Plural Electronic Devices Controlled Patents (Class 455/151.4)
  • Patent number: 11264018
    Abstract: A speech recognition engine is provided voice data indicative of at least a brand of a target appliance. The speech recognition engine uses the voice data indicative of at least a brand of the target appliance to identify within a library of codesets at least one codeset that is cross-referenced to the brand of the target appliance. The at least one codeset so identified is then caused to be provisioned to the controlling device for use in commanding functional operations of the target appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Lim
  • Patent number: 10223907
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for identifying protocols. In one aspect, a method includes comparing characteristics of a wireless signal received from a remote control to characteristics associated with a set of protocols. The method also includes assigning a score, based upon the comparison, to each protocol included in the plurality of protocols. The method also includes identifying a protocol from the set of protocols based upon the assigned scores. The identified protocol is substantially similar to a protocol associated with the wireless signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Rainer Brodersen, Stephanie Cinereski, Jack I-Chieh Fu
  • Patent number: 9407949
    Abstract: A device capable of being controlled by user commands transmitted from a remote control apparatus is disclosed. The device includes a signal receiving unit configured to continuously receive a plurality of same remote control signals from the remote controller which are each generated according to a manipulation of the remote controller for a predetermined unit time; and a control unit configured to perform a first control action corresponding to one remote control signal of the plurality of same remote control signals and neglect other remote control signals of the plurality of remote control signals, if the one of the plurality of same remote control signals is received, wherein if a subsequent remote control signal generated according to an additional manipulation of the remote controller within the predetermined unit time is received, the control unit is configured to perform a second control action corresponding to the received subsequent remote control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Byoung-chul Kim
  • Patent number: 9357303
    Abstract: A speaker apparatus includes: a speaker operable to emit a sound; a receiver operable to receive an operation signal for operating an external apparatus; a relay section; a storage operable to store correspondence between operation information and operation signals that includes a first operation signal and a second operation signal; and a controller: when the operation signal received by the receiver is the first operation signal, operable to cause the relay section to transmit the operation signal received by the receiver to the external apparatus, and operate the speaker apparatus in accordance with operation information that corresponds to the first operation signal; and when the operation signal received by the receiver is the second operation signal, operable to prevent the relay section from transmitting the operation signal received by the receiver to the external apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Masataka Ogawa, Takeshi Oishi, Koji Suzuki, Takamori Shimazu
  • Patent number: 8854245
    Abstract: A system and method for using an universal remote control to access extended operational functions of a device. A consumer causes the universal remote control to transmit a code data value selected from the library to a target device while observing the effect of the transmitted code data value on the target device. When the target device responds in a manner desired by the consumer, the consumer may tag the code data value that caused the desired effect and assign the tagged code data value to a programmable key on the universal remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kimthoa Thi Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8712365
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system that makes use of a mobile telephone (22) to which a user authorized to open a lock (28) has access. According to the invention, a remote management site (10) includes a database (12) of authorized users identified by the mobile telephone number thereof, as well as a data credential generator (14). The credentials are crypto acoustic credentials (CAC) in the form of single-use audio signals and are generated from digital data credentials (DDC) that are normally employed by the lock when the latter is used with a badge or a card. The system includes means (16, 18, 20) for securely transmitting the acoustic credentials to the user's telephone. The lock (22) picks up the acoustic credentials reproduced by the telephone pre-positioned near the lock and extracts the digital data credentials from the picked-up crypto acoustic credentials and, subsequently, the lock applies the thus-extracted digital data credentials to the analysis, authentication and control means of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Openways SAS
    Inventor: Pascal Métivier
  • Patent number: 8494370
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and method for determining the location of components in a data center. In one embodiment, a component locating system includes a lattice formed of interconnected hubs and rods. Each hub in the lattice computes its address relative to the address of a reference location, such as the location of an adjacent hub or of an origin hub defining the origin of a reference coordinate system. A plurality of optical transmitters is distributed along the lattice to transmit location information. Optical receivers mounted on top of the racks receive the location information and communicate the location information to rack-mounted components. The racks and rack-mounted components determine their locations from the location information and optionally transmit the location information to a central management server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Piazza
  • Patent number: 8401578
    Abstract: A selective cell phone text messaging function disabling system prevents a vehicle occupant from text messaging while driving. Other occupants of the vehicle can text message using their cell phones. The driver's cell phone text messaging functionality is turned off by a signal broadcasting system as the driver enters the vehicle through the driver-side door. When the driver exits the vehicle through the driver-side door, the cell phone resumes its texting capability, preserving text messaging functionality while the driver is not operating the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Inselberg
