US20180158320A1 - System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance - Google Patents

System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20180158320A1
US20180158320A1 US15/888,643 US201815888643A US2018158320A1 US 20180158320 A1 US20180158320 A1 US 20180158320A1 US 201815888643 A US201815888643 A US 201815888643A US 2018158320 A1 US2018158320 A1 US 2018158320A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
appliance
rendering
media
remote control
recited
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
US15/888,643
Inventor
Marcel Hilbrink
Patrick H. Hayes
Jeremy K. Black
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Universal Electronics Inc
Original Assignee
Universal Electronics Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Universal Electronics Inc filed Critical Universal Electronics Inc
Priority to US15/888,643 priority Critical patent/US20180158320A1/en
Assigned to UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC. reassignment UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BLACK, JEREMY K., HAYES, PATRICK H., HILBRINK, MARCEL
Publication of US20180158320A1 publication Critical patent/US20180158320A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/422Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
    • H04N21/42204User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08CTRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
    • G08C17/00Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
    • G08C17/02Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08CTRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
    • G08C17/00Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/4104Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
    • H04N21/4126The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/4104Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
    • H04N21/4126The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones
    • H04N21/41265The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones having a remote control device for bidirectional communication between the remote control device and client device
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/422Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
    • H04N21/42204User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor
    • H04N21/42206User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor characterized by hardware details
    • H04N21/4222Remote control device emulator integrated into a non-television apparatus, e.g. a PDA, media center or smart toy
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/422Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
    • H04N21/42204User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor
    • H04N21/42206User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor characterized by hardware details
    • H04N21/42221Transmission circuitry, e.g. infrared [IR] or radio frequency [RF]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/422Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
    • H04N21/42204User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor
    • H04N21/42206User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor characterized by hardware details
    • H04N21/42222Additional components integrated in the remote control device, e.g. timer, speaker, sensors for detecting position, direction or movement of the remote control, microphone or battery charging device
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/422Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
    • H04N21/42204User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor
    • H04N21/42206User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor characterized by hardware details
    • H04N21/42225User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor characterized by hardware details characterized by types of remote control, e.g. universal remote control
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/436Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or one or more peripheral devices inside the home
    • H04N21/43615Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/436Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or one or more peripheral devices inside the home
    • H04N21/4363Adapting the video or multiplex stream to a specific local network, e.g. a IEEE 1394 or Bluetooth® network
    • H04N21/43632Adapting the video or multiplex stream to a specific local network, e.g. a IEEE 1394 or Bluetooth® network involving a wired protocol, e.g. IEEE 1394
    • H04N21/43635HDMI
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/436Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or one or more peripheral devices inside the home
    • H04N21/4363Adapting the video or multiplex stream to a specific local network, e.g. a IEEE 1394 or Bluetooth® network
    • H04N21/43637Adapting the video or multiplex stream to a specific local network, e.g. a IEEE 1394 or Bluetooth® network involving a wireless protocol, e.g. Bluetooth, RF or wireless LAN [IEEE 802.11]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/44Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream, rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs
    • H04N21/4402Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream, rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display
    • H04N21/440263Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream, rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display by altering the spatial resolution, e.g. for displaying on a connected PDA
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/443OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
    • H04N21/4432Powering on the client, e.g. bootstrap loading using setup parameters being stored locally or received from the server
    • H04N5/4403
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08CTRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
    • G08C2201/00Transmission systems of control signals via wireless link
    • G08C2201/20Binding and programming of remote control devices

