摘要:
A remote control for communicating commands to a target device having first data that specifies a function supported by the target device. The remote control includes a set of command key indicias, stored within the universal remote control prior to any communications with the target device, each command key indicia being assigned a function identifier. The remote control is adapted to receive the first data from the target device and select a command key indicia from the set of command key indicias that has a function identifier that corresponds to the function specified by the first data. The selected command key indicia is displayable on a display of the universal remote control in association with a command key actuatable to communicate one or more commands to the target device to control the function supported by the target device that is represented by the first data.
摘要:
A universal remote control system with device activated set up wherein the device to be controlled such as a TV, VCR or other consumer electronic product, and the associated remote control unit are pre-programmed and adapted to automatically reconfigure the remote control unit to communicate with a device to be controlled as soon as said device is connected to its power source.
摘要:
A control unit is set up to operate a target device by receiving a first input for selecting from a plurality of protocols stored in the control unit a protocol that is appropriate for communicating with the target device. The control unit is then caused to transmit to the target device, using the selected protocol, a request for configuration information. In response to the receipt of the request, the target device returns to the control unit a function indicator and the control unit selects from a plurality of commands appropriate for the target device stored in the control unit a command corresponding to the function indicator. The selected command is mapped to a function key of the control unit such that activation of the function key results in communication of the selected command using the selected protocol to the target device to thereby control a function supported by the target device that is represented by the function indicator. The function indicator may alternatively be a code that indicates to the control unit that data following the code is a definition of a new infrared code and a corresponding key annotation.
摘要:
Methods and systems are disclosed for setting up a universal remote control for operation with a system having devices to be controlled such as a TV, VCR, electronics appliances, wherein the devices are preferably interconnected. One method includes the steps of having the devices to be controlled provide a listing of the capabilities of each device, recognizing a single set of standard abstract feature indicators; processing said indicators; and, mapping said indicators into specific IR codes and keys according to said list of capabilities of said controlled device. One embodiment is optimized for use with a virtual remote control, wherein only icons corresponding to related capabilities is displayed on a touch screen of the virtual remote control. Such an embodiment is particularly well suited for controlling different families of function capability associated with correspondingly different entertainment devices to achieve an integrated entertainment, or task, grouping. Reduction of the icons displayed to the user perforce reduces the apparent complexity of the remote with which the devices are controlled.
摘要:
A method for configuring a controlling device to command functional operations of at least one controllable appliance. The method includes the steps of receiving at the controlling device from the at least one controllable appliance, via a first communication channel, data indicative of an identity of the at least one controllable appliance and using the data indicative of the identity of the at least one controllable appliance to configure the controlling device whereby, in response to activation of one or more command keys of the controlling device, the controlling device will be caused to transmit to the at least one controlling device, via a second communication channel, those commands selected from a library of commands that are appropriate for commanding functional operations of the at least one controllable device.
摘要:
A remote control for communicating commands to a target device having first data that specifies a function supported by the target device. The remote control includes a set of command key indicias, stored within the universal remote control prior to any communications with the target device, each command key indicia being assigned a function identifier. The remote control is adapted to receive the first data from the target device and select a command key indicia from the set of command key indicias that has a function identifier that corresponds to the function specified by the first data. The selected command key indicia is displayable on a display of the universal remote control in association with a command key actuatable to communicate one or more commands to the target device to control the function supported by the target device that is represented by the first data.
摘要:
A method for configuring a controlling device to command functional operations of at least one controllable appliance. The method includes the steps of receiving at the controlling device from the at least one controllable appliance, via a first communication channel, data indicative of an identity of the at least one controllable appliance and using the data indicative of the identity of the at least one controllable appliance to configure the controlling device whereby, in response to activation of one or more command keys of the controlling device, the controlling device will be caused to transmit to the at least one controlling device, via a second communication channel, those commands selected from a library of commands that are appropriate for commanding functional operations of the at least one controllable device.
摘要:
A customizable and an upgradable remote control is provided which may be customized or upgraded via a Web site or through other remote, and preferably interactive, processes. A database is provided which includes a plurality of functions of a consumer electronic device, such as a TV and/or a DVD player. A user selects among the plurality of functions at least one of the desired functions. In response to the user selection a virtual configuration is created to virtually configure the customizable remote control. The virtual configuration may be downloaded to the customizable remote control.
摘要:
A system and method for upgrading remote control application resident on a device. To this end, a markup language file is created. The markup language file has a representation of information used to setup the remote control application to communicate with an appliance. The markup language file may be executed, on the device or an intermediate client with which the device is synchronized, to upload the representation of the information to a remote server. At the remote server, the uploaded information is used to automatically display user-selectable, downloadable data files relevant to the control of the appliance. Downloaded data files, which may include command codes and/or graphical user interface elements, may be used within the device to upgrade the ability of the remote control application to communicate with the appliance. The information uploaded to the server may also be used to generate demographic data regarding consumer preferences.
摘要:
A system and method for configuring a controlling device to allow the controlling device to generate commands for commanding operations of a new appliance which new appliance was previously unable to be supported by the controlling device. The system and method uses a definition input into the controlling device to create a new device data set for use in generating commands to command operations of the new appliance. The new device data set is a new combination of elements selected from device data sets already stored within a memory of the controlling device.