  • Patent number: 8311546
    Abstract: A wireless communication device for use in a noisy or harsh environment in connection with a cellular telephone is disclosed. The wireless communication device provides enhanced audio broadcasting capabilities for an operator of the device by providing a larger, more powerful speaker than that typically found in a cellular telephone. The apparatus of the present invention improves cellular telephone usage in the typically noisy and harsh environment found while operating a boat. The present apparatus further provides a half-duplex mode of communication to further reduce ambient noise experienced while using a cellular telephone in a noisy environment In another embodiment, the apparatus is connectable to a variety of external devices and is capable of operating the external devices and providing internet access for a variety of external devices through a cellular telephone connection In at least one embodiment, the present invention is connectable to any transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Cobra Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Wilfred Charles Boudreau, James Richard Johnson, Robert Edward Mudra, Christopher Steven deWaal
  • Patent number: 8233859
    Abstract: A technique to provide accurate and efficient transmit power control by providing offset values to modify a base input gain value for a gain control circuit used to set a transmit power gain in a mobile phone. The modified gain value compensates for a ripple offset and power level offset caused by a difference in operating temperature and operating frequency from values obtained during calibration at a calibration frequency and temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Huili Yu, Horace Ng
  • Patent number: 7917109
    Abstract: To make possible communication between a MOST network and an external receiver and an external transmitter, the MOST network is connected to an interface, which transforms data in the MOST standard into a standard suitable for the external receiver, and transforms data received from the external transmitter into the MOST standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Herman Becker Automotive System GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Becker, Dirk Lappe
  • Patent number: 7804858
    Abstract: A transmission ECU on a transmission side and reception ECUs on a reception side are connected through communication lines and junction connectors. A delay circuit is provided in each of the junction connectors on the side of the reception ECUs. One end of the delay circuit is connected to the communication line on the side of the transmission ECU and the other end of the same is connected to the communication line on the side of the reception ECU. The communication lines on the both ends of the delay circuit are grounded through termination resistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Tamai
  • Patent number: 7647031
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted receiver system includes a receiver apparatus that is controlled for receiving, in common, transmissions from a plurality of external devices such as a remote key, smart key, etc., having respectively different transmission frequencies. The receiving frequency at the current time is selected based on criteria such as the insertion/non-insertion status of the ignition key, or whether an interrogation signal has been transmitted to a specific external device so that a response transmission is be received from that device during a specific time interval and the receiving frequency is to be set accordingly during that specific interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Ryozo Okumura, Akihiro Taguchi
  • Patent number: 7099751
    Abstract: Drive-by-wireless vehicle control techniques use a wireless connection between a sensor module and a control module. An action by the driver of the vehicle is detected by the sensor module and communicated to the control module using a message sent using a wireless communication pathway. The control module directs the appropriate vehicle component based on the wireless message received. The vehicle identification number (VIN) that uniquely identifies the vehicle is used to identify a wireless message has been sent from a sensor module that is part of the vehicle. The use of the VIN to identify a wireless message that applies to a particular vehicle that has been assigned the same VIN may help ensure that the particular vehicle is directed only based on actions by the driver of the particular vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Mary K. DePrez, Rommel H. Racelis, Michael A. Crowder, Lawrence C. Wehner
  • Patent number: 6781519
    Abstract: A method for remotely controlling a vehicle audio system, which is controlled in accordance with an instruction from an infrared remote control unit, uses a radio frequency remote control unit to remotely control the vehicle audio system. A security system receives a command transmitted from the radio frequency remote control unit. In a security control mode, the vehicle security system performs security control based on the command. In an audio control mode, the security system transmits the command to an audio control interface unit. The audio control interface unit converts the command transmitted from the security system into an infrared remote control unit command. Based on the infrared remote control unit command, an infrared emitter is driven to emit infrared rays, thus controlling the vehicle audio system by the infrared rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin Diaz
  • Patent number: 6647327
    Abstract: In a multimedia system for a vehicle, a plurality of multimedia units are connected to one another by an optical bus laid as a ring line. An interface unit, situated at an arbitrary point in the ring line or integrated into one of the multimedia units establishes a radio connection between the multimedia system and an external unit, which for example transmits traffic information to the multimedia system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Becker GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Wolf, Dirk Lappe
  • Patent number: 6630889
