WO2004028152A1 - Remote control of multiple devices - Google Patents

Remote control of multiple devices Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004028152A1
WO2004028152A1 PCT/IB2003/003630 IB0303630W WO2004028152A1 WO 2004028152 A1 WO2004028152 A1 WO 2004028152A1 IB 0303630 W IB0303630 W IB 0303630W WO 2004028152 A1 WO2004028152 A1 WO 2004028152A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
control signal
display device
display
remote control
processing unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2003/003630
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Adrianus J. S. M. De Vaan
Cornelis Tuinenbreijer
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
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 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. filed Critical Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority to AU2003259398A priority Critical patent/AU2003259398A1/en
Publication of WO2004028152A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004028152A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
    • G08C23/00—Non-electrical signal transmission systems, e.g. optical systems
    • G08C23/04—Non-electrical signal transmission systems, e.g. optical systems using light waves, e.g. infrared
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
    • H04N21/4122—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices additional display device, e.g. video projector
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
    • H04N21/4126—The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones
    • H04N21/41265—The 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
    • H04N21/42204—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing 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
    • H04N21/436—Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or one or more peripheral devices inside the home
    • H04N21/43615—Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
    • G08C2201/00—Transmission systems of control signals via wireless link
    • G08C2201/40—Remote control systems using repeaters, converters, gateways
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
    • G08C2201/00—Transmission systems of control signals via wireless link
    • G08C2201/40—Remote control systems using repeaters, converters, gateways
    • G08C2201/41—Remote control of gateways
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
    • G08C2201/00—Transmission systems of control signals via wireless link
    • G08C2201/90—Additional features
    • G08C2201/92—Universal remote control
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
    • H04N21/42204—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor
    • H04N21/42206—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor characterized by hardware details
    • H04N21/42221—Transmission circuitry, e.g. infrared [IR] or radio frequency [RF]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a display device comprising a receiver and a transmitter for wireless transfer of control signals and a processing unit, said processing unit being responsive to remote control signals from a remote control unit.
  • the present invention also relates to a method for wireless control of the function of at least one electromc device intended to be controlled by a display device.
  • the present invention further relates to a computer-readable medium storing computer-executable components.
  • US patent No. 5,568,963 discloses a mobile audio visual presentation system contained within a telescoping tower platform.
  • the system houses a plurality of multimedia devices, which can be elevated upwards to project audio and visual information to a projection screen.
  • a remote control unit emits RF signals in response to commands entered by a user.
  • the tower comprises an RF receiver that converts the emitted signal into a suitably formatted signal, for example, an IR signal, capable of controlling the various pieces of equipment within the multimedia system.
  • the system solves the problem how to create a system for multimedia presentations in which display devices can easily have their height adjusted. It also gives a presenter the possibility to move freely during a presentation without having to worry about the pointing direction of the remote control.
  • a problem is that the equipment must be located within the tower and cannot be scattered across the room. Neither is it possible to have a visual presentation of the functions of the electromc equipment comprised in the system on the projection screen.
  • An object of the present invention is to solve a problem of how to control a number of different electronic devices located in, and dispersed across, a room using a single remote control unit.
  • Another object of the present invention is to solve a problem of how to give the user a visual overview of selectable options for the different electronic devices.
  • the objects of the present invention are attained by the invention in a first aspect in the form of a display device according to claim 1, in a second aspect in the form of a method for wireless control of the function of at least one electronic device according to claim 3 and in a third aspect of the invention in the form of a computer-readable medium storing computer-executable components according to claim 5.
  • Preferred embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.
  • a display device comprising a remote control unit arranged to send a first and a second control signal to the display device.
  • a processing unit is arranged to process the first control signal to create a display control signal.
  • the display control signal causes the display device to provide a visual display, and information on the visual display depends on the display control signal.
  • the processing unit is arranged to process the second control signal, create a function select signal and send the function select signal to at least one electronic device. The function of the electronic device is thereby controlled.
  • a method is provided wherein a display device receives a first and a second control signal from a remote control unit.
  • a processing unit processes the first control signal to create a display control signal.
  • the display control signal causes the display device to provide a visual display, and information on the visual display depends on the display control signal.