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to consumer electronics, and, more particularly, relates to media rendering devices.
  • wireless control devices such as universal remote controls are widely used by consumers in conjunction with entertainment appliances for command and control purposes. It is also well known to provide a separate docking device (“docking station”) with control devices for charging of batteries. While current universal remote control devices typically lack advanced computing and media rendering capabilities, more advanced control devices have begun to emerge and to incorporate such features. For instance, the HP iPaq rx3xxx series of Pocket PC's is able to function as a wireless control device using onboard software and wireless communication (IR and/or RF) capabilities, and also incorporates media rendering capabilities in that it can stream and playback media content from a server.
  • IR and/or RF radio frequency
  • a system including a control device and associated docking station is hereinafter described.
  • an advanced control device such as a universal remote control with integrated media rendering capabilities is described, which, in conjunction with an associated docking station, is able to play back rendered media files on a users entertainment appliance(s).
  • the current media content being rendered may be played back on the users entertainment appliances(s) by placing the control device in the associated docking station.
  • various additional control and media playback functions may be effected.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a pictorial drawing of an exemplary universal remote control in which the principles of the subject invention may be embodied
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of components of an exemplary remote control
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a pictorial drawing of an exemplary docking station for use in connection with the universal remote control illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an electrical schematic diagram of the connection points of the exemplary docking station illustrated in FIG. 3 ;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an electrical schematic diagram of an exemplary delay circuit of the exemplary docking station
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of the components of the exemplary docking station which has integrated transceiver capabilities
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a pictorial drawing of the universal remote control and docking station in a docked state
  • FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of the media rendering system of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the media rendering system of the present invention.
  • an advanced control device such as a universal remote control with integrated media rendering capabilities is described, which, in conjunction with an associated docking station, is able to play back rendered media files on a users entertainment appliance(s).
  • the current media content being rendered may be played back on the users entertainment appliances(s) by placing the control device in the associated docking station.
  • Advanced control devices as contemplated by the current invention may take a variety of forms, but in general are able to accomplish both remote control based functions (i.e., Power, Volume Up/Down, Channel Up/Down, Transport functions, etc.) via IR and/or RF communication links, and media rendering functions (i.e., Audio/video streaming and playback from a remote server).
  • remote control based functions i.e., Power, Volume Up/Down, Channel Up/Down, Transport functions, etc.
  • media rendering functions i.e., Audio/video streaming and playback from a remote server.
  • One example of such advanced control devices is the iPaq rx3xxx series of Pocket PC's by Hewlett Packard Corp. which incorporates Nevo home control software and iPaq Media Manager software (both by Universal Electronics Inc.) for remote control and media rendering functions.
  • Nevo home control software the interested reader is referred to published pending U.S.
  • the docking station includes a power input for charging the control device when docked, interface connections for connecting to one or more entertainment appliances, and contact points for electrically connecting the control device to the docking station when the control device is docked.
  • Either or both the control device and docking station may contain software and/or hardware components for enabling the detection of docked and undocked states to enable the functions and features set forth herein.
  • FIG. 1 an exemplary remote control device 10 is shown in FIG. 1 .
  • Integrated recharging contacts 107 and signal contacts 104 enable electrical connection and communication with docking station 700 .
  • contacts 107 and 104 interface with recharging contacts 707 and signal contacts 704 of the docking station 700 , respectively.
  • the remote control 10 may include, as needed for a particular application, a processor 24 coupled to a memory device (such as ROM memory 26 , RAM memory 27 , and/or a non-volatile memory 34 ), a key matrix 28 (e.g., physical buttons, a touch screen display, or a combination thereof), an internal clock and timer 30 , transmission circuit(s) 32 , receiver circuit(s) 33 and/or transceiver circuit(s) (e.g., IR and/or RF), a means 36 to provide feedback to the user (e.g., LED, display, speaker, and/or the like), and a power supply 38 as generally illustrated in FIG. 2 .
  • a processor 24 coupled to a memory device (such as ROM memory 26 , RAM memory 27 , and/or a non-volatile memory 34 ), a key matrix 28 (e.g., physical buttons, a touch screen display, or a combination thereof), an internal clock and timer 30 , transmission circuit(s) 32 , receiver
  • the memory device may include executable instructions that are intended to be executed by the processor 24 to control the operation of the remote control 10 .
  • the processor 24 may be programmed to control the various electronic components within the remote control 10 , e.g., to monitor the power supply 38 and the recharging status thereof, to cause the transmission of signals, etc.
  • the non-volatile read/write memory 34 may be provided to store setup data and parameters as necessary. While the memory system is described as comprising all three classes of memory, it will be appreciated that, in general, such a memory system need not necessarily support all three, and can be comprised of any type of computer-readable media, such as ROM, RAM, SRAM, FLASH, EEPROM, Smart Card, memory stick, a chip, a hard disk, a magnetic disk, and/or an optical disk or the like in combination. Preferably, however, at least part of the memory system should be non-volatile or battery backed such that basic setup parameters and operating features will survive loss of battery power.
  • the illustrated memory devices 26 , 27 , and 34 may be physically incorporated within the same IC chip as the microprocessor 24 (a so called “microcontroller”) and, as such, they are shown separately in FIG. 2 only for the sake of clarity.
  • the memory devices of the remote control may be configured with programming and instructions to receiving incoming media streams from receiving circuit 33 , to convert those streams to media data which is able to be played by one or more playback applications of remote control 10 via the display, speaker(s), or other feedback mechanism.
  • remote control device 10 To identify home appliances by type and make (and sometimes model) such that the remote control device 10 is adapted to transmit recognizable command codes in the format appropriate for such identified appliances 12 , data may be entered into the universal remote control device 10 . Since methods for setting up a remote control to control the operation of specific home appliances are well-known, such methods need not be described in greater detail herein. Nevertheless, for additional information pertaining to remote control setup, the reader may turn to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,959,810, 5,614,906, and 6,225,938 or previously referenced published application U.S. 2003/0103088. It will also be appreciated that the remote control 10 may be set up to control an appliance 12 by being taught the command codes needed to control such appliance as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,887.
  • the remote control 10 is adapted to be responsive to events, such as a sensed user interaction with the key matrix 28 , receipt of a transmission, etc.
  • events such as a sensed user interaction with the key matrix 28 , receipt of a transmission, etc.
  • appropriate instructions within the memory 26 may be executed. For example, when a command key is activated on the remote control 10 , the remote control 10 may retrieve a command code corresponding to the activated command key from memory 26 and transmit the command code to a device in a format recognizable by the device.
  • the instructions within the memory 26 can be used not only to cause the transmission of command codes and/or data to the appliances 12 but also to perform local operations, i.e., responding to a dock or undock event such that media playback on remote control 10 is appropriately initiated, rerouted, or converted, as described in greater detail below.
  • local operations include displaying information/data, favorite channel setup, macro button setup, function key relocation, remote location sensing, etc. Examples of local operations can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,481,256, 5,959,751, and 6,014,092. Additional examples of remote controls 10 may be found in commonly owned, U.S. Pat. No. 6,225,938 and U.S. Application Ser. Nos. 60/264,767, 09/905,423, 09/905,432, and 09/905,396.
  • exemplary delay circuit 40 shown in FIG. 5 providing circuitry for powering on one or more LED's 49 a, 49 b, 49 c to indicate to a user that the remote control 10 has detected that it is properly docked in docking station 700 .
  • such docking circuitry and associated monitoring programming for enabling so called “hot” docking operations i.e., electrically connecting a portable device to a power source such as a dock while the portable device is powered on
  • hot docking operations i.e., electrically connecting a portable device to a power source such as a dock while the portable device is powered on
  • remote control 10 when remote control 10 detects that it has been successfully docked, its power monitoring programming may enable the “LED ON” signal 42 via recharging contacts 107 , 707 , causing timer IC 44 to enable transistor 48 , thereby illuminating charging base LEDs 49 a, 49 b, 49 c for a predetermined period of time.
