camera, having a fixed location and a variable viewing orientation with respect to a fixed object, and a video calibration target, integral with the fixed object and having a known position. The viewing orientation of the video camera can be adjusted by aligning the position of the video calibration target in a video image produced by the video camera.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Jeffrey Thielman, Jeffrey Lane
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Patent number: 8179418Abstract: A robotic system that can be used to treat a patient. The robotic system includes a mobile robot that has a camera. The mobile robot is controlled by a remote station that has a monitor. A physician can use the remote station to move the mobile robot into view of a patient. An image of the patient is transmitted from the robot camera to the remote station monitor. A medical personnel at the robot site can enter patient information into the system through a user interface. The patient information can be stored in a server. The physician can access the information from the remote station. The remote station may provide graphical user interfaces that display the patient information and provide both a medical tool and a patient management plan.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Intouch Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Timothy C. Wright, Fuji Lai, Marco Pinter, Yulun Wang
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Patent number: 8174557Abstract: A system for obtaining and displaying such images and environmental information from environments is disclosed, as well as a sensor device and a host configured for use in the system, the sensor device having camera assemblies, environmental sensors, and being connected to the host via a wireless communications link. Methods for obtaining and presenting the images and environmental information using system 100 are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Adaptive Methods, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Kieffer, James Wiggins, Barclay Roman, Peter Owen, Conrad Zeglin, Todd Stawarz
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Patent number: 8154381Abstract: A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Kohanek
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Patent number: 8144633Abstract: A method and system for designating an aural position of an audio stream in a collaboration environment. A plurality of icons corresponding to participants are displayed in a user interface. A moderator may move the icons from a first position in the user interface to a second position in the user interface. Upon moving an icon from a first position to a second position, an aural position identifier corresponding to the second position is generated and sent to a conference processor. The conference processor uses the aural position identifier to generate an outgoing audio stream that aurally positions the audio stream generated by the participant corresponding to the icon at the aural position. The outgoing audio stream is provided to the moderator, who uses a multi-channel capable device to perceive the audio stream at the designated aural position.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Avaya Inc.Inventors: John H. Yoakum, Tony McCormack, John Costello
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Publication number: 20120026276Abstract: The manner of measuring the location of user's eyesight fixation point on the computer screen surface based on illuminating the eye surface, monitoring the eye with a camera and analysing light reflecting from the pupil surface is characterized by the fact that sources of illumination are installed in the camera axis, and in corners of computer monitor and/or somewhere near them. This light is an infrared light and depending on features characteristic for the eyes of the user, sources of illumination are turned on or turned off in sequence or jointly, and then, constellations of reflections from pupil's surface are recorded in camera image, whereas the camera image is transferred to undergo processing by the computer and by software.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Andrzej Czyzewski, Bozena Kostek, Rafal Rybacki
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Patent number: 8102373Abstract: A hybrid device having a plurality of task-handlers corresponding to a function key uses a user interface method. The user interface method includes receiving information necessary to change priorities of the task-handlers corresponding to the function key; changing the priorities of the task-handlers based on the received information; and storing information regarding the changed priorities according to a predetermined application type.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Seong-ho Kwon
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Patent number: 8095370Abstract: A dual compression voice recordation non-repudiation system provides a voice recognition system that compresses voice samples for two purposes: voice recognition and human communication. The user navigates through menus displayed to a user through a television set using both voice commands and button presses on a remote control. The invention accepts voice samples from the remote control and compresses the voice sample for voice recognition while a copy of the voice sample is stored on a storage device. Compressed voice samples are sent to a Voice Engine that performs voice recognition on the voice sample to verify if it is from an authorized user from the consumer's household and determines the action required. If the command is to form a contractual agreement or make a purchase, the Voice Engine determines the merchant server that is appropriate for the action and sends the action request to the server.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: AgileTV CorporationInventor: Mark J. Foster
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Publication number: 20110310213Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a centralized communication hub at a user location for coordination of receiving/sending phone calls, SMS/MMS messages, and requests for video conferences to/from a display. A user may indicate that she wishes to receive a call/message by selecting an option on a remote control associated with the display. A microphone and/or camera connected to a gateway may provide audiovisual capabilities during a call. In a separate embodiment, the functionality of the communication hub may be split between two devices; one device detects incoming calls and a separate device routes the calls/messages to/from the appropriate gateway.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2010Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: Comcast Cable Communication, LLCInventor: Maurice Garcia