    Abstract: When an operation is performed to set a subcontroller in remote-control enable mode, the subcontroller first checks the operation mode of a main controller, then setting itself in the remote-control enable mode if the main controller is in the remote-control enable mode, or maintaining itself in remote-control disable mode if the main controller is in the remote-control disable mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigekazu Morikawa
  • Publication number: 20030064691
    Abstract: An automatic radio frequency signal switching circuit is equipped with a plurality of AV input terminals and adopts an analog/digital adapter to transform all respective input analog signals into high level digital signals and a central processor is used to memorize the sequential orders of the respective AV signals which are sequentially output in a last-in-first-out manner to a television. At the same time, the central processor shuts off the ANT/CATV signal amplifier and the RF switch thereof so as to effect automatic switching operation. When no AV signals from AV equipment are being input, the central processor will instantly transmit another set of high electric level signals to the ANT/CATV signal amplifier and a power source of the RF switch thereof and the ANT/CATV signals are delivered to a television via the RF amplifier and the RF switch thereof whereby effect automatic RF switching operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: JOIN Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien Liang Chang
  • Patent number: 6522283
    Abstract: A wireless keyboard, provided with an optical signal transmitter, includes an inputting function to an information processing device and a control function of an electrical appliance. The wireless keyboard includes a plurality of manufacturer codes for selectively performing optical control of a specific electrical appliance of a specific manufacturer. The electrical appliance is controlled by selecting a specific manufacturer code from the manufacturer codes and transmitting the specific manufacturer code. It is preferable that the wireless keyboard includes an abbreviation symbol corresponding to each manufacturer code. The manufacturer code is selected by inputting the abbreviation symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadakazu Shiga, Norio Abe
  • Patent number: 6507306
    Abstract: A universal remote control unit for controlling the operation of a plurality of devices such as a cable box, a television, a video device, and an audio device, includes a processor having a plurality of operating modes, a first mode push button for initiating a mode change, and a plurality of second mode push buttons corresponding respectively to a plurality of devices for enabling a user to select one of the plurality of operating modes. The processor is operable in a selected one of the plurality of operating modes, upon activation of one of the second mode push buttons within a predetermined amount of time of activation of the first mode push buttons. The universal remote control unit is effective to reduce the likelihood of unintentionally changing the operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Contec Corporation
    Inventors: Gene W. Griesau, Rebecca J. Carlotti
  • Publication number: 20020039892
    Abstract: In a method and system for selecting an access network and a service therein in a mobile communication station capable of accessing multiple access networks, the availability of each of the access networks can be determined based on the requirements of the application requesting service. A particular access network and service can thereafter be selected from the available access networks based on user preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Bo Lindell
  • Patent number: 6314297
    Abstract: The invention relates to a communication system, having at least one mobile communication device which has at least one actuating means for tripping an action of at least one piece of equipment communicating with the communication device. It is provided that within a usage area (10) of the at least one communication device (12), defined regions (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) are assigned position marks (36, 38, 40, 42, 44), which when the communication device (12) enters one of the defined regions (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) of the communication device (12) impart the current position for switching over a function setting of the at least one actuating means (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Karl
  • Patent number: 6282152
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece having a universal, wireless controller for transmitting wireless signals that control features of a plurality of systems. In a first aspect of the present invention, the electronic timepiece includes a data store which contains a library of control signals. In one embodiment, the library of control signals may be detached from the electronic timepiece so that new control signals may be added to the library. Each of the control signals can be retrieved and transmitted by the universal, wireless controller to emulate a conventional wireless transmitter which controls functions of a corresponding one of the plurality of systems. The electronic timepiece includes the capability for selectively retrieving a control signal for a target system from the library. In one embodiment of the present invention, the selective retrieving is performed in response to input entered through a programmable interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Timex Corporation
    Inventor: William M Kurple
  • Patent number: 6198408
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an electrical appliance by means of a command signal transmitted by a particular remote control transmitter, by means of a converter device which includes a receiver for receiving the command signal, a microprocessor for converting the command signal, according to a predetermined conversion process compatible with various types of command signals, to a code unique to that particular remote control transmitter, and a storage device for storing the unique code. The microprocessor may be programmed to operate in a Learn Mode to convert the command signal according to the predetermined conversion process to the unique code, and to store the unique code, and then to operate in an Operational Mode to convert any subsequently-received command signal to a code according to the predetermined conversioned process, to compare the two codes, and to effect the control of the electrical device when a match is found to be present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Elihay Cohen