Remote control signals updated and stored via network

• US 20030163542A1
• Filed: 02/28/2002
• Published: 08/28/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Original Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Inventors: Shteyn, Yevgenity Eugene, Bulthuis, Willem
• Application Number:
  US10/087,475
• Publication Number:
  US 20030163542A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/208
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 19/28 using pulse code
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/21 Programming remote control devices via third means

Abstract

A universal programmable remote control detects the presence of a control code of a new apparatus in the user'"'"'s CE environment. The code or representatives thereof gets communicated to a network-based server. The server maintains a database of codes and distributes the new set of codes to the remote and to other control devices as needed.

Claims

1. A method of enabling to program a control device for control of an apparatus, the method comprising:

enabling the control device to detect a representation of an identity of the apparatus;

enabling to communicate first data representative of the representation to a service via a data network; and

receiving second data for programming the control device with control commands for the apparatus.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first data is representative of a control signal for control of the apparatus.

3. A method of enabling to program a control device for control of an apparatus, the method comprising:

receiving from the control device via a data network first data representative of a control signal for control of the apparatus;

determining a set of control commands matching the first data; and

communicating second data representative of the set for being programmed in the control device.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the determining comprises contacting a third party for acquiring the set.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising communicating the set to at least one other control device.

6. A programmable remote control device comprising circuitry for determining data representative of an identity of a controllable apparatus and for communicating the data to a source external to the device.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the circuitry comprises a capturing circuit for capturing a control signal for control of the controllable apparatus for determining the data.