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Patent number: 8054328Abstract: A video phone communication system and method therefor are provided. The system includes a master phone device and at least one extension phone device. The master phone device is connected to the extension phone device through a wired or wireless communication way. The master phone device is used to conduct a voice/image communication with a communication partner, and transmit the voice/image signals of the communication partner to an extension phone device through the wired or wireless communication way. Thus, the image of the communication partner is displayed on a display of the extension phone device. Through the application of the video phone communication system and method of the application, the contents and range of the image displayed can be increased, thus fulfilling the requirements of mobility and multi-party communications in the phone communication.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Inventec Multimedia & Telecom CorporationInventors: Gwo-Hwa Shiue, Ming-Hui Huang, Han Cheng
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Patent number: 8054854Abstract: A network of devices with remote control includes a network interconnecting two or more networked devices and a wireless remote control unit for communicating with one or more of the networked devices. The remote control unit stores an interface for one or more of the networked devices so that the networked devices can be controlled with the remote control unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Poslinski
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Patent number: 8044990Abstract: A teleconferencing system includes: a camera system for imaging a plurality of persons; a voice collector for capturing voices generated by a plurality of persons; and a transmitter for multiplexing an image signal acquired from the camera system and a voice signal acquired from the voice collector and transmitting a multiplexed signal via a communication line. The camera system includes: a camera; a driver for changing the viewing direction of the camera; and a camera controller for controlling the driver. The camera controller includes: a face position detection unit; a registration unit; a timing unit; a drive control unit; and a hold time control unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Takayoshi Kawaguchi
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Publication number: 20110242269Abstract: A television system, comprising: a television set including a display and an input adapted to receive a television signal and a video conferencing signal, wherein the display is configured to display a television picture corresponding to the television signal and further configured to display a video conferencing picture of a video conference, the television set further including a first speaker adapted to output a audio signal of the video conference and a television sound signal included in said television signal, the television set further including a first microphone adapted to be used for said video conference; a remote control adapted to control the television set and including a second speaker and a second microphone; wherein the first speaker is adapted to output said audio signal and/or said television sound signal depending on a video conferencing mode; and wherein the second speaker is adapted to be switched on or off depending on said video conferencing mode; and wherein the first and second microType: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: Sony CorporationInventors: Rolf Nöthlings, Carsten Merkle
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Patent number: 8031175Abstract: Sensors around the periphery of the remote control unit detect contact with the user's hand. A trained model-based pattern classification system analyzes the periphery sensor data and makes a probabilistic prediction of the user's hand size. The hand size is then used to control a mapping system that defines how gestures by the user's thumb upon a touchpad of the remote control unit are mapped to the control region upon a separate display screen.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Luca Rigazio, David Kryze, Philippe Morin, Masaki Yamauchi
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Patent number: 8022933Abstract: An input system for a TV remote control or other system has a single touch surface with a deformable haptic assembly below the touch surface such that a user placing a finger on the touch surface can feel deformation of the haptic assembly. A pressure sensing assembly is below the haptic assembly and sensing motion of a finger on the touch surface, with a processor receiving input from the pressure sensing assembly and providing output to the haptic assembly in response. Also, a display receives input sent by the processor in response to input from the pressure sensing assembly to cause the display to present a changing image of a keypad as a user moves a finger on the touch surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventors: Robert Hardacker, James Amendolagine
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Patent number: 8019175Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for region-of-interest (ROI) processing for video telephone (VT) applications. According to the disclosed techniques, a recipient device defines ROI information for video information transmitted by a sender device, i.e., far-end video information. The recipient device transmits the ROI information to the sender device. Using the ROI information transmitted by the recipient device, the sender device applies preferential encoding to an ROI within a video scene. In this manner, the recipient device is able to remotely control ROI encoding of far-end video information by the sender device.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Yen-Chi Lee, Khaled Helmi El-Maleh, Ming-Chang Tsai