  • the processing unit processes the second control signal to create a function select signal and sends the function select signal to said at least one electronic device intended to be controlled by the display device, thereby controlling the function of said at least one electronic device.
  • the invention is based on the idea that a display device comprising a transmitter, a receiver and a processing unit is responsive to signals from a wireless remote control unit to control electronic devices located in the vicinity of the display device.
  • a user sends a first control signal to the display device by manipulating the remote control unit.
  • the processing unit in the display device receives the first control signal via the display device receiver.
  • the processing unit then processes the first control signal and creates a display control signal.
  • This display control signal causes the display device to present a visual display, preferably on some kind of screen.
  • the information presented by means of the visual display relates to functions associated with the electronic devices located in the vicinity of the display device.
  • a manipulation of the remote control unit might cause the display device to show information related to functions associated with a VCR located in the room, functions such as "play”, “rewind”, “stop”, etc.
  • the user again manipulates the remote control unit to choose an option presented by means of the visual display.
  • This creates a second control signal sent from the remote control unit to the display device.
  • the processing unit processes the second control signal and creates a function select signal.
  • the function select signal is sent via the display device transmitter to an electronic device located in the vicinity of the display device to control the function of the device.
  • the function of a number of different electronic devices can advantageously be controlled by using a single remote control unit.
  • the longest possible distance over which an electronic device can be controlled by the function select signal depends on the display device transmitter, which is preferably an IR transmitter.
  • the electronic devices can easily be dispersed across a room and still be reached by the function select signal. This is very useful for home users, because the electronic devices are often scattered across the room. It also gives a user a great visual overview of selectable options for the electronic devices.
  • user-programmable software to be accessed by the processing unit can be stored in the display device. The software controls the display device transmitter and causes the display device to provide the visual display on the screen.
  • the information shown on the screen can be customized by the user and depending on which type of electronic device is to be controlled, different information will be shown.
  • the display device is accompanied by a software program, such that the user can easily program a desired user interface and command structure on a PC or the like and download the user-programmable software to the display device.
  • the software program features lists of known and selectable electromc devices such as VCRs, sound systems, DVD players, set-top boxes, etc.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 shows an example of a menu according to the present invention
  • Fig. 3 shows an example of a submenu according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • a display device in the form of a projection unit 11 having an IR transmitter 12, an IR receiver 13 and a processing unit 14 is designed for ceiling mounting.
  • the projection unit 11 is preferably mounted to the ceiling so that people can move around freely in the room without blocking the light beam between the projection unit 11 and the projection surface 15.
  • the IR transmitter 12 is positioned at the bottom side of the projection unit 11, and is able to emit IR light into a half hemisphere down the projector, such that the entire room is filled with IR light.
  • the electronic devices 17, 18 dispersed across the room are thus within reach of the IR light.
  • a first control signal is sent to the projection unit receiver 13.
  • the menu will show names of different electronic devices, such as a VCR 17, a sound system 18, etc., which can be controlled by the remote control unit 16.
  • Fig. 2 shows by way of example how the menu 21 shown on the projection surface can be designed. In this particular case, four different electronic devices can be controlled, i.e. a DVD, a VCR, a sound system and a decoder.
  • the presentation of the devices can be done in a number of different ways, such as in the form of lists or icons.
  • the selection of a device from the menu 21 can be performed in a number of ways, depending on the design of the system.
  • the remote control unit can be equipped with a trackball or the like, wherein a highlighted area 22 can be scrolled up and down the menu 21 by controlling the trackball.
  • Another possible way to select a device could be to press the button "2" on the remote control unit for selection of the "VCR"-option. Selecting "VCR” is thus done by pressing the appropriate remote control button or controlling the trackball and, as was described in connection with Fig. 1, a first control signal is sent from the remote control unit to the projection unit receiver.
  • the processing unit processes the first control signal and creates a display control signal that causes the projection unit to show a sub-menu on the projection surface.
  • Fig. 3 shows by way of example how the sub-menu 21 shown on the projection surface can be designed.
  • four different options can be selected for the previously selected "VCR"-option, i.e. "PLAY”, "REW”, "FF” and "STOP'. This is by way of example only, and in a real system more options are of course selectable for this device.
  • "PLAY" is selected by pressing the appropriate button on the remote control unit.