  • Switch 46 is provided to allow the user to disable this feature if desired.
  • FIG. 3 shows exemplary docking station 700 which is able to provide power and/or a communication interface to remote control 10 .
  • the remote control may include recharging contacts 107 and signal contacts 104 .
  • the contacts 107 and 104 are provided to electrically couple with corresponding contacts 707 and 704 in the charging base 700 .
  • the exemplary docking station 700 depicted in FIG. 3 may therefore comprise a power input 701 for attachment to, for example, stepped-down power originating from an adapter (not shown) plugged into a household electrical socket.
  • Input 701 is connected to contacts 707 .
  • the signal contacts 704 which interface with signal contacts 104 on remote control 10 connect to output interface 714 and ground 716 .
  • Output interface 714 depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a standard left/right RCA audio output connection which can easily be connected with an audio receiver or other audio playback appliance. It will be understood that output interface 714 could be any connection type, including but not limited to RCA, Optical TOS, S-Video, Component Video, DVI, Coaxial, HDMI, etc. Additionally, circuitry and other signal conversion means may be implemented with docking station 700 to enable the output of a wide variety of signals, digital or analog, from docking station 700 without departing from the spirit and scope of the current invention.
  • docking station 700 may be configured with additional components to enable enhanced capabilities in conjunction with remote control 10 , such as wireless media transmission and reception, addressability for location based functions, and advanced command and control functions.
  • docking station 700 may include, as needed for a particular application, a processor 50 coupled to a ROM memory 52 , an internal clock and timer 53 , receiver circuit(s) 54 , transmission circuit(s) 55 and/or transceiver circuit(s) (e.g., IR and/or RF), a non-volatile read/write memory 56 , a means 58 to provide feedback to the user (e.g., LED, display, speaker, and/or the like), a power supply 701 , and input means 64 , (e.g., serial I/O port, Ethernet, 1394 firewire, wireless receiver, bar code scanner, etc.), recharging contacts 707 and signal contacts 704 , as is generally illustrated in FIG.
  • a processor 50 coupled to a ROM memory 52 , an internal clock and timer 53
  • the input means 64 may be used to connect the docking station 700 to a common home control unit (such as a server, HVAC controller, etc.) in order to enable communication and timing operations between several other docking stations, media servers, and/or appliances.
  • the ROM memory 52 includes executable instructions that are intended to be executed by the processor 50 to control the operation of the docking station 700 .
  • the processor 50 may be programmed to control the various electronic components within the docking station 700 , e.g., to monitor the power supply 701 and contacts 707 and 704 , to cause the transmission of signals, to provide audio or visual prompts to a user, etc.
  • the non-volatile read/write memory 56 for example an EEPROM, battery-backed up RAM, Smart Card, memory stick, or the like, is provided to store setup data and parameters as necessary. While the memory 52 is illustrated and described as a ROM memory, memory 52 can also be comprised of any type of readable media, such as ROM, RAM, SRAM, FLASH, EEPROM, or the like. Preferably, at least part of the memory 56 is non-volatile or battery-backed such that data is not required to be reloaded after power is removed from central state server 14 . In addition, the memories 52 and 56 may take the form of a chip, a hard disk, a magnetic disk, and/or an optical disk. It will also be appreciated that in cases where docking station capability is integrated into an appliance, some or all of the functional elements described above in conjunction with FIG. 6 may be combined with similar elements already present in the appliance for other purposes.
  • IR protocol such as XMP (described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/431,930)
  • RF protocol such as Bluetooth or 802.11, X-10 commands, SCP, IP, UPnP, HAVi, or any other suitable wireless and/or wired transmission methods. All that is required is that the remote control 10 and docking station 700 be able to communicate data in at least a unidirectional fashion from the remote control 10 to the docking station 700 in order to enable the system of the current invention.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrates two configurations for interfacing the remote control 10 with a docking station 700 for purposes of rendering media (generally stored or accessible from server 90 ) on associated entertainment appliance(s) 12 .
  • Configuration 1 shown in FIG. 8 is representative of the above-described system configuration where the remote control 10 interfaces with the docking station 700 only via a physical connection (signal contacts 104 and 704 ).
  • Configuration 2 shown in FIG. 9 is representative of a wireless interface where the data is able to be sent through the transmitting circuit 32 of the remote control 10 , to the receiver 54 of docking station 700 .
  • server 90 may be any remote computing device, from which media files may be made accessible to remote control 10 for streaming and/or media rendering purposes as contemplated by the present invention.
  • the remote control 10 and/or docking station 700 preferably include programming such that docking states may be readily ascertained in order to appropriated manipulate media streams being rendered or played back via the remote control 10 .
  • programming on remote control 10 may be configured to play rendered media from onboard display or speaker elements (local playback mode) when in an undocked state, and upon initiation of a dock event, to reroute the currently playing media information from the onboard display or speaker elements to the signal contacts 104 for playback on the users entertainment appliance(s) (external playback mode) connected to connection interface 714 of the docking station.
  • programming on the remote control 10 may implement command and control events for the entertainment appliance(s) on which media information is to be played in response to detection of dock and undock states.
  • the remote control may be programmed to power on the audio receiver and select the correct input mode upon detection of a dock event.
  • the remote control may be programmed to power down or otherwise modify the functional states of an entertainment appliance upon detection of an undock event.
  • a contemplated embodiment of the docking station may include additional contacts used to convey an address value to the remote control placed into it.
  • multiple docking stations may be provided for different rooms, each with a unique address, and the remote control may be adapted to automatically configure its command formats and sequences to match the equipment in the room in which it is currently docked.
  • the remote control may be adapted to automatically configure its command formats and sequences to match the equipment in the room in which it is currently docked.
  • any number of functions and/or actions may be implemented on the remote control in response to detection of dock and undock events.
  • a wireless capable docking station may be configured to receive media information from remote control 10 wirelessly before output to entertainment appliances 12 .
  • media being rendered on remote control 10 could be sent to docking station 700 when docked or undocked.
  • Programming on remote control 10 may present a user with on screen selection buttons to select whether a user desires local or external playback modes. Additionally, it may be desirable to implement multiple docking stations in cases where a user has more than one entertainment environment on which rendered media is desired to be played back.
  • Each docking station may be assigned, either at the time of manufacture or by a user, an address sufficient to uniquely identify the dock from among other docks used in conjunction with the remote control.
  • the address information may be read or received by the remote control upon a docking event with a given docking station, or may be sent wirelessly by the docking station in response to a request by the remote control or as part of an automated process in the docking station.
  • Programming on the remote control may use the address information from the docking station to accomplish location based functions (such as those described more fully in co-pending application 60/517,558 entitled “System and Method for Controlling Device Location Determination”) or other advanced command and control functions.
  • dock and undock events detected by the remote control may be used to initial save and recall state operation, such as those described more fully in co-pending application 60/517,737 entitled “System and Method for Saving and Recalling State Data for Media and Home Appliances.” It is also contemplated that docking station 700 may including onboard IR receiver capabilities and associated programming to enable command and state monitoring functions, such as those described more fully in co-pending application Ser. No. 10/665,650 entitled “System and Method for Monitoring Remote Control Transmissions,” and Ser. No. 10/603,839 entitled “System and Method for Monitoring Remote Control Transmissions.”
  • the remote control 10 of the present invention may be any portable control device (including but not limited to IR and/or RF based remotes, portable phones, wireless capable PDAs, etc.) capable of rendering media data and sending command codes remotely to appliances 12 .
  • the docking station 700 of the present invention may be any device that is able to interface with remote control 10 in order to recharge and communicate data. Still further, it will be appreciated that the docking station 700 may be configured (using any of the configuration methods discussed above) to thereby adapt the docking station 700 to communicate commands to one of more appliances, e.g., the docking station 700 may have a library of commands, may be adapted to learn commands, etc.
  • the remote control 10 may communicate “generic” commands to the docking station 700 , i.e., commands not having an appliance specific format or protocol, which “generic” commands may then translated by the docking station 700 to commands which are formatted appropriately for an intended target appliance for communication by the docking station 700 to the same.