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Patent number: 8014768Abstract: A system and method is provided for remotely controlling and interacting with a multimedia device using a mobile phone. This is accomplished by utilizing cell and mobile phones capable of establishing persistent Internet connections. A software application is provided for the mobile phone which receives inputs entered by a user on the mobile phone's keypad and translates the inputs into commands that are recognized by a multimedia device. For example, the multimedia device may be a television, set top box, or a digital video recorder such as a Tivo or ReplayTV. The software application transmits the data input by the user to the device, either directly, or through at least one central server. Mapping of the commands entered on the mobile phone into commands recognized by the remote device may occur on the phone, at a central server, or at the device itself.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Jonathan Ackley
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Patent number: 8010211Abstract: An appliance configured to perform a physical operation on an article, using a resource, includes a process control apparatus to control a cycle of the physical operation, and a service interface in communication with the process control apparatus and configured to receive a consumable holder. The service interface has at least one coupling point for conveying the consumable from a consumable holder to the appliance.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Michael S. Hendrickson, Joel A. Luckman, Richard A. McCoy
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Patent number: 7999794Abstract: A processing device of a universal controlling device is programmed to distinguish between a first input type provided to a touch-sensitive surface and a second input type provided to the touch-sensitive surface. In response to the touch-sensitive surface being provided the first input type which is indicative of a static touch made upon the touch-sensitive surface the processing device causes a transmitter to transmit first data representative of the static touch made upon the touch-sensitive surface. In response to the touch-sensitive surface being provided the second input type which is indicative of a moving touch made across the touch-sensitive surface, the processing device causes the transmitter to transmit second data being representative of the moving touch made across the touch-sensitive surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.Inventor: Craig M. Janik
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Patent number: 7978215Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for methods, devices and systems for setting up an agent shortcut operation to be activated at an electronic device in a network. The agent shortcut operation can be setup at an electronic device connected to a network by receiving a selection of an agent shortcut operation from a user on an agent setup device, and sending the selected agent shortcut operation through the network to the electronic device to be available for subsequent activation. The agent shortcut operation can be activated by sending an agent shortcut operation to the electronic device, receiving an activation signal from an agent activation device for the agent shortcut operation, and in response to the received activation signal, sending a signal to the electronic device to activate the agent shortcut operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventor: Keith Kocho
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Patent number: 7969514Abstract: A system and method for enabling set up of a controlling device capable of controlling a plurality of appliances, via an interactive instruction set and associated programming. The programming is accessible by a STB or other controllable appliance and is configured to appropriately display interactive instructions and prompts to a user during a user initiated set up procedure for configuration of another controllable device (e.g., DVD, VCR, DVR, etc.) available to the user. Appropriate set up data, generally in the form of command library codes, is displayed to the user by the interactive instruction set and associated programming for entry and trial by the user in set up of the desired appliance(s).Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.Inventors: Joseph Lee Haughawout, Patrick H. Hayes
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Patent number: 7953019Abstract: Channel switching for a receiver for digital broadcasting includes identifying pilot data from a digital broadcasting signal. The pilot data is stored in a memory. Channel switching is performed at least based on the stored pilot information.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Soo-Young Yang
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Patent number: 7948513Abstract: A method for providing a videoconferencing service between two fourth generation wireless terminal types including cellular or wireless mobile and fixed terminals, said fixed terminals to include television receivers with a 4G wireless interface, each terminal employing a video camera, a microphone and loudspeaker. All terminal types will be rendered parametrically compatible by use of subscriber tables which identify called terminal parameters and which contain a class of service sequence which identifies the originating terminal's parameters wherein said class of service sequence is sent to the receiving terminal in an alternate caller ID along with selection characters which cause direct routing to the receiving terminal. The called subscriber may opt out of a video send mode by sending a “canned” video frame advising the caller that video is not available.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Inventors: Alfred G. Rockefeller, A. Zeki Erdin
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Patent number: 7932959Abstract: A docking adapter that interacts with an entertainment system and a parallel television device. The docking adapter may comprise a housing shaped for removable insertion of the parallel television device. The docking adapter may deliver power to the parallel television device. The docking adapter may comprise a communication pathway that carries media flow disposed on the housing. At least one module may receive a user input identifying a video selection. The communication pathway may carry the user input to the parallel television device. The parallel television device may generate a control signal that causes display of video information corresponding to the video selection on the entertainment system. The docking adapter may alternately or in addition receive the video information for display on a built-in screen of the docking adapter. The docking adapter may also deliver the video for display on a screen of the parallel television device.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: James D. Bennett, Jeyhan Karaoguz
