Multimedia PDA attachment unit

• US 20030003876A1
• Filed: 05/22/2002
• Published: 01/02/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/24/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Daniel L. Rumsey
• Original Assignee: Daniel L. Rumsey
• Inventors: Rumsey, Daniel L.
• Application Number:
  US10/155,422
• Publication Number:
  US 20030003876A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/74
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/21 Programming remote control devices via third means
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/33 Remote control using macros, scripts
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/40 Remote control systems using repeaters, converters, gateways
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/50 Receiving or transmitting feedback, e.g. replies, status updates, acknowledgements, from the controlled devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/202 by remote control

Abstract

A multimedia PDA attachment unit for allowing users to precisely control multimedia equipment in their home or office by simply attaching the multimedia PDA attachment unit to their PDA and downloading the necessary programs and data. The PDA attachment unit comprises means of communication with a PDA and a means of communication with the multimedia equipment to be controlled. The PDA attachment unit utilizes PDA software and database information, which are downloaded from a computer. Computer software allows the user to enter information about the multimedia equipment, which is to be controlled and formats the data used with the PDA software and the PDA attachment unit. The PDA and PDA attachment unit generally have a built in receiver, which receives specific commands from a remote control to control its functionality.

Claims

1. A system for controlling electronic equipment comprising:

a) an attachment unit configured to receive a PDA, the PDA being mechanically attached to the attachment unit, and the PDA and attachment unit being in electronic communication,

b) a computer for assimilation of control information for the electronic equipment being controlled and to translate that control information to a form which can be downloaded to and utilized by PDA and the attachment unit software, the translated control information being transmitted from the computer to the PDA,

c) the PDA attachment unit being in communication with the electronic equipment to control the operation of said electronic equipment and to adjust the functioning of said equipment.

d) software residing in the attachment unit controlling the transfer of information between the PDA and the electronic equipment.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the electronic equipment comprises multimedia devices.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the multimedia devices comprise music playing equipment, television equipment, equipment to receive radio signals.