Abstract

Media rendering system including a remote control device and associated docking station. The remote control device interfaces with a remote server to stream media content for local and/or external playback. The remote control device may interface with a docking station to playback rendered media on one or more entertainment appliances. The portable device preferably has standard remote control capability in order to enable advanced features and functions for media playback.

Description

    RELATED APPLICATION DATA
  • This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/801,801, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, which application claims the benefit of and is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/179,289, filed Jul. 11, 2005, which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/588,523, filed on Jul. 16, 2004, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention relates generally to consumer electronics, and, more particularly, relates to media rendering devices.
  • Many consumers have begun storing digital media files such as photos, audio files, video files, and multimedia files on personal computers, laptops, servers, or other computing devices for playback and sharing purposes. These consumers also typically have one or more controllable playback appliances (e.g., TV, Audio Receiver, etc.) in an entertainment environment that are capable of playing traditional media sources (i.e., media information from a VCR, DVD, CD, PVR, etc.). It has become increasingly popular among consumer electronics manufacturers to create devices and systems that enable the playback of digital media files from a consumers computing device on one or more of the consumers controllable playback appliances in the entertainment environment, typically by means of streaming or sending such media content over a wired or wireless network to the appliances via a “media rendering” device which is able to convert received digital information into analog signals or other input signals required by the playback appliances. Media rendering devices can be standalone devices, or can be integrated into any traditional entertainment appliance (i.e., TV, Audio Receiver, VCR, DVD, CD, PVR, etc).
  • Additionally, wireless control devices such as universal remote controls are widely used by consumers in conjunction with entertainment appliances for command and control purposes. It is also well known to provide a separate docking device (“docking station”) with control devices for charging of batteries. While current universal remote control devices typically lack advanced computing and media rendering capabilities, more advanced control devices have begun to emerge and to incorporate such features. For instance, the HP iPaq rx3xxx series of Pocket PC's is able to function as a wireless control device using onboard software and wireless communication (IR and/or RF) capabilities, and also incorporates media rendering capabilities in that it can stream and playback media content from a server.
  • It is desirable for users of such advanced control devices to not only control the functions of entertainment appliances and make use of onboard media rendering capabilities, but also to interface with the entertainment appliances such that media streamed to the control device, or contained locally on the control device may be played on the entertainment appliances. Accordingly, it is desired to provide a system for rendering media on one or more entertainment appliances using a control device and associated docking station which functions to both charge the control device, and provide an interface between the control device and entertainment appliance(s) for playback of media information.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In accordance with these needs and desires, a system including a control device and associated docking station is hereinafter described. Generally, an advanced control device, such as a universal remote control with integrated media rendering capabilities is described, which, in conjunction with an associated docking station, is able to play back rendered media files on a users entertainment appliance(s). As a user operates the onboard media rendering capabilities of the advanced control device, the current media content being rendered may be played back on the users entertainment appliances(s) by placing the control device in the associated docking station. Based on detection by the control device of docked or undocked states, various additional control and media playback functions may be effected.
  • A better understanding of the objects, advantages, features, properties and relationships of the subject system and devices will be obtained from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings which set forth illustrative embodiments which are indicative of the various ways in which the principles of the system and devices may be employed.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be had to a preferred embodiment shown in the following drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a pictorial drawing of an exemplary universal remote control in which the principles of the subject invention may be embodied;
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of components of an exemplary remote control;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a pictorial drawing of an exemplary docking station for use in connection with the universal remote control illustrated in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an electrical schematic diagram of the connection points of the exemplary docking station illustrated in FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an electrical schematic diagram of an exemplary delay circuit of the exemplary docking station;
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of the components of the exemplary docking station which has integrated transceiver capabilities;
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a pictorial drawing of the universal remote control and docking station in a docked state;
  • FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of the media rendering system of the present invention; and
  • FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the media rendering system of the present invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • With reference to the figures, a system and devices are described for use in rendering media files for playback on one or more entertainment appliances.
  • Generally, an advanced control device, such as a universal remote control with integrated media rendering capabilities is described, which, in conjunction with an associated docking station, is able to play back rendered media files on a users entertainment appliance(s). As a user operates the onboard media rendering capabilities of the advanced control device, the current media content being rendered may be played back on the users entertainment appliances(s) by placing the control device in the associated docking station.
  • Advanced control devices as contemplated by the current invention may take a variety of forms, but in general are able to accomplish both remote control based functions (i.e., Power, Volume Up/Down, Channel Up/Down, Transport functions, etc.) via IR and/or RF communication links, and media rendering functions (i.e., Audio/video streaming and playback from a remote server). One example of such advanced control devices is the iPaq rx3xxx series of Pocket PC's by Hewlett Packard Corp. which incorporates Nevo home control software and iPaq Media Manager software (both by Universal Electronics Inc.) for remote control and media rendering functions. For further information regarding the Nevo home control software, the interested reader is referred to published pending U.S. patent applications 2003/0103088 “User Interface for a Hand Held Remote Control Device;” 2003/0193519 “System And Method For Controlling The Recording Functionality Of An Appliance Using A Program Guide;” and 2003/0048295 “System and Method for Updating Information in a Portable Electronic Device”, all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
  • Generally, the docking station includes a power input for charging the control device when docked, interface connections for connecting to one or more entertainment appliances, and contact points for electrically connecting the control device to the docking station when the control device is docked.
  • Either or both the control device and docking station may contain software and/or hardware components for enabling the detection of docked and undocked states to enable the functions and features set forth herein.
  • Looking now to the figures, an exemplary remote control device 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Integrated recharging contacts 107 and signal contacts 104 enable electrical connection and communication with docking station 700. As will be described below in greater detail, contacts 107 and 104 interface with recharging contacts 707 and signal contacts 704 of the docking station 700, respectively.
  • For use in transmitting command codes and other data to one or more of the appliances 12, the remote control 10 may include, as needed for a particular application, a processor 24 coupled to a memory device (such as ROM memory 26, RAM memory 27, and/or a non-volatile memory 34), a key matrix 28 (e.g., physical buttons, a touch screen display, or a combination thereof), an internal clock and timer 30, transmission circuit(s) 32, receiver circuit(s) 33 and/or transceiver circuit(s) (e.g., IR and/or RF), a means 36 to provide feedback to the user (e.g., LED, display, speaker, and/or the like), and a power supply 38 as generally illustrated in FIG. 2. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, the memory device may include executable instructions that are intended to be executed by the processor 24 to control the operation of the remote control 10. In this manner, the processor 24 may be programmed to control the various electronic components within the remote control 10, e.g., to monitor the power supply 38 and the recharging status thereof, to cause the transmission of signals, etc.
  • The non-volatile read/write memory 34, for example an EEPROM, battery-backed up RAM, Smart Card, memory stick, or the like, may be provided to store setup data and parameters as necessary. While the memory system is described as comprising all three classes of memory, it will be appreciated that, in general, such a memory system need not necessarily support all three, and can be comprised of any type of computer-readable media, such as ROM, RAM, SRAM, FLASH, EEPROM, Smart Card, memory stick, a chip, a hard disk, a magnetic disk, and/or an optical disk or the like in combination. Preferably, however, at least part of the memory system should be non-volatile or battery backed such that basic setup parameters and operating features will survive loss of battery power. Still further, it will be appreciated that some or all of the illustrated memory devices 26, 27, and 34 may be physically incorporated within the same IC chip as the microprocessor 24 (a so called “microcontroller”) and, as such, they are shown separately in FIG. 2 only for the sake of clarity. For accomplishing media rendering operations of the current invention, the memory devices of the remote control may be configured with programming and instructions to receiving incoming media streams from receiving circuit 33, to convert those streams to media data which is able to be played by one or more playback applications of remote control 10 via the display, speaker(s), or other feedback mechanism.
  • To identify home appliances by type and make (and sometimes model) such that the remote control device 10 is adapted to transmit recognizable command codes in the format appropriate for such identified appliances 12, data may be entered into the universal remote control device 10. Since methods for setting up a remote control to control the operation of specific home appliances are well-known, such methods need not be described in greater detail herein. Nevertheless, for additional information pertaining to remote control setup, the reader may turn to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,959,810, 5,614,906, and 6,225,938 or previously referenced published application U.S. 2003/0103088. It will also be appreciated that the remote control 10 may be set up to control an appliance 12 by being taught the command codes needed to control such appliance as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,887.
  • To cause the remote control 10 to perform an action, the remote control 10 is adapted to be responsive to events, such as a sensed user interaction with the key matrix 28, receipt of a transmission, etc. In response to an event, appropriate instructions within the memory 26 may be executed. For example, when a command key is activated on the remote control 10, the remote control 10 may retrieve a command code corresponding to the activated command key from memory 26 and transmit the command code to a device in a format recognizable by the device. It will be appreciated that the instructions within the memory 26 can be used not only to cause the transmission of command codes and/or data to the appliances 12 but also to perform local operations, i.e., responding to a dock or undock event such that media playback on remote control 10 is appropriately initiated, rerouted, or converted, as described in greater detail below. While not limiting, other local operations that may be performed by the remote control 10 include displaying information/data, favorite channel setup, macro button setup, function key relocation, remote location sensing, etc. Examples of local operations can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,481,256, 5,959,751, and 6,014,092. Additional examples of remote controls 10 may be found in commonly owned, U.S. Pat. No. 6,225,938 and U.S. Application Ser. Nos. 60/264,767, 09/905,423, 09/905,432, and 09/905,396.
