Digital interconnect of entertainment equipment
US6781518B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08C2201/92
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.