Remote Control Device with Directional Mode Indicator

• US 20110285500A1
• Filed: 07/28/2011
• Published: 11/24/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Stefanik, John R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,441,389 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/4.31
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 5/36 using visible light sources
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/00 Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/32 Remote control based on movements, attitude of remote control device
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/94 Smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared

Abstract

Methods, systems, and products disclose a remote control device that controls multiple consumer electronics devices based on orientation.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a processor executing instructions stored in memory, the instructions causing the processor to;

receive a tilting detected by an electronic sensor; and

change a mode of operation in response to the tilting.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for indicating the mode of operation.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a directional mode indicator that indicates the mode of operation.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to control different consumer electronics devices based on different tiltings.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising means for indicating which of the different consumer electronics devices is controlled by the processor.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a directional mode indicator that indicates which of the different consumer electronics devices is controlled by the processor.

7. A method, comprising:

executing instructions stored in memory that cause a device to operate as a remote control;

receiving an orientation detected by an electronic sensor; and

selecting a mode of operation that corresponds to the orientation, such that different orientations correspond to different modes of operation.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising indicating the mode of operation.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising illuminating a directional mode indicator.

10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising controlling different consumer electronics devices based on different orientations.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising indicating which of the different consumer electronics devices is being remotely controlled.

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising receiving an input to the device.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising illuminating an input device that receives the input.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising ceasing illumination of the input device.

15. The method according to claim 7, further comprising remotely controlling a consumer electronics device.

16. The method according to claim 7, further comprising activating a light source.

17. A data storage device storing instructions for performing a method, the method comprising:

causing a device to operate as a remote control;

receiving an orientation detected by an electronic sensor; and

selecting a mode of operation that corresponds to the orientation, such that different orientations correspond to different modes of operation.

18. The data storage device according to claim 17, further comprising instructions for indicating the mode of operation.

19. The data storage device according to claim 17, further comprising instructions for controlling different consumer electronics devices based on different orientations.

20. The data storage device according to claim 19, further comprising instructions for indicating which of the different consumer electronics devices is being remotely controlled.