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Patent number: 7928958Abstract: Upon receipt of an IR code from a remote controller, a peripheral device control apparatus generates, on the basis of peripheral device control information acquired from a server, a code for causing a peripheral device, which is an object of remote control by the control apparatus, to perform an operation as instructed by the received IR code, and then the control apparatus outputs the generated code as an IR code via an infrared ray generation section. In this way, the peripheral device control apparatus can readily control any one of a plurality of types of peripheral devices, in response to a user just giving an operation signal to a single input section.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Tadashi Sugiyama, Toshifumi Oba, Tatsuya Fukuyama
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Patent number: 7928834Abstract: A device for providing a representation of the presence state of a remote party, the device being responsive, when the presence state of a remote party changes, to move from a first mechanical configuration to a second mechanical configuration, the device preferably comprising a puppet portion in the form of a humanoid which can be moved between a standing and another position.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Schulze & Webb Ltd.Inventors: Jack Schulze, Matthew William Webb
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Patent number: 7911543Abstract: A remote control for a digital video recorder includes an integrated display screen configured to display a recording list including programs scheduled to be recorded.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: ARRIS Group, Inc.Inventors: Paul G. Allen, James A. Billmaier
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Patent number: 7907222Abstract: A system and method for enabling set up of a controlling device capable of controlling a plurality of appliances, via an interactive instruction set and associated programming. The programming is accessible by a STB or other controllable appliance and is configured to appropriately display interactive instructions and prompts to a user during a user initiated set up procedure for configuration of another controllable device (e.g., DVD, VCR, DVR, etc) available to the user. Appropriate set up data, generally in the form of command library codes, is displayed to the user by the interactive instruction set and associated programming for entry and trial by the user in set up of the desired appliance(s).Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.Inventors: Joseph Lee Haughawout, Steve LanPing Huang, Patrick H. Hayes
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Publication number: 20110050841Abstract: A tele-presence system that includes a portable robot face coupled to a remote station. The robot face includes a robot monitor, a robot camera, a robot speaker and a robot microphone. The remote station includes a station monitor, a station camera, a station speaker and a station microphone. The portable robot face can be attached to a platform mounted to the ceiling of an ambulance. The portable robot face can be used by a physician at the remote station to provide remote medical consultation. When the patient is moved from the ambulance the portable robot face can be detached from the platform and moved with the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: Yulun Wang, Charles S. Jordan, Marco Pinter, Daniel Steven Sanchez, Kevin Hanrahan
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Patent number: 7856112Abstract: The present invention discloses an inventive microphone assembly for desktop communication systems. It utilises the advantages of placing the microphone in a desktop conferencing system as close as possible to the tabletop surface, without exposing the microphone for unfavourable mechanical or acoustic influence. This is achieved by building it into the footing in front of system, in a mechanically controlled and robust way. In this way, the high frequency response can be controlled to optimise sound quality, and at the same time the microphone assembly can be configured as a flexible unit that easily can be re-used in other systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Tandberg Telecom ASInventors: Trygve Frederik Marton, Johan Ludvig Nielsen, Petter Muren
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Patent number: 7852416Abstract: A control device that interacts with an entertainment system. The entertainment system drives a speaker device. The control device has a user interface that receives a user input identifying an audio selection and a language. At least one module of the control device transmits a control signal adapted to cause playing of audio information corresponding to the audio selection in the language identified by the user input on the entertainment system. The entertainment system may in addition drive a plurality of speaker devices. The control device may receive an additional language selection and cause playing of the audio information in a plurality of languages corresponding to the additional language selection on the plurality of speaker devices. Also for example, the control device may drive a second plurality of speaker devices. The control device may be adapted to receive media guide information and/or language guide information and present such information to a user.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: James D. Bennett, Jeyhan Karaoguz
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Patent number: 7821505Abstract: A processing device of a universal controlling device is programmed to distinguish between a first input type provided to a touch-sensitive surface and a second input type provided to the touch-sensitive surface. In response to the touch-sensitive surface being provided the first input type which is indicative of an icon selection made upon the touch-sensitive surface the processing device causes a transmitter to transmit first data representative of the selected icon. In response to the touch-sensitive surface being provided the second input type which is indicative of a moving touch made across the touch-sensitive surface, the processing device causes the transmitter to transmit second data being representative of the moving touch made across the touch-sensitive surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.Inventor: Craig M. Janik