  • Also included in the docking station 700 is exemplary delay circuit 40 shown in FIG. 5 providing circuitry for powering on one or more LED's 49 a, 49 b, 49 c to indicate to a user that the remote control 10 has detected that it is properly docked in docking station 700. In general, such docking circuitry and associated monitoring programming for enabling so called “hot” docking operations (i.e., electrically connecting a portable device to a power source such as a dock while the portable device is powered on) is well known in the art and the functions and features of thereof will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art. In particular, with reference to delay circuit 40, when remote control 10 detects that it has been successfully docked, its power monitoring programming may enable the “LED ON” signal 42 via recharging contacts 107, 707, causing timer IC 44 to enable transistor 48, thereby illuminating charging base LEDs 49 a, 49 b, 49 c for a predetermined period of time. Switch 46 is provided to allow the user to disable this feature if desired.
  • FIG. 3 shows exemplary docking station 700 which is able to provide power and/or a communication interface to remote control 10. To this end and as described above, the remote control may include recharging contacts 107 and signal contacts 104. The contacts 107 and 104 are provided to electrically couple with corresponding contacts 707 and 704 in the charging base 700. The exemplary docking station 700 depicted in FIG. 3 may therefore comprise a power input 701 for attachment to, for example, stepped-down power originating from an adapter (not shown) plugged into a household electrical socket. Input 701 is connected to contacts 707. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the signal contacts 704 which interface with signal contacts 104 on remote control 10 connect to output interface 714 and ground 716. Output interface 714 depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a standard left/right RCA audio output connection which can easily be connected with an audio receiver or other audio playback appliance. It will be understood that output interface 714 could be any connection type, including but not limited to RCA, Optical TOS, S-Video, Component Video, DVI, Coaxial, HDMI, etc. Additionally, circuitry and other signal conversion means may be implemented with docking station 700 to enable the output of a wide variety of signals, digital or analog, from docking station 700 without departing from the spirit and scope of the current invention.
  • Optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 6, docking station 700 may be configured with additional components to enable enhanced capabilities in conjunction with remote control 10, such as wireless media transmission and reception, addressability for location based functions, and advanced command and control functions. As such, docking station 700 may include, as needed for a particular application, a processor 50 coupled to a ROM memory 52, an internal clock and timer 53, receiver circuit(s) 54, transmission circuit(s) 55 and/or transceiver circuit(s) (e.g., IR and/or RF), a non-volatile read/write memory 56, a means 58 to provide feedback to the user (e.g., LED, display, speaker, and/or the like), a power supply 701, and input means 64, (e.g., serial I/O port, Ethernet, 1394 firewire, wireless receiver, bar code scanner, etc.), recharging contacts 707 and signal contacts 704, as is generally illustrated in FIG. 6. The input means 64 may be used to connect the docking station 700 to a common home control unit (such as a server, HVAC controller, etc.) in order to enable communication and timing operations between several other docking stations, media servers, and/or appliances. The ROM memory 52 includes executable instructions that are intended to be executed by the processor 50 to control the operation of the docking station 700. In this manner, the processor 50 may be programmed to control the various electronic components within the docking station 700, e.g., to monitor the power supply 701 and contacts 707 and 704, to cause the transmission of signals, to provide audio or visual prompts to a user, etc. The non-volatile read/write memory 56, for example an EEPROM, battery-backed up RAM, Smart Card, memory stick, or the like, is provided to store setup data and parameters as necessary. While the memory 52 is illustrated and described as a ROM memory, memory 52 can also be comprised of any type of readable media, such as ROM, RAM, SRAM, FLASH, EEPROM, or the like. Preferably, at least part of the memory 56 is non-volatile or battery-backed such that data is not required to be reloaded after power is removed from central state server 14. In addition, the memories 52 and 56 may take the form of a chip, a hard disk, a magnetic disk, and/or an optical disk. It will also be appreciated that in cases where docking station capability is integrated into an appliance, some or all of the functional elements described above in conjunction with FIG. 6 may be combined with similar elements already present in the appliance for other purposes.
  • For transmitting and receiving information between remote control 10 and docking station 700 when remote control 10 is not in a docked state (as shown in FIG. 9), communication may be performed using an IR protocol such as XMP (described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/431,930) an RF protocol such as Bluetooth or 802.11, X-10 commands, SCP, IP, UPnP, HAVi, or any other suitable wireless and/or wired transmission methods. All that is required is that the remote control 10 and docking station 700 be able to communicate data in at least a unidirectional fashion from the remote control 10 to the docking station 700 in order to enable the system of the current invention. It will be appreciated that due to the wide variety of communication methods and protocols that may be required to adequately communicate information to and/or from the docking station, the ability of the remote control and/or docking station to dynamically transmit and receive a greater number of protocols will enable compatibility for media rendering and streaming operations with a greater number of media types and formats. It will additionally be appreciated that programming on the remote control and/or or docking station may be used for making determinations as to which communication methods and protocols may be used for a given media format to most effectively bring about desired media rendering operations, as described in greater detail below.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrates two configurations for interfacing the remote control 10 with a docking station 700 for purposes of rendering media (generally stored or accessible from server 90) on associated entertainment appliance(s) 12. Configuration 1 shown in FIG. 8 is representative of the above-described system configuration where the remote control 10 interfaces with the docking station 700 only via a physical connection (signal contacts 104 and 704). Configuration 2 shown in FIG. 9 is representative of a wireless interface where the data is able to be sent through the transmitting circuit 32 of the remote control 10, to the receiver 54 of docking station 700. It will be understood that server 90 may be any remote computing device, from which media files may be made accessible to remote control 10 for streaming and/or media rendering purposes as contemplated by the present invention.
  • In keeping with the subject system and method, the remote control 10 and/or docking station 700 preferably include programming such that docking states may be readily ascertained in order to appropriated manipulate media streams being rendered or played back via the remote control 10. For example, when docking station 700 is configured without wireless communication means as shown in FIG. 4 and is essentially a signal pass through for remote control 10, programming on remote control 10 may be configured to play rendered media from onboard display or speaker elements (local playback mode) when in an undocked state, and upon initiation of a dock event, to reroute the currently playing media information from the onboard display or speaker elements to the signal contacts 104 for playback on the users entertainment appliance(s) (external playback mode) connected to connection interface 714 of the docking station. In this way a user may easily switch between the local playback mode and external playback mode by simply docking and undocking the remote control as desired. Additionally, programming on the remote control 10 may implement command and control events for the entertainment appliance(s) on which media information is to be played in response to detection of dock and undock states. For example, in order that an audio file being played back locally on the remote control 10 begins playing externally on the users desired audio receiver connected to the docking station when a dock event occurs without further intervention by the user, the remote control may be programmed to power on the audio receiver and select the correct input mode upon detection of a dock event. Likewise, in addition to switching back to a local playback mode, the remote control may be programmed to power down or otherwise modify the functional states of an entertainment appliance upon detection of an undock event. In this context, a contemplated embodiment of the docking station may include additional contacts used to convey an address value to the remote control placed into it. In this manner multiple docking stations may be provided for different rooms, each with a unique address, and the remote control may be adapted to automatically configure its command formats and sequences to match the equipment in the room in which it is currently docked. In any case, it will be understood that any number of functions and/or actions may be implemented on the remote control in response to detection of dock and undock events.
  • For systems in which the docking station includes wireless and/or other functional capabilities as generally described in connection with FIG. 6 above, additional features and functions may be accomplished. For example, as shown generally in FIG. 9, a wireless capable docking station may be configured to receive media information from remote control 10 wirelessly before output to entertainment appliances 12. In this way media being rendered on remote control 10 could be sent to docking station 700 when docked or undocked. Programming on remote control 10 may present a user with on screen selection buttons to select whether a user desires local or external playback modes. Additionally, it may be desirable to implement multiple docking stations in cases where a user has more than one entertainment environment on which rendered media is desired to be played back. Each docking station may be assigned, either at the time of manufacture or by a user, an address sufficient to uniquely identify the dock from among other docks used in conjunction with the remote control. The address information may be read or received by the remote control upon a docking event with a given docking station, or may be sent wirelessly by the docking station in response to a request by the remote control or as part of an automated process in the docking station. Programming on the remote control may use the address information from the docking station to accomplish location based functions (such as those described more fully in co-pending application 60/517,558 entitled “System and Method for Controlling Device Location Determination”) or other advanced command and control functions. Additionally, dock and undock events detected by the remote control may be used to initial save and recall state operation, such as those described more fully in co-pending application 60/517,737 entitled “System and Method for Saving and Recalling State Data for Media and Home Appliances.” It is also contemplated that docking station 700 may including onboard IR receiver capabilities and associated programming to enable command and state monitoring functions, such as those described more fully in co-pending application Ser. No. 10/665,650 entitled “System and Method for Monitoring Remote Control Transmissions,” and Ser. No. 10/603,839 entitled “System and Method for Monitoring Remote Control Transmissions.”
  • The system and devices of the present invention has been described above in terms of functional modules in block diagram format. It is understood that unless otherwise stated to the contrary herein, one or more functions and features may be integrated in a single physical device or a software module in a software product, or one or more functions may be implemented in separate physical devices or software modules, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For instance, it will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art that the remote control 10 of the present invention may be any portable control device (including but not limited to IR and/or RF based remotes, portable phones, wireless capable PDAs, etc.) capable of rendering media data and sending command codes remotely to appliances 12. Likewise, the docking station 700 of the present invention may be any device that is able to interface with remote control 10 in order to recharge and communicate data. Still further, it will be appreciated that the docking station 700 may be configured (using any of the configuration methods discussed above) to thereby adapt the docking station 700 to communicate commands to one of more appliances, e.g., the docking station 700 may have a library of commands, may be adapted to learn commands, etc. It will also be understood that in this case the remote control 10, for example, may communicate “generic” commands to the docking station 700, i.e., commands not having an appliance specific format or protocol, which “generic” commands may then translated by the docking station 700 to commands which are formatted appropriately for an intended target appliance for communication by the docking station 700 to the same.
  • All patents cited within this document are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
  • It is appreciated that detailed discussion of the actual implementation of each module is not necessary for an enabling understanding of the invention. The actual implementation is well within the routine skill of a programmer and system engineer, given the disclosure herein of the system attributes, functionality, and inter-relationship of the various functional modules in the system. A person skilled in the art, applying ordinary skill can practice the present invention without undue experimentation.
  • While various concepts have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those concepts could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. As such, the particular concepts disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims (15)

