Plural Electronic Devices Controlled Patents (Class 455/151.4)
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Patent number: 11264018Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 17, 2017Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.Inventor: Jonathan Lim
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Patent number: 10223907Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 10, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Rainer Brodersen, Stephanie Cinereski, Jack I-Chieh Fu
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Patent number: 9407949Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 2, 2012Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Byoung-chul Kim
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Patent number: 9357303Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Masataka Ogawa, Takeshi Oishi, Koji Suzuki, Takamori Shimazu
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Patent number: 8854245Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 25, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.Inventor: Kimthoa Thi Nguyen
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Patent number: 8712365Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Openways SASInventor: Pascal Métivier
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Patent number: 8494370Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: William J. Piazza
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Patent number: 8401578Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Inventor: Eric Inselberg
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Patent number: 8311546Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Cobra Electronics CorporationInventors: Wilfred Charles Boudreau, James Richard Johnson, Robert Edward Mudra, Christopher Steven deWaal
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Patent number: 8233859Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Huili Yu, Horace Ng
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Patent number: 7917109Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Herman Becker Automotive System GmbHInventors: Michael Becker, Dirk Lappe
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Patent number: 7804858Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Yasuhiro Tamai
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Patent number: 7647031Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: DENSO CorporationInventors: Ryozo Okumura, Akihiro Taguchi
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Patent number: 7099751Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Electronic Data Systems CorporationInventors: Mary K. DePrez, Rommel H. Racelis, Michael A. Crowder, Lawrence C. Wehner
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Patent number: 6781519Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 23, 2000Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Melvin Diaz
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Patent number: 6647327Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Becker GmbHInventors: Stefan Wolf, Dirk Lappe
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Patent number: 6630889Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 23, 2000Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shigekazu Morikawa
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Publication number: 20030064691Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2001Publication date: April 3, 2003Applicant: JOIN Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chien Liang Chang
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Patent number: 6522283Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sadakazu Shiga, Norio Abe
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Patent number: 6507306Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 18, 1999Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Contec CorporationInventors: Gene W. Griesau, Rebecca J. Carlotti
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Publication number: 20020039892Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2001Publication date: April 4, 2002Inventor: Bo Lindell
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Patent number: 6314297Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Matthias Karl
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Patent number: 6282152Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Timex CorporationInventor: William M Kurple
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Patent number: 6198408Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 9, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Elihay Cohen