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Patent number: 7822409Abstract: A remote control system which can reliably provide desired control while saving power. A remote control apparatus is capable of carrying out two-way wireless communication with an apparatus to be controlled. A control signal corresponding to a key switch for remote control is repeatedly transmitted while the key switch is being operated. Repeated transmission of the control signal is inhibited in accordance with reception of a predetermined signal from the apparatus to be controlled.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masumi Ishiwatari
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Patent number: 7817141Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main body, a display screen mounted on the main body, a track ball, a light source, a camera module and a signal processor. The track ball has a reflecting pattern provided on an outer surface thereof and is rotatable relative to the main body. The light source is configured (i.e., structured and arranged) for illuminating the main body. The camera module is configured for receiving and converting the light reflected from the track ball into electronic image signals containing movement information of the reflecting pattern of the track ball. The signal processor is configured for controlling movement of a cursor on the display screen according to the movement information of the reflecting pattern of the track ball contained in the electronic image signals.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jen-Tsorng Chang
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Patent number: 7817017Abstract: The present invention may be used for selectively listening to multiple audio signal sources in a local area. Multiple audio signals from multiple audio signal sources may be combined in a wireless transmitter. The combined audio signals may be converted to an electromagnetic signal for transmission to multiple personal receivers. Each of the audio signal sources may be identified by a unique, visible channel designator. The electromagnetic signal may be received by the personal receivers and reconverted into each of the audio signals. The audio signals may be detected in the personal receivers to identify each to an audio signal source. A user may select a specific audio signal source for a personal receiver and the audio signal may be output to an earphone.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Inventors: Andrew J. Benun, Frederick Hohenadel, Daniel Haddon
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Patent number: 7806533Abstract: An optical system comprises a first image capture device for capturing an image of an observation area, a first display device, a semi-reflecting plate, a concave mirror disposed facing the first display device, and a second display device for displaying a background image. A light beam is scattered by the first display device through the semi-reflecting plate and then reflected by the mirror and the semi-reflecting plate in order to display an aerial image between the semi-reflecting plate and the observation area. A projector projects a light beam toward one of the display devices. The first image capture device is adapted to capture the image of the observation area via said one display device. A alternating control device alternates capture of an image of the observation area by the first image capture device and projection of the light beam projected by the projector.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: France TelecomInventors: Olivier Boute, Olivier Gachignard
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Patent number: 7782298Abstract: A user interface for multimedia centers advantageously utilizes hand-held inertial-sensing user input devices to select channels and quickly navigate the dense menus of options. Extensive use of the high resolution and bandwidth of such user input devices is combined with strategies to avoid unintentional inputs and with dense and intuitive interactive graphical displays.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Gregory C. Smith, Thomas J. Quinn, James J. Leftwich
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Patent number: 7733428Abstract: According to one embodiment, an audio-visual apparatus that has received operation information transmitted using infrared receives a response signal via a radio frequency from a remote controller set to a combination mode transmitting operation information using both infrared and a radio frequency. The remote controller that has received the response signal transmitted from the AV apparatus within a predetermined time is automatically set to a temporary infrared only mode transmitting operation information using infrared only in place of the combination mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2009Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Shojiro Sato
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Publication number: 20100128105Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for videoconferencing that allows video images from two or more cameras at the same site to be displayed as a single panoramic image. Accordingly, a conferencing endpoint having a single monitor can display the panoramic image of the two or more video images from an endpoint having multiple cameras, such as a telepresence endpoint. A sliding display area can be used to manually define a zoomed portion of the panoramic image to be displayed. Alternatively, the zoomed portion may be determined automatically. The zoomed portion may be changed during the course of the conference.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: POLYCOM, INC.Inventor: Avishay Halavy
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Patent number: 7721008Abstract: A method corrects channel change errors in a media center personal computer system. The media center personal computer system has a personal computer coupled to an infrared (IR) remote control device and a tuner card coupled to an output of an external tuner. The method determines when channel change instructions have been sent from the IR remote control device to the external tuner. It then determines whether an output from the external tuner is changing and if not, resends the channel change instructions from the IR remote control device to the external tuner upon determining that the output from the external tuner is not changing.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Matthew F. Brantley