1. (canceled)
2. A method for causing an appliance to be placed into an operating state appropriate for a rendering of a media stream by the appliance, comprising:
receiving at a device a communication that functions to indicate to the device that the device is to be used for media rendering purposes with the appliance; and
in response to the device receiving the communication that functions to indicate to the device that the device is to be used for media rendering purposes with the appliance causing the device to automatically transmit at least one command to the appliance wherein the at least one command will cause the appliance to be entered into the operating state appropriate for the rendering of the media stream by the appliance and wherein the operating state appropriate for the rendering of the received media stream by the appliance comprises an input mode operating state of the appliance which allows the media stream, as received by the device, to be communicated to the appliance for rendering by the appliance.
3. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the operating state appropriate for the rendering of the received media stream by the appliance further comprises a powered on operating state of the appliance.
4. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the at least one command is communicated to the appliance via use of a wireless communications protocol.
5. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the wireless communications protocol comprises a radio frequency protocol.
6. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the communication that functions to indicate to the device that the device is to be used for media rendering purposes with the appliance comprises a communication received from a remote control device in communication with the device.
7. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the appliance comprises a television.
8. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the media stream is wirelessly received by the device from a remote server device.
9. A device adapted to causing an appliance to be placed into an operating state appropriate for a rendering of a media stream by the appliance, comprising:
an output port for communicating a received media stream to an input port of the appliance;
a processor; and
a memory having stored thereon instructions which, when executed by the processor, causes the device to respond to a communication that functions to indicate to the device that the device is to be used for media rendering purposes with the appliance by automatically transmitting at least one command to the appliance wherein the at least one command will cause the appliance to be entered into the operating state appropriate for the rendering of the media stream by the appliance and wherein the operating state appropriate for the rendering of the received media stream by the appliance comprises an input mode operating state of the appliance which allows the media stream, as received by the device, to be communicated to the appliance for rendering by the appliance.
10. The device as recited in claim 9, wherein the operating state appropriate for the rendering of the received media stream by the appliance further comprises a powered on operating state of the appliance.
11. The device as recited in claim 9, wherein the at least one command is communicated to the appliance via use of a wireless communications protocol.
12. The device as recited in claim 9, wherein the wireless communications protocol comprises a radio frequency protocol.
13. The device as recited in claim 9, wherein the communication that functions to indicate to the device that the device is to be used for media rendering purposes with the appliance comprises a communication received from a remote control device in communication with the device.
14. The device as recited in claim 9, wherein the appliance comprises a television.
15. The device as recited in claim 9, wherein the media stream is wirelessly received by the device from a remote server device.
US15/888,643 2004-07-16 2018-02-05 System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance Pending US20180158320A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/888,643 US20180158320A1 (en) 2004-07-16 2018-02-05 System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US58852304P 2004-07-16 2004-07-16
US11/179,289 US9088748B2 (en) 2004-07-16 2005-07-11 System for providing electronic media and commands via remote control and docking station
US13/801,801 US20140098300A1 (en) 2004-07-16 2013-03-13 System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance
US15/888,643 US20180158320A1 (en) 2004-07-16 2018-02-05 System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/801,801 Continuation US20140098300A1 (en) 2004-07-16 2013-03-13 System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20180158320A1 true US20180158320A1 (en) 2018-06-07