  • a second control signal is sent from the remote control unit 16 to the projection unit receiver 13.
  • the processing unit 14 processes the second control signal and creates a function select signal.
  • the function select signal is sent via the projection unit transmitter 12 to the selected device, in this case the VCR 17.
  • "PLAY" will now be activated on the VCR.
  • the processing unit 14 comprised in the projection unit 11 is provided with control software that controls the IR transmitter 12 and the projection unit 11 to provide a visual display on the projection surface 15.
  • the menus shown on the projection surface 15 are user-programmable, and depending on the type of electronic devices installed in the room, different menus will be shown.
  • the projection unit 11 is offered with a software program, such that the user can easily program a desired user interface and command structure on a PC or the like and download the resulting control software to the processing unit 11.
  • the software program features lists of known and selectable electronic devices such as VCRs, sound systems, DVD players, set-top boxes, etc.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display device (11) comprising a receiver (13) and a transmitter (12) for wireless transfer of control signals and a processing unit (14), said processing unit (14) being responsive to remote control signals from a remote control unit (16). The present invention also relates to a method for wireless control of the function of at least one electronic device (17, 18) intended to be controlled by a display device (11). The present invention further relates to a computer-readable medium storing computer-executable components. The invention is based on the idea that, via the display device (11) and a visual display (15), the remote control unit (16) controls the function of at least one device (17, 18) located in the vicinity of the display device (11).

Description

Remote control of multiple devices
The present invention relates to a display device comprising a receiver and a transmitter for wireless transfer of control signals and a processing unit, said processing unit being responsive to remote control signals from a remote control unit. The present invention also relates to a method for wireless control of the function of at least one electromc device intended to be controlled by a display device. The present invention further relates to a computer-readable medium storing computer-executable components.
With the increasing number of electronic devices in people's homes, the number of remote control units for controlling the devices is increasing. For a user of the devices, such as VCRs, sound systems, DVD players, satellite broadcast systems and other types of multimedia equipment, it is frustrating that he has to use different remote control units for different devices. This problem is not only present for home users, but also for professionals such as teachers, sales persons or executives holding multimedia presentations. These professionals normally require access to multiple devices during presentations. Needless to say, with all the remote control units needed to control electronic equipment, it is difficult for a user to operate a large amount of equipment. Moreover, in a home environment, the electronic devices are normally dispersed across the room. This results in the fact that, for control of a device, the user has to the point the remote control units in the direction of each device.
In the prior art, display systems are known in which a signal is transferred from a display system to a receiver. In US patent No. 5,739,875, an audio signal is transferred from a display system to a receiver arranged in a set of headphones, the headphones being used by a viewer of the display system. This can be done by modulating the audio signal and transmitting the modulated signal via a light source to the light receiver arranged in the headphones. The light receiver receives the modulated light signal, converts it photo-electrically and demodulates it. Thus the desired audio signal is recreated and transmitted to the headphone. Usually, the display system and the receiver of the audio signal are separated by some distance, and by employing this concept, a wire for transporting the audio signal from the display system to the receiver can be avoided. The system aims at improving the spatial light transmission efficiency over a long distance and does not relate to the difficulties of operating a number of electronic devices, normally dispersed across the room, in a visual and user-friendly manner.
Another prior-art document, US patent No. 5,568,963, discloses a mobile audio visual presentation system contained within a telescoping tower platform. The system houses a plurality of multimedia devices, which can be elevated upwards to project audio and visual information to a projection screen. A remote control unit emits RF signals in response to commands entered by a user. The tower comprises an RF receiver that converts the emitted signal into a suitably formatted signal, for example, an IR signal, capable of controlling the various pieces of equipment within the multimedia system. The system solves the problem how to create a system for multimedia presentations in which display devices can easily have their height adjusted. It also gives a presenter the possibility to move freely during a presentation without having to worry about the pointing direction of the remote control. However, a problem is that the equipment must be located within the tower and cannot be scattered across the room. Neither is it possible to have a visual presentation of the functions of the electromc equipment comprised in the system on the projection screen.
An object of the present invention is to solve a problem of how to control a number of different electronic devices located in, and dispersed across, a room using a single remote control unit.
Another object of the present invention is to solve a problem of how to give the user a visual overview of selectable options for the different electronic devices.
