User interface for multi-device control
US8042049B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S715/97
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A control server, or similar central processor, manages the distribution of data (including audio and video), voice, and control signals among a plurality of system components connected via a wired and/or wireless communications network. The system components include audio/visual components (such as, televisions, monitors, PDAs, notepads, notebooks, MP3, portable stereo, etc.) as well as household appliances (such as, lighting, ovens, alarm clocks, etc.). A portable controller allows a user to access and control the system components from any location within a controlled residential and/or non-residential environment, including its surrounding areas. The portable controller includes a user and management interface that contains customized control screens for the system components. The control screens are stored in a hierarchical architecture that is searchable by region or component type.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.