Family

ID=35598885

Family Applications (6)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/179,289 Active 2028-03-13 US9088748B2 (en) 2004-07-16 2005-07-11 System for providing electronic media and commands via remote control and docking station
US13/801,801 Pending US20140098300A1 (en) 2004-07-16 2013-03-13 System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance
US13/801,703 Active US9066041B2 (en) 2004-07-16 2013-03-13 System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance
US14/728,027 Active 2027-05-27 US11032598B2 (en) 2004-07-16 2015-06-02 System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance
US15/341,777 Abandoned US20170076592A1 (en) 2004-07-16 2016-11-02 System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance
US15/888,643 Pending US20180158320A1 (en) 2004-07-16 2018-02-05 System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance

Family Applications Before (5)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/179,289 Active 2028-03-13 US9088748B2 (en) 2004-07-16 2005-07-11 System for providing electronic media and commands via remote control and docking station
US13/801,801 Pending US20140098300A1 (en) 2004-07-16 2013-03-13 System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance
US13/801,703 Active US9066041B2 (en) 2004-07-16 2013-03-13 System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance
US14/728,027 Active 2027-05-27 US11032598B2 (en) 2004-07-16 2015-06-02 System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance
US15/341,777 Abandoned US20170076592A1 (en) 2004-07-16 2016-11-02 System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (6) US9088748B2 (en)
EP (2) EP1769478B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2006019930A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (44)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6784805B2 (en) 2000-03-15 2004-08-31 Intrigue Technologies Inc. State-based remote control system
US7283059B2 (en) * 2000-03-15 2007-10-16 Logitech Europe S.A. Remote control multimedia content listing system
US20010033243A1 (en) 2000-03-15 2001-10-25 Harris Glen Mclean Online remote control configuration system
US8531276B2 (en) * 2000-03-15 2013-09-10 Logitech Europe S.A. State-based remote control system
US8116889B2 (en) 2002-06-27 2012-02-14 Openpeak Inc. Method, system, and computer program product for managing controlled residential or non-residential environments
US7933945B2 (en) * 2002-06-27 2011-04-26 Openpeak Inc. Method, system, and computer program product for managing controlled residential or non-residential environments
US7987489B2 (en) 2003-01-07 2011-07-26 Openpeak Inc. Legacy device bridge for residential or non-residential networks
US7474677B2 (en) 2003-08-12 2009-01-06 Bose Corporation Wireless communicating
US8442019B2 (en) * 2003-08-12 2013-05-14 Bose Corporation Method and apparatus for avoiding wireless audio signal transmission interferences
JP3841093B2 (en) * 2004-07-27 2006-11-01 松下電工株式会社 Remote monitoring and control system setting device
US20190278560A1 (en) 2004-10-27 2019-09-12 Chestnut Hill Sound, Inc. Media appliance with auxiliary source module docking and fail-safe alarm modes
US8090309B2 (en) * 2004-10-27 2012-01-03 Chestnut Hill Sound, Inc. Entertainment system with unified content selection
US7885622B2 (en) 2004-10-27 2011-02-08 Chestnut Hill Sound Inc. Entertainment system with bandless tuning
JP3982541B2 (en) * 2005-04-15 2007-09-26 松下電工株式会社 Remote monitoring and control system setting device
DE102006018238A1 (en) * 2005-04-20 2007-03-29 Logitech Europe S.A. Remote control system for home theater system, analyzes log of events stored by remote controller to identify patterns of interest in logged use of remote controller
US20070233731A1 (en) * 2006-02-22 2007-10-04 Logitech Europe S.A. System and method for configuring media systems
US10013381B2 (en) * 2006-08-31 2018-07-03 Bose Corporation Media playing from a docked handheld media device
JP5233289B2 (en) * 2008-01-18 2013-07-10 ソニー株式会社 Remote control device, electrical equipment and communication system
US20090235006A1 (en) * 2008-03-12 2009-09-17 Graco Children's Products Inc. Baby Monitoring System with a Receiver Docking Station
US9503562B2 (en) 2008-03-19 2016-11-22 Universal Electronics Inc. System and method for appliance control via a personal communication or entertainment device
US20110287757A1 (en) * 2008-05-08 2011-11-24 Unify4Life Corporation Remote control system and method
CA2726151C (en) * 2008-05-30 2016-11-22 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Round illumination device
JP2012507091A (en) * 2008-10-27 2012-03-22 ソーシャル・ゲーミング・ネットワーク Device, method and system for interactive proximity display tether
WO2010056206A1 (en) * 2008-11-12 2010-05-20 Creative Technology Ltd A system for reproduction of media content
EP2227005B1 (en) * 2009-03-04 2018-05-02 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Remote controller with multimedia content display and control method thereof
KR101639306B1 (en) * 2009-03-04 2016-07-15 삼성전자주식회사 Remote controller with multimedia content display and control method thereof
US20110069238A1 (en) * 2009-09-21 2011-03-24 Sony Corporation Embedded recycle circuit for harnessing light energy
US8588806B2 (en) 2010-02-26 2013-11-19 Thl Holding Company, Llc Wireless device and methods for use in a paging network
US8285248B2 (en) * 2010-02-26 2012-10-09 Thl Holding Company, Llc Multi-function adjunct device for use with a handheld wireless communication device
US8254878B2 (en) * 2010-02-26 2012-08-28 Thl Holding Company, Llc Methods for use in conjunction with a handheld wireless communication device having an adjunct device coupled thereto
US8508401B1 (en) 2010-08-31 2013-08-13 Logitech Europe S.A. Delay fixing for command codes in a remote control system
US20140376919A1 (en) * 2011-03-24 2014-12-25 Robert P. Stratton Remote Control System and Method
US8918544B2 (en) 2011-03-31 2014-12-23 Logitech Europe S.A. Apparatus and method for configuration and operation of a remote-control system
US20120274547A1 (en) 2011-04-29 2012-11-01 Logitech Inc. Techniques for content navigation using proximity sensing
US9875607B2 (en) * 2011-07-13 2018-01-23 Igt Methods and apparatus for providing secure logon to a gaming machine using a mobile device
CN110677330A (en) * 2011-12-21 2020-01-10 英特尔公司 Mechanism for facilitating proxy user interface-based remote management and control of computing and non-computing devices
USD695272S1 (en) * 2012-10-26 2013-12-10 Cisco Technology, Inc. Remote control for video management
DE102013100428B4 (en) * 2013-01-16 2014-08-07 MAQUET GmbH Method and device for the wireless control of an operating table
US9159222B2 (en) * 2013-05-17 2015-10-13 Aengin Inc. Method and apparatus for wireless remote control of an electric appliance
US9892628B2 (en) 2014-10-14 2018-02-13 Logitech Europe S.A. Method of controlling an electronic device
KR102116540B1 (en) * 2016-12-29 2020-05-28 주식회사 엔디멘션스코리아 Detachable switch
US10306299B2 (en) 2017-05-24 2019-05-28 Google Llc Methods, systems, and media for transferring playback of media content
CN107682746A (en) * 2017-09-01 2018-02-09 北京小米移动软件有限公司 Awakening method and device
USD866527S1 (en) * 2018-09-04 2019-11-12 Fm Marketing Gmbh Remote control

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020194596A1 (en) * 2001-06-18 2002-12-19 Srivastava Gopal K. Control of multiple AV-devices by a single master controller using infrared transmitted commands and bus transmitted commands
US20030071117A1 (en) * 2001-10-16 2003-04-17 Meade William K. System and method for determining priority among multiple mobile computing devices to control an appliance
US20050013103A1 (en) * 2003-07-17 2005-01-20 Adrian Chandley Multipurpose docking apparatus for a mobile computer
US20050055722A1 (en) * 2003-09-09 2005-03-10 Sony Corporation Intelligent routing of digital content
US20050136990A1 (en) * 2003-12-22 2005-06-23 Sony Corporation Method and system for wireless digital multimedia presentation