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Patent number: 7714941Abstract: A control system includes a controlled apparatus adjusting its operation based on a control signal from an independently cased control apparatus. The controlled apparatus includes an indicator light projector projecting indicator light in an invisible wavelength region so that an exiting direction thereof has a known regularity and change over time, a response signal receiver receiving a response signal in response to light reception from the control apparatus having received the indicator light, a relative position recognizer recognizing a relative position of the control apparatus to its housing based on the response signal, and an adjuster performing predetermined adjustment based on the recognition.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Kunio Yoneno
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Patent number: 7710396Abstract: A user interface for multimedia centers advantageously utilizes hand-held inertial-sensing user input devices to select channels and quickly navigate the dense menus of options. Extensive use of the high resolution and bandwidth of such user input devices is combined with strategies to avoid unintentional inputs and with dense and intuitive interactive graphical displays.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Gregory C. Smith, Thomas J. Quinn, James J. Leftwich
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Patent number: 7703926Abstract: A briefing system is used to project images onto a projection screen to form a projection picture. The briefing system comprises a pointer, a projector and a computer electrically connected to the projector. The computer outputs an image signal to the projector. The projector projects an image corresponding to the image signal onto the projection screen to form the projection picture. The indicator is used to project an indication point. The projector also captures the image of the projection picture and the indication point and transfers the image to the computer. The computer then calculates a location where the cursor on the computer screen should reach according to the location of the indication point on the projection picture and moves the cursor on the screen to there.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Everest Display Inc.Inventors: Hei-Tai Hong, Yueh-Hong Shih
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Patent number: 7697605Abstract: A signal transmitting/receiving system and method, signal transmitting apparatus and method, signal processing apparatus and method, recording medium, and program are provided. A signal transmitting/receiving system includes a transmitter configured to transmit signals; and a receiver configured to receive the signals transmitted from the transmitter. The transmitter transmits signals using a first signal having an edge at a position that is 1/n from the beginning of a unit segment and a second signal having an edge at a position of (n?1)/n from the beginning of a unit segment, where n is an integer greater than or equal to three, one of the first signal and the second signal representing logic “0” and the other representing logic “1”. The receiver determines a signal type based on a length of an edge interval of either rising edges or falling edges of the signals received.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Masanori Machimura, Masaaki Hattori, Hiroto Kimura, Ryosuke Araki, Tetsujiro Kondo, Takashi Tago, Seiji Wada, Takashi Nakanishi
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Patent number: 7692628Abstract: A user interface for multimedia centers advantageously utilizes hand-held inertial-sensing user input devices to select channels and quickly navigate the dense menus of options. Extensive use of the high resolution and bandwidth of such user input devices is combined with strategies to avoid unintentional inputs and with dense and intuitive interactive graphical displays.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Gregory C. Smith, Thomas J. Quinn, James J. Leftwich
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Patent number: 7693316Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for displaying hologram of a mobile communication terminal. The present invention can create hologram from two-dimensional image by providing a hologram processing function for a mobile communication terminal and provide the hologram to a user. Further, the mobile communication terminal with the hologram processing function can perform medical diagnosis on a user, and thus can save a life by performing accurate medical diagnosis in emergency through hologram communication with an emergency center.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Pantech & Curitel Communications, Inc.Inventor: Tae Hyo Lee
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Patent number: 7688391Abstract: A control system includes a remote control apparatus and a controlled apparatus controlled by the remote control apparatus. The controlled apparatus is connected to first and second external apparatuses. The controlled apparatus includes a receiving unit and a control unit. The receiving unit receives a remote control signal from the remote control apparatus. The control unit (a) selects one of the first and second external apparatuses according to the remote control signal, (b) checks an operating state of the selected external apparatus before the controlled apparatus transmits a control command corresponding to the remote control signal to the selected external apparatus, and (c) controls the controlled apparatus to transmit the control command to the selected external apparatus if it is determined from the checked operating state that the control command can be transmitted to the selected external apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Keiji Sato
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Patent number: RE42288Abstract: A medical video-teleconferencing and treatment system, having a central video-conferencing station and one or more remote video-conferencing stations and a communications link establishing video-conferencing communication therebetween. A central video monitor and audio system is located at the central video-conferencing station, and a controller unit is coupled with the communications link. The remote video-conferencing stations each have a mobile emergency center cart including a remote video monitor and audio system and a video-conferencing camera controlled by the controller unit via the communications link and capable of responding to control signals of the controller unit for panning and zoom movement of said video-conferencing camera by a medical practitioner located at the central video-conferencing station.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Emtel, Inc.Inventor: Joseph J. Degioanni