The objects of the present invention are attained by the invention in a first aspect in the form of a display device according to claim 1, in a second aspect in the form of a method for wireless control of the function of at least one electronic device according to claim 3 and in a third aspect of the invention in the form of a computer-readable medium storing computer-executable components according to claim 5. Preferred embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.
According to the first aspect of the invention, a display device is provided comprising a remote control unit arranged to send a first and a second control signal to the display device. A processing unit is arranged to process the first control signal to create a display control signal. The display control signal causes the display device to provide a visual display, and information on the visual display depends on the display control signal. The processing unit is arranged to process the second control signal, create a function select signal and send the function select signal to at least one electronic device. The function of the electronic device is thereby controlled. According to the second aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein a display device receives a first and a second control signal from a remote control unit. A processing unit processes the first control signal to create a display control signal. The display control signal causes the display device to provide a visual display, and information on the visual display depends on the display control signal. The processing unit processes the second control signal to create a function select signal and sends the function select signal to said at least one electronic device intended to be controlled by the display device, thereby controlling the function of said at least one electronic device.
The invention is based on the idea that a display device comprising a transmitter, a receiver and a processing unit is responsive to signals from a wireless remote control unit to control electronic devices located in the vicinity of the display device. A user sends a first control signal to the display device by manipulating the remote control unit. The processing unit in the display device receives the first control signal via the display device receiver. The processing unit then processes the first control signal and creates a display control signal. This display control signal causes the display device to present a visual display, preferably on some kind of screen. The information presented by means of the visual display relates to functions associated with the electronic devices located in the vicinity of the display device. For example, a manipulation of the remote control unit might cause the display device to show information related to functions associated with a VCR located in the room, functions such as "play", "rewind", "stop", etc. The user again manipulates the remote control unit to choose an option presented by means of the visual display. This creates a second control signal sent from the remote control unit to the display device. The processing unit processes the second control signal and creates a function select signal. The function select signal is sent via the display device transmitter to an electronic device located in the vicinity of the display device to control the function of the device.
By employing this concept, the function of a number of different electronic devices can advantageously be controlled by using a single remote control unit. The longest possible distance over which an electronic device can be controlled by the function select signal depends on the display device transmitter, which is preferably an IR transmitter. The electronic devices can easily be dispersed across a room and still be reached by the function select signal. This is very useful for home users, because the electronic devices are often scattered across the room. It also gives a user a great visual overview of selectable options for the electronic devices. According to an embodiment of the invention, user-programmable software to be accessed by the processing unit can be stored in the display device. The software controls the display device transmitter and causes the display device to provide the visual display on the screen. The information shown on the screen can be customized by the user and depending on which type of electronic device is to be controlled, different information will be shown. Hence, the display device is accompanied by a software program, such that the user can easily program a desired user interface and command structure on a PC or the like and download the user-programmable software to the display device. The software program features lists of known and selectable electromc devices such as VCRs, sound systems, DVD players, set-top boxes, etc.
The present invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 shows an example of a menu according to the present invention; and Fig. 3 shows an example of a submenu according to the present invention.
Fig. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A display device in the form of a projection unit 11 having an IR transmitter 12, an IR receiver 13 and a processing unit 14 is designed for ceiling mounting. The projection unit 11 is preferably mounted to the ceiling so that people can move around freely in the room without blocking the light beam between the projection unit 11 and the projection surface 15. The IR transmitter 12 is positioned at the bottom side of the projection unit 11, and is able to emit IR light into a half hemisphere down the projector, such that the entire room is filled with IR light. The electronic devices 17, 18 dispersed across the room are thus within reach of the IR light.
When a menu button on the wireless remote control unit 16 is pressed, a first control signal is sent to the projection unit receiver 13. The processing unit 14, e.g. a microprocessor or some equivalent processing means, processes the first control signal and creates a display control signal that causes the projection unit 11 to show a menu on the projection surface 15. The menu will show names of different electronic devices, such as a VCR 17, a sound system 18, etc., which can be controlled by the remote control unit 16. Fig. 2 shows by way of example how the menu 21 shown on the projection surface can be designed. In this particular case, four different electronic devices can be controlled, i.e. a DVD, a VCR, a sound system and a decoder. The presentation of the devices can be done in a number of different ways, such as in the form of lists or icons. The selection of a device from the menu 21 can be performed in a number of ways, depending on the design of the system. For example, the remote control unit can be equipped with a trackball or the like, wherein a highlighted area 22 can be scrolled up and down the menu 21 by controlling the trackball. Another possible way to select a device could be to press the button "2" on the remote control unit for selection of the "VCR"-option. Selecting "VCR" is thus done by pressing the appropriate remote control button or controlling the trackball and, as was described in connection with Fig. 1, a first control signal is sent from the remote control unit to the projection unit receiver. The processing unit processes the first control signal and creates a display control signal that causes the projection unit to show a sub-menu on the projection surface. Fig. 3 shows by way of example how the sub-menu 21 shown on the projection surface can be designed. In this particular case, four different options can be selected for the previously selected "VCR"-option, i.e. "PLAY", "REW", "FF" and "STOP'. This is by way of example only, and in a real system more options are of course selectable for this device. "PLAY" is selected by pressing the appropriate button on the remote control unit.
Referring again to Fig. 1, when selecting a device function option, in this case "PLAY", a second control signal is sent from the remote control unit 16 to the projection unit receiver 13. The processing unit 14 processes the second control signal and creates a function select signal. The function select signal is sent via the projection unit transmitter 12 to the selected device, in this case the VCR 17. "PLAY" will now be activated on the VCR. Thus, electronic components dispersed across the room can be operated in an easy and user-friendly manner.
The processing unit 14 comprised in the projection unit 11 is provided with control software that controls the IR transmitter 12 and the projection unit 11 to provide a visual display on the projection surface 15. The menus shown on the projection surface 15 are user-programmable, and depending on the type of electronic devices installed in the room, different menus will be shown. Hence, the projection unit 11 is offered with a software program, such that the user can easily program a desired user interface and command structure on a PC or the like and download the resulting control software to the processing unit 11. The software program features lists of known and selectable electronic devices such as VCRs, sound systems, DVD players, set-top boxes, etc.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A display device comprising a receiver and a transmitter for wireless transfer of control signals and a processing unit, said processing unit being responsive to remote control signals from a remote control unit, characterized in that: the display device is arranged to receive, via said receiver, a first and a second control signal from the remote control unit; the processing unit is arranged to process said first control signal to create a display control signal causing the display device to provide a visual display, wherein information on said visual display depends on said display control signal and which information is related to the functions of at least one electronic device intended to be controlled by the processing unit; and the processing unit is arranged to process said second control signal, which second control signal comprises information regarding selection of at least one of said functions, to create a function select signal and send, via said transmitter, said function select signal to said at least one electronic device, thereby controlling the function of said electronic device.
2. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display device further comprises: means for storing user-programmable software, thereby allowing customization of the structure of the information on said visual display.
3. A method for wireless control of the function of at least one electronic device intended to be controlled by a display device, characterized in that the display device performs the steps of: receiving a first and a second control signal from a remote control unit; processing said first control signal to create a display control signal causing the display device to provide a visual display, wherein information on said visual display depends on said display control signal and which information is related to the functions of at least one electronic device intended to be controlled by the display device; processing said second control signal, which second control signal comprises information regarding selection of at least one of said functions, to create a function select signal; and sending said function select signal to said at least one electronic device, thereby controlling the function of said electronic device.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display device further performs the step of: storing user-programmable software, thereby allowing customization of the structure of the information on said visual display.
5. A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable components for causing a unit to perform the steps recited in any one of claims 3 and 4 when the computer- executable components are run on a microprocessor included by the unit.
PCT/IB2003/003630 2002-09-20 2003-08-08 Remote control of multiple devices WO2004028152A1 (en)

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EP02078899.8 2002-09-20
EP02078899 2002-09-20

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US7487000B1 (en) 2005-01-04 2009-02-03 Tcl Govideo Ltd. Navigation screen system and method for remote control
CN101799997A (en) * 2009-11-05 2010-08-11 刘仁俊 Wireless teaching seehear and application thereof
WO2014012061A1 (en) * 2012-07-13 2014-01-16 Silicon Image, Inc. Integrated mobile desktop

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