Family Cites Families (46)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4623887A (en) 1984-05-15 1986-11-18 General Electric Company Reconfigurable remote control
US6167278A (en) * 1986-10-22 2000-12-26 Nilssen; Ole K. Combination cordless-cellular telephone system
US4959810A (en) 1987-10-14 1990-09-25 Universal Electronics, Inc. Universal remote control device
US6014092A (en) 1987-10-14 2000-01-11 Universal Electronics Inc. Key mover
US5481256A (en) 1987-10-14 1996-01-02 Universal Electronics Inc. Direct entry remote control with channel scan
EP0453108B2 (en) * 1990-04-17 2003-07-02 Pioneer Electronic Corporation Player for audio disk and memory disk
US5265238A (en) * 1991-01-25 1993-11-23 International Business Machines Corporation Automatic device configuration for dockable portable computers
US5877699A (en) 1992-06-05 1999-03-02 U.S. Philips Corporation Displaying data transmitted by radio
US6549942B1 (en) 1995-05-25 2003-04-15 Audiohighway.Com Enhanced delivery of audio data for portable playback
US5614906A (en) 1996-04-23 1997-03-25 Universal Electronics Inc. Method for selecting a remote control command set
US6052556A (en) * 1996-09-27 2000-04-18 Sharp Laboratories Of America Interactivity enhancement apparatus for consumer electronics products
US6055478A (en) 1997-10-30 2000-04-25 Sony Corporation Integrated vehicle navigation, communications and entertainment system
US6170026B1 (en) * 1998-06-16 2001-01-02 Modubility Llc Mobile computing systems which automatically reconfigure to operate any devices attached to a docking module upon connection to the docking station
US6496122B2 (en) 1998-06-26 2002-12-17 Sharp Laboratories Of America, Inc. Image display and remote control system capable of displaying two distinct images
US7831930B2 (en) 2001-11-20 2010-11-09 Universal Electronics Inc. System and method for displaying a user interface for a remote control application
WO2000013082A1 (en) * 1998-09-02 2000-03-09 Diversified Dynamics, Inc. Direct vote recording system
US6225938B1 (en) 1999-01-14 2001-05-01 Universal Electronics Inc. Universal remote control system with bar code setup
US6460109B1 (en) * 1999-12-16 2002-10-01 International Business Machines Corporation Integral portable computer input and output switching
DE10017667A1 (en) * 2000-04-08 2001-10-18 Goldschmidt Ag Th Dispersant for the production of aqueous pigment pastes
JP4739488B2 (en) * 2000-06-16 2011-08-03 クラリオン株式会社 Disk drive device
US20020054084A1 (en) * 2000-09-02 2002-05-09 Brian Udell Customized browser system and method for direct access to a specified internet website
US6524240B1 (en) 2000-11-22 2003-02-25 Medwave, Inc. Docking station for portable medical devices
US20020086703A1 (en) * 2000-12-28 2002-07-04 Brother International Corporation Mobile computing device docking station
US20030100340A1 (en) * 2001-03-16 2003-05-29 Cupps Bryan T. Novel personal electronics device with thermal management
FI111494B (en) * 2001-06-29 2003-07-31 Nokia Corp Wireless interface extension
US8063923B2 (en) 2001-07-13 2011-11-22 Universal Electronics Inc. System and method for updating information in an electronic portable device
US7233808B2 (en) * 2001-09-05 2007-06-19 Agere Systems Inc. Smart BLUETOOTH interface gateway to mate a non-BLUETOOTH wireless device with a BLUETOOTH headset
US7254777B2 (en) 2001-12-20 2007-08-07 Universal Electronics Inc. System and method for controlling the recording functionality of an appliance using a program guide
US20030214602A1 (en) * 2002-05-14 2003-11-20 Battles Amy E. Camera docking system with multiple controls
FR2841305B1 (en) * 2002-06-20 2004-09-10 Snecma Moteurs OIL SEALED WATERPROOF BEARING
US7004890B2 (en) * 2002-07-10 2006-02-28 Nautilus Human Performance Systems, Inc. Leg press weight training machine
US6870475B2 (en) * 2002-07-08 2005-03-22 Draeger Medical Systems Inc. Electrically isolated power and data coupling system suitable for portable and other equipment
US20040019724A1 (en) 2002-07-24 2004-01-29 Singleton, Charles W. Computer system with docking port for a handheld computing device
US6993615B2 (en) 2002-11-15 2006-01-31 Microsoft Corporation Portable computing device-integrated appliance
US6956542B2 (en) * 2002-12-20 2005-10-18 Intel Corporation Method, apparatus and system for a secondary personal computer display
US20040177380A1 (en) 2003-03-06 2004-09-09 Comcast Cable Holdings, Llc Method and system using docking stations to distribute a set top box between multiple monitors
US20040208182A1 (en) * 2003-04-16 2004-10-21 Microsoft Corporation Format independent consumer IR transceiver
US7627343B2 (en) * 2003-04-25 2009-12-01 Apple Inc. Media player system
JP4358861B2 (en) * 2003-06-11 2009-11-04 ドレーガー メディカル システムズ インコーポレイテッド Mobile patient monitoring system with position identification capability
JP4375603B2 (en) * 2003-06-16 2009-12-02 アルパイン株式会社 Player
US7372147B2 (en) * 2003-07-02 2008-05-13 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Supporting a circuit package including a substrate having a solder column array
US20060025828A1 (en) * 2004-07-28 2006-02-02 Armstrong Randolph K Impedance measurement for an implantable device
JP4484757B2 (en) * 2004-12-09 2010-06-16 株式会社日立製作所 Information processing device
US8244179B2 (en) * 2005-05-12 2012-08-14 Robin Dua Wireless inter-device data processing configured through inter-device transmitted data
JP4846841B2 (en) * 2009-12-25 2011-12-28 株式会社東芝 Communication device
US8682248B2 (en) * 2012-04-07 2014-03-25 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for reproducing contents, and computer-readable recording medium thereof

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020194596A1 (en) * 2001-06-18 2002-12-19 Srivastava Gopal K. Control of multiple AV-devices by a single master controller using infrared transmitted commands and bus transmitted commands
US20030071117A1 (en) * 2001-10-16 2003-04-17 Meade William K. System and method for determining priority among multiple mobile computing devices to control an appliance
US20050013103A1 (en) * 2003-07-17 2005-01-20 Adrian Chandley Multipurpose docking apparatus for a mobile computer
US20050055722A1 (en) * 2003-09-09 2005-03-10 Sony Corporation Intelligent routing of digital content
US20050136990A1 (en) * 2003-12-22 2005-06-23 Sony Corporation Method and system for wireless digital multimedia presentation

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US9088748B2 (en) 2015-07-21
EP1769478A4 (en) 2009-04-22
WO2006019930A3 (en) 2006-05-26
EP1769478A2 (en) 2007-04-04
US9066041B2 (en) 2015-06-23
US20060012488A1 (en) 2006-01-19
EP1769478B1 (en) 2018-01-24
US20160021416A1 (en) 2016-01-21
EP3330939A1 (en) 2018-06-06
US20170076592A1 (en) 2017-03-16
EP3330939B1 (en) 2023-09-20
US11032598B2 (en) 2021-06-08
US20140098299A1 (en) 2014-04-10
WO2006019930A2 (en) 2006-02-23
US20140098300A1 (en) 2014-04-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20180158320A1 (en) System and method for retrieving information while commanding operation of an appliance
US8330878B2 (en) Remotely controllable media distribution device
US10785539B2 (en) System and method for saving and recalling state data for media and home appliances
US8531276B2 (en) State-based remote control system
US7126468B2 (en) System and method for monitoring remote control transmissions
US7274303B2 (en) Power strip with control and monitoring functionality
US6784805B2 (en) State-based remote control system
US20100283624A1 (en) Remote control signal learning and processing by a host device and accessory
US20040169590A1 (en) System and method for using appliance power awareness to select a remote control command set
CN105659302A (en) System and method for optimized appliance control
US6650247B1 (en) System and method for configuring a home appliance communications network
TWI493512B (en) The universal remote control module used in smart phone and its operation method
KR101586734B1 (en) Method for controlling external apparatus according to power status and Electronic apparatus using the same
JP2006526320A (en) Equipment that controls electronic devices

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC., CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HILBRINK, MARCEL;HAYES, PATRICK H.;BLACK, JEREMY K.;SIGNING DATES FROM 20130408 TO 20130417;REEL/FRAME:044834/0231

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: ON APPEAL -- AWAITING DECISION BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION RENDERED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: APPEAL BRIEF (OR SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF) ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: EXAMINER'S ANSWER TO APPEAL BRIEF MAILED

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: ON APPEAL -- AWAITING DECISION BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS